Calera went in to Friday’s matchup with Luverne with a shot at the region title, but the Eagles found themselves in fourth place in Class 2A, Region 3 after a disappointing loss to coach Mike DuBose’s Tigers.

Calera jumped out to an early lead, driving the ball 90 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive of the game.

Quarterback Jay Haynes scored from five yards out to quickly put Calera up 7-0.

But the Eagles wouldn’t find the endzone again the rest of the night in what turned out to be a game dominated by the Luverne defense.

Calera lost 24-7, dropping to a 7-2 overall record on the season and a 5-2 record in region play.

Luverne claimed the region title and a first-round home game in the playoffs with the win.

Calera had clinched a playoff spot three weeks prior but will have to travel in the first round because of the loss.

Luverne held Calera to just 118 yards of total offense and kept the Eagles from scoring in the final three quarters of the game.

After kicking a 32-yard field goal, Luverne entered the second quarter down 4 points and responded with three touchdown strikes before the half.

The Tigers scored on a one-yard run, a 35-yard pass and a 34-yard pass.

Calera’s defense held strong the rest

of the game and limited Luverne to 197 yards of total offense in the game.

But the Eagles got little help from their offense, which registered just two first downs after making three on the opening drive. Calera will travel to Isabella this Friday night