Fort Dale Academy went toe-to-toe with Bessemer Academy in total offense, but couldn’t keep pace with the No. 3 Rebels on the scoreboard in the opening round of the AISA playoffs Friday night.

The Eagles put up 317 yards to the Rebels’ 326, but were ultimately outmatched the 35-14 loss.

Bessemer snatched the momentum early. Facing a fourth-and-one at the 30-yard line in the first quarter, the Eagles elected to go for it, but were stuffed on the play.

The Rebels (10-1) took a 14-0 lead into the half.

Following another Bessemer touchdown, Fort Dale rallied in the third quarter when sophomore quarterback Chip Taylor hooked up with Cody Tesmer on a 66-yard touchdown pass.

The Eagles added another score late in the fourth quarter when Tesmer plunged into the endzone from the one yard out.

Ryan Salter led the Fort Dale offense with 122 yards on four receptions. Perry Singleton rushed 14 times for 45 yards for the Eagles (4-7). Taylor and Tesmer each passed for more than 100 yards.

Plagued by costly fumbles and interceptions most of the season, Fort Dale did not commit a turnover in the loss.

Chase Whiddon had 14 tackles and Patten Thompson added 10 stops to lead the Eagles defense.

“I’m proud of our kids,” said Fort Dale coach James “Speed” Sampley.. “They played hard. Our seniors did a good job, worked hard and did what we asked of them.”