The Escambia Academy Cougars are moving on to the second round of the Alabama Independent Schools Association Class AAA playoffs with a 41-27 win over Tuscaloosa Academy.

Brett Gorum, Tim Finklea and Gordon Brooks all scored to make it 21-14 at the half. Mason Carraway added two interceptions.

Tuscaloosa tied the game in the third quarter before Brooks broke free for 14 yards and a touchdown to take a 27-21 lead.

Tuscaloosa Academy scored again to tie it up at 27 apiece, but EA’s Gorum found Trea Lee on a 5-yard touchdown pass and Brooks scored again on a 6-yard run in the fourth quarter to put the game away.

Coach Hugh Fountain called the win a “team effort.”

The Cougars travel to Monroeville to take on Monroe Academy in the second round on Friday.