By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
The Escambia Academy Cougars remain undefeated after winning over the Chipley (Fla.) Tigers, 22-7, in non-region play last Friday, October 1. With the win, the Cougars advance to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in region play.
EA’s Christian Crook started out scoring with a 7-yard touchdown run during the first quarter. Crook’s score was the only points scored during the opening quarter of the contest.
During the second quarter, EA standout quarterback Landon Sims added additional points to the Cougars’ lead when he booted a 41-yard field goal attempt, bringing the EA advantage to 10-0 with 2:03 left to play in the half. Just over a minute later, Sims connected with Maliki Haynes on a 40-yard strike and the Cougars held a 16-0 lead at halftime.
Neither team put up points during the third quarter, but EA continued scoring with 11:12 left in the fourth when Sims scored on a 40-yard quarterback keeper play. Chipley found signs of life when a Sims extra-point attempt was blocked and the Tigers scored on the next drive. Despite the attempted comeback from Chipley, a much larger school than EA, the Cougars were able to hold on and gain the needed win.
Following the game, EA headmaster Hugh Fountain stressed that non-region games such as this help prepare the Cougars for important games such as Autauga Academy, who EA will face this week.
The Generals will pose a major threat to the Cougars this Friday (October 8) as EA travels to face the rival. Currently, Autauga is ranked second in standings and boasts an overall undefeated record of 6-0 and region record of 1-0. Much like the undefeated Cougars, Autauga is hoping to make a run for the championship with an undefeated AISA record.
Earlier this year, Fountain made note that EA has never had a complete undefeated season. If the Cougars can defeat Autauga this Friday, the goal of an undefeated season can be met in three short weeks.