By PATRICK BYRD
News Sports Writer
After traveling to Butler, Alabama, to face the Patrician Academy Saints, the Escambia Academy Cougars were at home once again as the South Choctaw Academy Rebels came to Bachelor Field to face the Cougars on Friday, October 20.
Cougar captains Eli McElhaney, Charlie Sasser, and Keller Coston met the referees and Rebel captains at midfield before the game started for the coin toss. The Rebels won, receiving to start the game.
The Cougars turned over the ball, however; Coston made a 5-yard rush to the end zone for the first Cougar touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion to make the score 0-8.
With 5 minutes left in the first quarter, Pickens put themselves on the board with a 5-yard carry into the end zone; they succeeded in the 2-point attempt, tying the game 8-8.
Pickens made another touchdown with a 5-yard carry into the end zone; the 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the Rebels up at 14-8.
After receiving a pass from Coston, Quinton Odom made a 70-yard run to the end zone for the Cougar touchdown; the 2-point attempt was blocked, tying the score.
Pickens made another touchdown with a minute left before the half with a 3-yard carry, but Zeke McElhaney blocked the 2-point attempt to leave the score at 20-14.
A 40-yard pass from Coston to Ty McCants brought the Cougars close to the end zone, and Coston completed the remaining 8 yards in the next play before the half; Odom received a pass from Coston to complete the 2-point attempt, putting EA up at 20-22.
The Rebels scored the first points of the second half 6 minutes into the third quarter with a 10-yard pass to the end zone. The 2-point conversion was successful, letting the Rebels lead at 28-22.
The Cougars scored another touchdown with a 15-yard drive to the end zone, but a penalty against the Cougars pushed them back 15 yards and made the 2-point attempt unsuccessful. This tied the game at 28-28.
The Rebels broke off a lead once again with a 15-yard carry into the end zone with 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter. The 2-point attempt was good, making the score 36-28.
The Cougars made another touchdown with 5 minutes left in the game with a 50-yard drive from Traegan James; the 2-point attempt failed, leaving the Cougars down with a final score of 36-34.
The Cougars will be home once again on Friday, October 27, to end the season with Senior Night. All senior football players, cheerleaders, and dancers, and parents will be recognized to celebrate their last game on Bachelor Field. Be sure to come out and support the team, as well as our seniors! The game will also be streamed on Facebook and YouTube, as always.