The Escambia Academy Cougars (6-4) face a formidable task in their first round playoff game this week. The Cougars will travel to Tuscaloosa to face the undefeated Tuscaloosa Academy Knights (10-0).

If the Cougars are to do what no one has done all season long, it will have to start on defense. The Knights are averaging nearly 45 points per game this season.

They beat Monroe Academy 28-20 last week, with 28 points representing their lowest point output of the season. The Knights set a school record earlier this season when they scored 69 points in defeating Lyman Ward 69-21.

The catalyst behind their prolific offense is Jaevon Walton, the son of former Alabama All-American John Copeland. Walton is a big, 225-pound running back and inside linebacker. The junior standout, who wears jersey no. 7, attended football camp at the University of Alabama.

For the complete preview of this week’s prep football games, see the Wednesday, Oct. 31 edition of The Atmore Advance.