The Fort Dale Academy Eagles ventured into the unknown against first-time opponent Northside Methodist Friday, but 34 unanswered Fort Dale points put all fears to rest as the Eagles soared over the Knights 41-28.

The win over the Knights puts Fort Dale at 3-1 on the season, and 1-1 in region play.

Running back Andrew Salter struck first for the Eagles on a 64-yard touchdown run and put the Eagles on the board with 7:37 remaining in the first quarter, though William Crenshaw’s extra-point attempt sailed wide.

Fort Dale quarterback Luke Taylor added on to the Eagles’ lead on a 9-yard quarterback keeper with just 6 minutes remaining in the first quarter, with Crenshaw finding redemption on the second attempt to make it 13-0.

Salter answered the call again in the second quarter with a  two-yard touchdown run near the halfway point of the second quarter to extend the Eagles’ lead to 20-0.

A few minutes later, receiver Lance Powell reeled in a 23-yard pass for the Eagles’ fourth touchdown with 2:45 left in the half.

Fort Dale running back Sawyer Hennis paved the way from scrimmage in the second half with a blistering 80-yard touchdown run for the Eagles’ 34th unanswered point.

But Northside awoke with 10 minutes remaining in the third to finally put the Knights on the scoreboard, though their deficit remained a sizeable one.

Mansmann answered the Knights’ challenge with a 17-yard touchdown run for the Eagles with 4:57 left in the third quarter, backed by another on-the-mark point-after attempt from Crenshaw for Fort Dale’s final score.

Despite a valiant fourth-quarter effort for the Knights—resulting in 21 points, the deficit proved too large of a hurdle for Northside Methodist to overcome.

Fort Dale running back Clay Mansmann was the leading receiver for the Eagles with 2 catches for 39 yards, and he added that he was pleased with his teammates’ well-rounded performance.

“We had a really good game tonight,” Mansmann said. 

“We played well on defense and offense, and we executed on plays.  Now it’s time to get ready for next week’s game.”

Salter led the Eagles on the ground with 7 carries for 98 yards.

Clay Thompson proved Fort Dale’s No. 2 receiver with two catches for 26 yards.

Mansmann led the Eagles’ defense with 12 tackles for the night.

Quarterback Luke Taylor was 9 for 16 through the air for 162 yards.

Fort Dale out-rushed Northside Methodist 322 yards to 162.

Trey Coker, Zach Kendrick and Tanner Cartwright each came up with a fumble recovery.

The Eagles will host Sparta Friday for homecoming.  Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.