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Escambia Academy fell 39-20 to Starkville Academy tonight at Petal, Miss. in its season opener.

The Cougars trailed 16-12 at halftime, but SA pulled ahead in the second half.

EA scored late in the second half.

“The kids played really well,” EA head football coach Gex Billups said. “This was Starkville’s second game. In the second half, they ran away from it a bit.”

Billups said the kids played hard throughout the contest, and added that he was proud of them.

“Starkville’s always tough team and they’re well coached,” he said. “I just want to thank Petal High School for allowing us to us their facilities for practice. They’re a class act. I think this was a great way to open up the year to see where we’re at before we start play in AISA.”

The Cougars visit Valiant Cross Academy next Fri., Aug. 25.