EA to host Coosa Valley Academy tomorrow night in first round of playoffs

There’s no place like home.

That’s the mindset fifth-ranked Escambia Academy is taking into this week’s AISA Class 2A first-round playoff game against Coosa Valley at Bachelor Field in Canoe.

The Cougars (8-2) defeated Fort Dale in dominating fashion, 48-13, last week to end their regular season.

EA head football coach Hugh Fountain said the team is excited about playing at home this week. The Cougars won their region, guaranteeing home games in the first two rounds.

“Obviously, we want to try and win it,” Fountain said. “We’ve had a pretty good home record.”

Since 2013, under Fountain’s leadership, EA has won seven home games in the playoffs, according to the Alabama High School Historical Football Society’s website.

Fountain said the ability, or opportunity, to play at home is advantageous for several reasons.

“One, you don’t have to spend a lot of money (for travel, food, etc.),” he said. “Two, you get a chance to have a good crowd get involved in the game. And three, it’s more comfortable to us. We’ve been good over the years at home.”

Coosa Valley is 4-6 on the season. EA and the visiting Rebels have one common opponent — Lowndes Academy.

CV lost 35-6 to LA on Sept. 21, while EA defeated LA 35-12 on Oct. 19.

Fountain said last week’s game against FDA was a good warm up because Coosa also likes to play with a lot of different formations.

“We experienced that Friday night, and we made good adjustments during the game,” he said. “I thought we adjusted well in the game.”

Fountain said the win against FDA was good for the team as it helped let everybody get some playing time, and to end the regular season in commanding fashion.

Kick off in Canoe is at 7 p.m. tomorrow.