A single score separated the Fort Dale Academy Eagles and the undefeated Monroe Academy Volunteers at the half, but 33 second-half points from the Vols put the game just out of reach as Monroe remains perfect on the season with a 54-33 win over the Eagles.

The shootout between the Eagles and the Volunteers was nonstop; neither team punted in the flurry of scores, though a Fort Dale fumble at the Eagles’ own 15-yard line ultimately shifted the tide in Monroe’s favor permanently.

Despite the loss, the Eagles enjoyed a big night offensively with quarterback Luke Taylor continuing an impressive season with 13 passes completed on 21 attempts for 240 yards.

His favorite two targets Friday night, Zach Winters and Jason Little, each broke the 100-yard mark.  Winters finished with 109 yards on 7 catches, including a 15-yard touchdown reception.  Little ended with 4 catches for 103 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown catch.

Cade Mansmann was the go-to man on the ground with 15 rushes for 100 yards and two rushing touchdowns, one for 11 and another for 30 yards.

Taylor also rushed for a touchdown.

Austin Phillips led the Eagles’ defense with 12 tackles, and Tripp Richardson came down with the team’s only interception.

The Eagles face a must-win region game against Hooper Academy (5-4) to earn a spot in the AISA Class AAA state playoffs.

The Eagles host the Colts Friday for their final region game of the year.