By PAOLO GORME
News Sports Writer
The Escambia Academy Cougars’ season came to a bitter end after facing the Autauga Academy Generals for the third straight year in the state championship game. This year, it was a heavily lopsided game as the Cougars lost the bout 49-0. EA was not able to counter the high powered offense of Autauga. They also could not get anything going against the Generals’ defense. The Cougars were held to 134 yards of total offense the entire night with 93 rushing yards and 41 passing yards. The Generals offense was just too much to handle putting up 222 yards rushing and 313 yards passing totaling to 535 yards.
EA had a hard time stopping Autauga quarterback Tripp Carr who was responsible for 398 yards of the Generals’ offense. The lump of those yards were through the air as he passed for 313 with 3 touchdowns. Carr also scored on a 74-yard rushing touchdown with 55 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The Cougars were not able to dial up countermeasures to the early 20-0 lead after the first. Autauga increased their lead to 28-0 at halftime. They scored three more times which ended the game at 49-0.
“They really just outplayed us … But I was proud of our senior class. Three years coming to the state championship game is quite a feat for anybody,” Head Coach Hugh Fountain said.
Congrats to the seniors and the entire Cougar football team, cheerleaders, band, and dance team on a great season. It was an enjoyable season to watch and I wish everyone all the best. I’m proud to be an Escambia Academy Cougar alumnus. As always, Go Cougars!