Calera suffered its first loss of the year Friday night in the second round of the Class 2A state playoffs, ending the Eagles’ season.

Hosting Southern Choctaw a week after an overtime victory against Elba, the Eagles (11-1) built an early 12-point lead after two first-half scoring drives capped off by Mike Watts touchdowns.

The Calera quarterback scored on runs of 3 and 2 yards. Watts finished 7-of-14 passing for 91 yards.

Everything seemed to be going Calera’s way until eight seconds before halftime when Southern Choctaw (10-2) struck with a 55-yard touchdown pass to narrow the lead to 12-7 going into the break.

&uot;We had some more opportunities to score in the first half but we just couldn’t do it,&uot; Calera coach Ken Adams said. &uot;The kids worked it with everything they had, they did everything I asked them to do. It just didn’t work out for us.&uot;

The Eagles, who outgained their opponents in total offense and gained six more first downs, were held scoreless in the second half as Southern Choctaw put two more touchdowns on the board on its way

to a 23-12 victory.

&uot;It’s one of those things where you’re disappointed because you don’t have another shot,&uot; Adams said. &uot;But how can you be dissapointed with 11-1.&uot;

T.J. Green led the Eagles with 77 rushing yards on 11 carries while Paul Delbridge had 49 yards and David Lacey rushed for 41.

Lacey also had two receptions for 42 yards and six tackles and a sack on defense. Delbridge led Calera with 10 tackles while Nick Ray recorded 7 stops.

Calera’s perfect regular-season record marks one of the finest in school history.

&uot;It’s been great this whole year with the community support,&uot; Adams said. &uot;I’d like to thank everyone for supporting these kids.&uot;

Southern Choctaw will host (9-2) Leroy in the 2A quarterfinals this Friday night