Fort Dale Academy had little to celebrate in a lopsided road loss to Clarke Prep Friday night.

The Gators jumped on the visiting Eagles early, taking a 27-0 lead into the half. Fort Dale’s only points came off a fourth-quarter run by sophomore quarterback Chip Taylor, who raced 79 yards for the score.

Clark Prep dominated on both sides of the ball on the way to an easy 40-7 victory.

“They just ran through us like we were water,” said Fort Dale coach James “Speed” Sampley.

The Eagles (4-4, 3-2 Class AAA, Region 1) have failed to win back-to-back games this season, but clinched a playoff berth after defeating Pike Liberal Arts School last week.

“We’ve got to go back out there Monday and get to work,” Sampley said. “We’re better than we played tonight.”

The Eagles’ sputtering offense was led by Taylor, who rushed for 100 yards on seven carries.

Ryan Salter pulled in two receptions for 13 yards.

Chase Whiddon led Fort Dale defenders with 14 tackles with Dow Gardner and Charlie Scofield adding 11 and 10 tackles respectively for the Eagles. Junior linebacker Dylan Jones recovered a fumble in the loss.

Fort Dale returns to the Eagles Nest next Friday as it plays host to Escambia Academy. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.