The Calera Eagles started Friday night’s contest against Fultondale with a 78-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Kevin Watkins. Head coach Lanny Jones’ team never looked back, defeating Fultondale, 31-12.

The Eagles scored on their first two possessions of the game and registered the first 25 points to seal the victory in their favor.

&8220;We started off really well,&8221; Jones said. &8220;We were able to play without our starting tailback and successfully move the ball on offense.&8221;

Calera standout running back Kaderius Lacey was suffering from an injury before the game and Jones said he decided to keep him off the field to help move the recovery process along for the playoffs.

&8220;We definitely didn’t want to get him hurt with the playoffs only a week away.&8221;

Eric Burrells proved to be the big playmaker for the Eagles in Lacey’s absence, finishing the game with 177 yards on 16 carries and reaching the end zone three times.

Running back Dramaine Chism finished with 25 yards on seven carries and reached the end zone once.

The game would be characterized by what happened after the whistle, however. The game was

marred by five personal foul penalties and pushing and shoving at the end of plays.

Following the game Fultondale’s players refused to participate in the traditional handshake, and Jones and Fultondale head coach Keith Register exchanged heated words after shaking hands.

&8220;It got a little out of hand there at the end,&8221; Jones said. &8220;We were hitting them pretty good and they didn’t like that. I thought our kids did a good job keeping their cool.&8221;

The Eagles travel to face Highland Home (8-2) Friday night in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs