Fort Dale Academy’s ability to win on the road will be tested early in 2011.

The 2010 Class AAA state champion will open its title defense by playing three of its first four games away from the friendly confines of Eagle Stadium.

Winning on the road was one of Fort Dale’s strengths en route to capturing the school’s first football state championship last season. In 2010, the Eagles lost just one game on the road – a 21-14loss to Edgewood. Fort Dale posted a 6-1 record in games played away from Eagle Stadium, including a 49-21 win against Monroe Academy in the AISA Class AAA state championship game, which was played at Troy University’s Veterans Memorial Stadium.

For the Eagles have any chance at repeating as state champions, they will have to find a way to duplicate their success on the road from a season ago.

Fort Dale will kick off its 2011 campaign Aug. 26 on the road against Glenwood School. After taking on Lee-Scott Academy at home the following week, the Eagles will travel to face Lyman Ward Military Academy and Hooper Academy on Sept. 9 and Sept. 16, respectively.

Four of the Eagles final six games will be played at home, but Fort Dale must travel to Monroeville for a showdown with 2010 state runner-up Monroe on Sept. 30. The Eagles will also travel to Grove Hill on Oct. 14 to square off with Clarke Prep School, one of only three teams to defeat Fort Dale last season.

2011 Schedule

Aug. 26         @ Glenwood

Sept. 2         vs. Lee-Scott

Sept. 9         @ Lyman Ward

Sept. 16         @ Hooper

Sept. 23         vs. Macon-East

Sept. 30         @ Monroe

Nov. 7         vs. Pike Liberal Arts

Nov. 14         @ Clarke Prep

Nov. 21         vs. Escambia

Nov. 27         vs. Edgewood