Facing one of the hottest teams in Class 6A in the first round of the state playoffs, Benjamin Russell High School lost to Central-Phenix City Friday afternoon in the first round of the AHSAA state playoffs, ending their 2012 season.

The Wildcats (17-17) were unable to get off to a good start from the mound as senior pitcher Steven Welcher gave up four runs in the top of the first inning and the Red Devils (27-13) coasted to a 9-2 victory in game one.