The Prince Edward County High School football team had trouble finding high gear in its 50-20 loss to Greensville County on Friday night in Emporia. The Eagles trailed 19-13 at the half, but were unable to match their opponent (also named the Eagles) after intermission.

“They took the opening drive of the third quarter and scored. They stomped on the gas, and we were stuck in neutral.”

All three of PE's touchdowns came through the air. Senior standout receiver Marquis Fitzgerald hauled in all three on two passes from Davon Adams and one from Cleon Watkins.

“He's been a bright spot for us this year. We haven't had many, but he's had some big games, despite getting double and sometimes triple teamed.

“We caught another team that is starting to play its best ball of the season. Brunswick did the same last week, and then went to Park View and won there. It's hard to believe that Brunswick and Park View are on top of the district right now. Two weeks ago, all of us had identical records.”

Watkins was 8-21 for 78 yards passing with a touchdown and three interceptions, while Adams was 2-4 passing for 48 yards with two touchdowns. Adams led the Eagles defensively with 71 yards on ten carries.

Fitzgerald hauled in five catches for 112 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, CJ McKay led the team with eight tackles (six solo) and a sack.

Ferrance Brown registered eight tackles (six solo), while Isaiah Davis had six (five solo). Denylo Branch had five tackles and a fumble recovery.

Prince Edward has a bye week before it wraps up the season at home against Southampton. It will be the Eagles last football game as a Southside District team.

“First off, we have to try to get healthy,” said Ford. “We have some bumps and bruises that can only heal with a week off. We'll look to end the year on a positive note. It will be our senior night, and we'll want to win it for them, but we will also play a lot of young guys as well. We were able to play some of our younger guys last week, and they got some varsity experience. We can do the same next week, and give them a taste of varsity football, and give them a sense of how much work they will have to do in order to get better.”