Escambia Academy has opened the season 0-2, losing two games by a total of two points. This past Friday night the Cougars fell to Tuscaloosa Academy 20-19 in a game that wasn't decided until the final seconds when EA's Orlando Medina missed a 41-yard field goal.
EA head coach Hugh Fountain said despite the 0-2 start the goals of the Cougars to make the playoffs and make another run at a state title remain.
“It was a battle between two traditional powers of the Alabama Independent Athletic schools,” Fountain said.
EA struck first when Shannon Wheat scored on a 68-yard run in the first quarter. Medina's PAT was good and the Cougars led 7-0.
Tuscaloosa scored on a 1-yard run in the second quarter and the PAT deadlocked the game at 7-7.
The Cougars would take a 9-7 lead into the lockerroom at the half when Tuscaloosa Academy's quarterback was flagged for intentional grounding while standing in the end zone.
Defense ruled the third quarter with no points put on the board.
Medina hit 27-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to put the Cougars up 12-7. That was followed by Shannon Wheat's 65-yard touchdown run and Medina's PAT to give the Cougars a 19-7 lead with 5:20 left in the game.
Tuscaloosa scored on a 40-yard run later in the fourth and the PAT cut the Cougars lead to 19-14. Then followed it up with a 44-yard touchdown run. A two-point try failed but Tuscaloosa had taken the lead 20-19.
EA's final field goal attempt was no good and Tuscaloosa Academy escaped with the win.
Wheat led the Cougars with 156 yards rushing on 10 carries and two touchdowns.
Offensively, the Cougars doubled up on the visitors with EA having 208 yards and Tuscaloosa having 104.
EA will be back in action this week when the Cougars travel to Clarke Prep.
