As Friday’s round one Class AAA playoff match versus Morgan approaches, Fort Dale is working hard to make sure they are up for the challenge. Game time is 7 p.m.

The Eagles kicked off this week with a four-hour practice, said coach James “Speed” Sampley.

“The kids are concentrating,” Sampley said. “They know that at this time of the year, either you win or you’re through. It becomes a reality, though, to all the seniors. All of the sudden it is here and it’s a whole different real when it’s right up on you.”

Sampley said he thinks his players have the right attitude and have mentally prepared themselves for the game.

“We just have to do a better job on offense and get out there and execute,” Sampley said. “We have been throwing up big statistics but the only offensive statistic that matters is how many points you score so you have a chance to win.”

Up to this point, Manny Norrell has lead the Eagles rushing game, with 131 carries for 833 yards. Hunter Armstrong has thrown for 1,555 yards, helping him secure both the single season passing record and career passing record at Fort Dale.

A quarterback, however, is nothing without receiver, and Armstrong has found a strong one in Stephen Till. Till averages 17.4 yards per reception, with 33 grabs for 574 yards.

Morgan is 7-3 for their season, Sampley said, with two region losses to Prattville Christian and Bessemer.

“They turned the ball over multiple times in those games, but they have gotten that straighten out,” Sampley said.

Till, with 4 fumble recoveries and 81 tackles for the season, has led the Eagle defense this season, but he isn’t all Morgan has to worry about. Brandon Matthews and Sawyer Reeves have both have had great seasons thus far, with 74 and 65 tackles respectively.

Matthews, though, is likely out after injuring his leg against Edgewood Academy last week.

Morgan runs a multiple offense, Sampley said and has started relying on its passing game more lately.

“Traditionally they are a running team, but they have been throwing it enough to keep you guessing,” Sampley said.