A defensive struggle left both Fort Dale Academy fans and Lee-Scott Academy fans alike on pins and needles Friday night as the Eagles traveled to Auburn for their sixth game of the season.

And though the Warriors of Lee-Scott made a strong opening statement to the visiting Eagles, it would prove to be their only statement as the Eagles held on to a 12-7 win.

Lee-Scott struck first on their opening drive in a lengthy, clock-eating possession that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run from Warriors quarterback Turk Pettit. A successful PAT made it 7-0 Lee-Scott.

The Eagles answered in kind on their first drive, chewing up nearly all of the remaining first quarter in the process on an 11-play, 64-yard drive capped off by a 1-yard run-in from FDA quarterback Luke Taylor.

Though a critical missed extra point left the Eagles trailing the Warriors 7-6 with a minute remaining in the quarter.

Fort Dale’s defense held firm the second go-around, forcing a Warriors punt on their second attempt. However, the Eagles would double down on drive No. 2 courtesy of FDA running back Andrew Salter on a 5-yard touchdown run with 6 minutes remaining in the half.

The second Fort Dale drive was just as clock-consuming as the first, covering 55 yards in 11 plays. A failed two-point conversion kept the Eagles lead at a dangerous 5 points.

Fortunately for Fort Dale, the Eagles’ defense ensured that the Warriors would never find paydirt again in the remaining 30 minutes of play.

The Eagles dominated the clock thanks largely to a strong ground game with 204 rushing yards (77 percent of Fort Dale’s total offense).

Taylor was 8-12 passing for 61 yards, tagging 8 different receivers on the night.

Clay Mansmann led all Eagles with 13 tackles, though Salter kept just on his heels with 12 tackles.

The Eagles return to region play Friday in Selma against the Senators of Morgan Academy. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.