Region play continues for Escambia Academy this week as the Cougars will pay a visit to Jackson Academy on Friday.

The Cougars demolished Pickens Academy 49-14 last week. EA went ahead by a wide margin in the second quarter despite only running five plays offensively.

In last week’s game, EA’s Fred Flavors ran back a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown; Neikel Robinson ran back a 55 yarder; and JoJo carpenter scooped up a loose ball and ran it back 93 yards for a score.

“We just had a lot of big plays in the second quarter,” Cougars head football coach Hugh Fountain said.

Like EA, the Eagles are undefeated on the season. JA beat Clarke Prep 28-6 last week in region play.

“They’ve got a lot of team speed,” Fountain said. “Their quarterback is an outstanding athlete. He can move around on the team, and play different positions.”

Fountain said JA’s skill players are good, and all play disciplined football.

“The key for us is to not give up the big play,” he said. “Last year, they scored two touchdowns early because we gave up big plays early.”

One of the Cougars’ strengths this season so far has been their line play.

The defensive line had its way with PA last week, getting needed penetration and putting pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run.

Fountain said that’s an area that’s had the most progression.

“We had question marks going into the season on both sides of ball,” the coach said. “That has been the biggest area of improvement. (JoJo) Nance and Tommy Dortch, Jabo (Davis) and John Wesley Hiebert have played well for us up front on defensive line.”

Kick off Friday is at 7 p.m.