When Friday rolls around, the Fort Dale Academy Eagles will host what Head Coach Speed Sampley is calling "the best team we will play this year" n Mobile Christian Academy.

"Mobile Christian is really big up front, both offensively and defensively," said Sampley. "They are actually bigger than us, which is pretty big n we have not played another team bigger than us this year."

Sampley said he has had the opportunity to preview the opposition, and has a good idea about how they play.

"They run an option offense really well n their fullback is probably their best runner, but their quarterback makes good decisions," he said. "Our players will have to carry out their responsibilities well on option plays."

Sampley said the Eagles continue to show improvement.

"Offensively we've got to get better n while we have been throwing good, we have to work on catching the ball better," Sampley said. "We've also got to work on staying with blocks longer n we're making them (blocks), we just need to hold in there longer."

The Eagles have one major injury affecting the team this week.

"Jeff Buck broke his lower leg, and dislocated his ankle, actually before the first half was through last Friday night," Sampley said. "He had emergency surgery on Friday night to repair the break n we will certainly miss him, as he is our starting wide receiver, and a good punt snapper, too n We hope to see him return before the end of the season."

The Eagles also have players back from injured status.

"Bryce Landwehr has come back from his ankle injury, and Garrett Luckie is getting back into shape n Garrett actually played the whole game last week, half on offense and half on defense."

All in all, Sampley thinks the Eagles team will be in for their the biggest challenge the year, but he also feels confident that his team can fare well if they tune in on their assignments.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Fort Dale Academy on Friday night.