MCDONALD — The McDonald Blue Devils won 12 games in a season for the first time since 1994 after dismantling Monroeville 40-13 at home on Friday.

“This feels amazing,” McDonald coach Dan Williams said. “I’m happy for the kids. The kids put the work in. They started way back, last winter, in the weight room. We have great leadership from our seniors. This is for them. To be 12-0 and moving on to a regional final, this is just a great victory for them.”

The Devils received the opening kickoff, marched down the field and punched it in on the ground for a 7-0 lead.

The Eagles answered with a rushing touchdown of their own. However, even though it looked like the score would remain tied at 7 at the end of the first quarter, McDonald running back Joshua Krumpak had something else in mind.

Krumpak ripped off a 73-yard touchdown run down the sideline as the first quarter came to an end. The Devils missed the extra-point, but McDonald led 13-7 heading to the second quarter.

McDonald’s defense forced a turnover on downs after a big sack on fourth down. Then, senior Drew Zajack rumbled 32 yards for another touchdown and a 20-7 advantage.

The Devils got the ball back after another strong defensive effort. This time, senior quarterback Kyle Puckett tossed a 23-yard touchdown pass, and McDonald led 27-7.

Monroeville cut into the deficit with a 16-yard touchdown catch by senior Colton Koch just before halftime. The Eagles missed the extra-point and the teams went into their locker rooms with the Devils ahead 27-13.

The Eagles got the ball to start the second half, but both defenses prevailed in a scoreless third quarter.

However, the Devils didn’t waste any time putting points on the board in the fourth. Krumpak caught a 24-yard TD pass in the back of the end zone from Puckett on the first play of the final quarter, and the score was 34-13.

Seniors Casey Miller and Jordan Perry put an exclamation point on the victory during McDonald’s last scoring drive. First, Miller broke free for a 37-yard run into the red zone. Then, Perry caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Puckett.

“The seniors have been great all year,” Williams said. ” They’ve kept their noses to the grind stone. We have a great coaching staff. The seniors are very coachable. They’re leading this team to an unbelievable season. This is fun football. We’re excited about being where we’re at, but there’s still some work left to do.”

After the game, Perry’s family’s home, which sits across the street from McDonald’s field with a perfect view of the victory, erupted with fireworks in celebration as the undefeated Blue Devils (12-0) will face Mogadore in the regional final next week.