MONROEVILLE — Escambia Academy’s Cougars saw their memorable 2013 season come to an end Friday night, as they lost 27-3 at Monroe Academy in the semifinals of the AISA Class AAA playoffs.

Escambia Academy coach Hugh Fountain pointed out that this season was only the second time in school history that the Cougars have finished with at least 10 wins.

“I’m very proud of our season and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys who worked hard this year to make it a success,” he said.

The Cougars got off to a strong start Friday, holding Monroe Academy to a three-and-out on its first drive.

Escambia Academy eventually took an early 3-0 lead, when Scott Brantley kicked a 29-yard field goal with 1:14 left in the first quarter. J.P. Sawyer had a 48-yard run during the scoring drive.

However, the Volunteers moved ahead in the second quarter and eventually took a 20-3 halftime lead. Monroe Academy quarterback Jake McKenzie had a 1-yard touchdown run, Justin Rowell scored on a 47-yard run and McKenzie completed a 19-yard touchdown reception to Kaleb Sessions.

McKenzie added a 15-yard touchdown run in the second half, putting the Volunteers ahead 27-3 with 5:23 left in the third quarter.

Fountain said his team had trouble getting going offensively against the Monroe Academy defense.

“I know that their offense gets a lot of credit, and it should,” he said. “But I think their defense is very under-rated as well.”

Sawyer paced the Cougars with five carries for 49 yards. Quarterback Brett Gorum had 13 carries for 35 yards, and Gordon Brooks had four carries for 13 yards

Escambia Academy had two interceptions in the fourth quarter — one by Kris Brown and one by Lane Purvis.

The Cougars finished the 2013 season with a record of 10-3, including a perfect 5-0 mark at home.