Things are now in unfamiliar territory. None of Fort Dale’s players were on the team the last time the Eagles went to the championship game, and I’ve never covered football this late in the year before.

The closer it gets to Friday, the more excited I get.

I picked Fort Dale to win last week, but I didn’t expect the domination I saw against Bessemer.

I haven’t been to every game this year, but that was by far the best I’ve seen them play.

It’s also shaping up to be a gridiron brawl.

Both teams’ strengths come from the ground game.

Fort Dale has the tandem of Jeffrey Stead and Daniel Nolan, but Pike Lib has a great back in Jerel Foster.

Last time the two teams played, Foster came up with 143 yards rushing, while Stead and Nolan were held to a combined 85 yards.

Whichever team is able to impose the running game on the other will win.

Fort Dale played some inspired defense last week, and the offense helped by holding the ball, so hopefully that will keep Foster in check.

The Eagles have a score to settle, and if they play half as well as they did last week, Pike will have their hands full.

I’m picking Fort Dale to bring home their first football championship.

FDA 24, PLAS 14

Last week: 1-0

Overall: 35-8