By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Escambia Academy will be represented by five players during the 2020 Alabama Independent School Association All-Star Football Game that will be played at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, December 4.
Four EA senior wide receivers — Daughtry McGhee, Randal Bonds, Sam Fields, Tyler Ray-Cloud — and offensive lineman Troy Fountain were chosen to participate for the West squad in this year’s contest.
According to EA head coach Hugh Fountain, the AISA all-star team fields around 35 players.
“To have five players chosen from EA is an honor,” Fountain said. “It says a ton about the school and program when you can have that many guys picked.”
McGhee, a 5-10 powerhouse for the Cougars, has enjoyed a productive season and was even highlighted in October by WEAR-TV as a spotlight player.
Fountain said Bonds, Fields, Cloud and Fountain have all contributed key, highlight-reel plays for the Cougars all season, both defensively and offensively.
“It is an honor for any player to be chosen to the team,” Fountain said. “We have had many players play in this game in the past, and these guys will help continue that tradition.”
The game is not only a chance for players to showcase their talents during a high-endurance and skilled contest, but to also leave their high school football careers on a high note.
Fountain will not only view Friday’s game as a coach, but also as a father.
“I coached for years without any of my children playing on the team,” Fountain said. “As a coach, you do not view things differently when you have one of your own kids playing so well. Everything is a team effort. I am very proud of my son and I love him, but you think the same way about every kid that plays for you and the school. It makes it very special to see the accomplishments of these young men.”
The 2020 AISA All-Star Game will be played at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.