By PATRICK BYRD
News Sports Writer
The Escambia Academy Cougars ventured to La Fayette, Alabama last week, November 4, to battle out the first round of AISA AA Playoffs against the Chambers Academy Rebels. The Rebels finished their season at 7-3 with a 4-0 record in AA Region 1. Their falls were to Lee-Scott Academy, First Presbyterian Day School, and the Glenwood School.
Jacob Lee (#1), Devin Kelly (#5), and Carson Wilson (#8) represented the Cougars as captains on the unfamiliar turf. Chambers won the coin toss and elected to receive in the first half.
Forty seconds into the game, the Rebels scored their first touchdown with a 25-yard carry into the end zone. The ball was mishandled during the PAT, score 6-0.
Two minutes later, a blocked punt followed plays later by a 10-yard carry brought the Rebels another touchdown. A successful 2-point conversion made up for the lost point in the last touchdown, bringing the score to 14-0.
With a minute and a half to go in the quarter, Chambers scored another touchdown with a 25-yard carry. The kick was good, making the score 21-0.
Forty seconds into the second quarter, the Rebels made an 85-yard carry for a touchdown with a good kick. This brought the score to 28-0.
Two minutes later, a 40-yard interception and a 70-yard run brought the Rebels a pick 6 for their fifth touchdown. The kick was once again good, adding to the 35-0 scoreboard.
Five minutes into the second quarter, the Rebels scored another touchdown with a 40-yard pass. The good kick brought them up to 42 points.
With 50 seconds left before the half, the Rebels scored their last blow of the half with a 5-yard carry and a good kick made the score 49-0.
A 10-yard carry four minutes into the third quarter by Samorion Clark (#22) brought the Cougars their first touchdown of the game. The kick was no good, leaving the score 49-6.
A 7-yard carry one minute into the fourth quarter brought Chambers another touchdown. The PAT was good, bringing the score up to a hefty 56-6.
The Cougars managed to squeeze in 1 last touchdown at the very end of the game with a 37-yard pass from Clark to Lee, but they were not allowed to kick as fireworks flew over Torbert-Allen Field.
The Cougars gained 138 yards throughout the game, with 49 passing yards split between the two Cougar quarterbacks. Clark had 37 passing yards, while Lee had 12; Clark’s 37-yard pass was received by Lee, and Cameron Ball (#12) received Lee’s 12-yard pass. Of the 89 rushing yards, 34 were gained by Clark, 31 were gained by Lee, and 21 were gained by Ty McCants (#2). Luke Bell (#9) had the most tackles, with 4 tackles and 2 assists; following closely was Brodie Phillips (#59) with 4 tackles and 1 assist. Also following was Nick Cain (#60) with 3 tackles and 1 assist.
Coach Billups said he cannot express how proud he is of all the boys on the Cougar football team this year for how much they have overcome and powered through.
It has been an interesting season for the Cougars and one to learn much from. I would like to thank everyone on behalf of the team for your support and ask for it to continue as EA shifts gears to prepare for basketball season. Thank you and go Cougars!