Escambia Academy Cougars Win State Championship
November 22, 2014
The Escambia Academy Cougars from Canoe, AL, won the AISA Class AAA state championship Friday night with a 35-28 defeat of Bessemer Academy at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, AL. It was the first football state championship ever for the school just outside Atmore — in fact, it was the first final game appearance ever for the Cougars.
The Cougars earned the win a on a one-yard touchdown run from Brett Gorum with just 49 seconds to play in the game, capping a 59-yard, seven play drive for the Cougars (11-1). On Bessemer’s final drive, an interception by the Cougar’s Kris Brown finalized the win.
Gorum was 5 of 7 passing Friday night for three touchdowns, including a 19-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to Tim Finklea, a six-yard pass to Maleek Salter, and a 59-yarder to Scott Brantley. The Cougar’s other score came on a six-yard run from Brown.
Finklea had a total of 125 rushing yards on 23 carries for Escambia Academy.
Three weeks ago, Escambia Academy lost to Bessemer 32-14 at home in Canoe – their only loss of the season.
The state championship was the first in 30 years for an Alabama school from the Atmore area. The Escambia High School Blue Devils win a state championship back in 1974. The Northview High School Chiefs, just across the line in Florida, won a state championship in 2012.
NorthEscambia.com expects additional high quality images to post later Saturday or on Sunday.
Pictured above and below: The Escambia Academy Cougars celebrate the AISA Class AAA state championship Friday night at Troy State’s Memorial Stadium. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Comments
8 Responses to “Escambia Academy Cougars Win State Championship”
The Atmore Blue Devils won the 3A State Football Championship in 1983 in addition to 1974.
Our boys proved that it takes teamwork to make the dream work! I’m so very proud of our whole COUGAR crew!
Especially #16!!!
Brett will ALWAYS be #1 in my book!
**DREAMS DO COME TRUE**
WOO HOO!!!! GO COUGARS! We are all so proud of you guys!
So Proud of you EA Cougars!
Congrats to EA! Great Season!!! Atmore won in 1984 also. It’s still been a long time.
Congratulations Academy Cougars !!!!
Looks like you’ve had quite the year and what a way too top it off.
Great job! Proud of everyone of you. Congratulations for some mighty fine teamwork.
Congratulations on the win and Championship!!!!! Proud of you all