There was no overlooking the Prince Edward County High School football team this year for the Rustburg High School Red Devils in a 56-21 route of the Eagles last Friday night in Rustburg.

“They were ready,” said PECHS head coach James Ford. “We made some crucial mistakes at the wrong times, and Rustburg took full advantage of them.

“From the start. We had a good drive, but a dropped pass in the end zone cost us. They get the ball and drive in for a touchdown. Instead of being up seven, we're down seven.”

Rustburg led 35-7 at halftime, and was never really challenged from there.

Prince Edward was able to move the ball through the air. Quarterback Davon Adams was 6-14 passing for 118 yards with a touchdown, however, the senior was hampered by three interceptions. Cleon Watkins, who split time with Adams behind center, was 7-8 passing for 108 yards with a touchdown.

"There were some positives,” said Ford. “Not as many as we needed, or would've liked, but I am happy we moved the ball through the air. We've got to get our rushing game going, though.”

Adams led the Eagles in rushing with 52 yards on 13 carries, factoring in sack yardage. Jevon Jackson had 35 yards on five carries.

Marqis Fitzgerald led the Eagles at receiver with eight catches for 187 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Tiquan Easter had two grabs for 22 yards, Tequan Banks also had two catches for 11 yards and Asim Brooks caught a seven yard pass.

“Fitzgerald had a big night for us,” said Ford. “I also like that we spread the ball to four different receivers. That will do nothing but help Fitzgerald be more effective.”

The Eagles were led by Ferrance Brown on defense with six total tackles. Milton Monk had five stops and a quarterback sack, while Damien Mickey had a defensive touchdown.

“Right now we're trying to get ourselves together and get back to basics. We have two more tough games before we start our district schedule, and we'd like to see continued improvement.

“We've had to play a lot of underclassmen, and they're stepping in and gaining a ton of experience – especially against these good teams. This is something they can draw on later this year when we get into the district, next year and the year after that.”

Prince Edward will host Lynchburg Christian Academy on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Bulldogs are a powerhouse in the Virginia Independent Schools Division I ranks, and are defending their 2011 State Title. Last week, LCA suffered a narrow home loss (22-20) to Provicence Day School from Charlotte, the North Carolina Independent School Division I state champions.

Needless to say, even though this game will not count in the VHSL Power Ratings, the Eagles will have their hands full.

“It's a process,” said Ford. “We would've liked to have gotten there quicker than we are. We would've liked to have gotten there in August, but we haven't. We've got to keep working on improving and getting better against some very tough competition.”