By By Chandler Myers
Escambia Academy tops off their special week of homecoming with a football game that entails whether the Cougars lock up a berth in the postseason or whether they will have to wait another week to accomplish the feat.
The Cougars (4-3, 2-1) host the Clarke Prep Gators Friday night in Canoe and a win automatically pushes the Cougars into the AISA playoffs, which would mark a huge turnaround from the previous season.
The Gators come to Canoe sporting a 3-3 record and look to spoil the homecoming mood and the hopes of a playoff game.
Cougars head coach Heath Gibson said the Gators look similar to the Cougars offensively, but added they run their offense with a different dimension.
The speed and agility of the Cougars will be important if they want to put points on the board.
Gibson said having a size disadvantage will make for a tough fight on both sides of the ball. He added that if the Cougars can utitlize their speed right then they will give themselves a chance to win.
Fumbles have been costly for the Cougars this season with several coming inside of the redzone.
Gibson said cutting down on turnovers is important if his team is to be competitive.
Firing up the Cougar players is easy being the importance of the game.
Gibson said he and his coaches continue to remind their players exactly what this week is and what win does for their season.
The Cougars and Gators kick off Friday at 7 p.m. at Bachelor Field in Canoe.