The Prince Edward County High School football team knew that no matter how much improvement the team thought it had made over the summer, it was going to all be put to the test in the season-opener against Fluvanna.

The Flucos provided more than an adequate test for the host Eagles in the first game of the James Ford era at Prince Edward, as Fluvanna built up a 27-6 halftime lead, before holding on for a 33-22 victory.

“We made some improvements, but obviously, we're not where we want to be, said Ford on the Eagles' first outing. “Fluvanna is good, and they played about as good as one would expect for the opening game. We had some bright spots, but they found something that worked for them and didn't go away from it.”

Ford said that PE did a good job of shutting down Fluvanna standout receiver Ya Ya Anderson, but had trouble with the Flucos' fullback.

“They pounded the ball down the field and stayed with it. We had some special teams mistakes, and that helped them out too. Penalties were what really hurt us.”

The Eagles had ten penalties for 75 yards.

“That doesn't even account for the yards we gain that get taken away for the penalty. We've got to do a better job in that category.”

Junior quarterback Davion Adams was 7-17 for 143 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in his varsity debut.

His touchdown pass went to Jakeem Eddins. Marquis Fitzgerald had two receptions for 25 yards, while Ralick Lockett had one catch for 47 yards and Cleon Watkins had one grab for 50 yards.

“I do like how he was able to spread the ball around to five different receivers,” said Ford. “It shows that he's not just picking out one guy and locking in on him every time he attempts a pass.”

On the ground, the Eagles were led by Eddins, who had 57 yards on six carries and a touchdown. Lockett had 26 yards on two carries.

“Lockett's numbers were really hurt by our penalties,” said Ford. “He kind of drew the short straw on that tonight. If those penalties don't occur, he's close to 100 yards.”

Rashaad Walton led the Eagles on the night with 11 tackles (five solo), while James Jones had nine (seven solo). Tyrek Goode and Austin Reames each had a sack, while Fitzgerald, Lockett and Jones had fumble recoveries. Jones returned his 89 yards for a touchdown.

“I'm not disappointed,” said Ford. “We played okay. Not great, but we have something we can improve upon, and we will improve.”

Prince Edward will travel to Cumberland on Friday night for a 7 p.m. contest against its traditional rival.

“Cumberland is a team that comes right at you,” said Ford. “We had trouble stopping that last week, so I imagine we'll see even more of that on Friday. We'll make some changes and hopefully we can build on some of the adjustments at the half last Friday and take them into this Friday's game.”