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The Fort Dale Academy Eagles opened their football season Friday with a commanding 27-0 victory over the Crenshaw Christian Academy Cougars. Despite some early challenges, the Eagles proved dominant on both sides of the ball, securing their first win of the season on home turf.

Eagles head coach Eric Folmar acknowledged the team’s struggles but praised their resilience in capturing the win. 

“We experienced the typical game one woes — a lot of mistakes with a lot of the new pieces we have in place,” Folmar said. “But I’m proud of the fight that our kids showed and the effort they played with all night long, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

“Crenshaw is a very good football team and I think they’re going to have a very good football season. So, for our defense to put up a zero, I think speaks volumes. I’m really proud of the way our kids played tonight.”

The Eagles started strong, with Isaac Lowery, No. 2, scoring the game’s first points late in the first quarter with a touchdown. The momentum continued in the second quarter when No. 21, Dane Winters ran 50 yards to score, bringing the halftime score to 14-0.

The third quarter saw Fort Dale extend their lead with a touchdown from No. 13, Cole Salter, making it 21-0. Finally, with only seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Jackson Rutland, No. 18, added a final touchdown, sealing the Eagles’ 27-0 shutout victory.

Head coach Brandon Burleson did not immediately respond to requests for a comment on the Cougars’ loss, but despite the loss to Fort Dale, CCA parent Aaron Bryan said he remains optimistic about the Cougars’ season. 

“It was a tough loss to a talented Fort Dale team,” Bryan said. “But the Cougars never gave up and played hard all four quarters.”

The Eagles host Chambers Academy on home turf tonight. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.