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Billups: I’m extremely proud of the seniors, and what did this year as leaders on and off the field,” he said. “They’ve been leaders in and out of the classroom. Can’t be more proud of them.

Despite a 35-22 loss to No. 8 Fort Dale Academy on senior night at home, Escambia Academy head football coach Gex Billups said his team played well.

“Our kids showed up tonight, and played their tails off,” Billups said. “I’m extremely proud of them. We would’ve loved to come out with a win. I think how we played tonight will give us some momentum going into the playoffs against a really good Chambers (Academy) team.”

With the loss, the Cougars fall to 3-7 overall as they advance to the quarterfinals of the AISA Class 2A state playoffs. EA travels to face Chambers next Fri., Nov. 3.

Both teams were notched 14-all at halftime.

Billups said the offense and defense played well.

“We kind of had to make some adjustments at halftime, and they made some adjustments,” he said. “We just kind of fell behind a little bit.”

Fort Dale’s Joseph Ealum punched the ball in from 6 yards with 6:31 left in the third quarter to five the Greenville team a 21-14 lead.

Billups said quarterback Keller Coston and Quinton Odom connected for a score in the second half.

Billups said with it being senior night, he wished they could’ve gone out at home with a win.

“But I’m extremely proud of the seniors, and what did this year as leaders on and off the field,” he said. “They’ve been leaders in and out of the classroom. Can’t be more proud of them.”