Calera racked up 287 yards and 41 points in the fist half en route to a 48-14 win over region foe Marbury last Friday night at Calera.

Lewis McNeal rushed for 149 yards and one score on just five attempts in the win.

Calera head coach Ken Adams said a lot of things are coming together for his team.

&uot;We are playing like a team &045; with team being the key word,&uot; Adams said.

Adams praised the play of his offensive line along with his running backs as well as the entire defense.

&uot;We’re making some great blocks to free up the running game,&uot; Adams said. &uot;Not only is our offensive line blocking well, but coach (Ken) Copen has done a great job with the running backs putting an emphasis on blocking and they have really stepped up and made some key blocks for us.&uot;

As for the defense, Adams said everyone is playing well.

The Eagles got on the board early when Cory Merritt capped a 6-play, 61-yard drive with an 18-yard touchdown run. Goggins hit the PAT to give Calera a 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff Mike Ryan scooped up a fumble and rambled 38 yards for a touchdown. Goggins’ PAT gave CHS a 14-0 lead.

Marbury fumbled on the first play of its next possession and Calera wasted little time making them pay for the turnover.

C.J. Pearson capped a 37-yard, 3-play drive with a 37-yard scamper for the score. Adams praised offensive lineman Jim Baker for throwing a key block to spring Pearson on the run. Goggins’ PAT gave Calera a 21-0 first quarter lead.

Calera held Marbury on its next possession only to fumble the ball away on its next possession. Marbury wasted little time giving the ball right back to the Eagles on a fumble. One play later McNeal dashed 68 yards for CHS’ fourth score of the night. Andy Jones’ PAT gave CHS a 28-0 lead barely into the second quarter.

Adams cited great downfield blocking by Paul Delbridge and Cory Merritt for springing the score.

McNeal set up Calera’s next score with a 58-yard run. Quarterback Jay Haynes punched it in from four yards out.

The PAT was missed due to a bad hold, but Calera had a commanding 34-0 lead.

The Eagles’ final score of the first half came on a 1-yard run by fullback John Adams. The score capped a 6-play, 51-yard drive. Jones’ PAT gave the Eagles a comfortable 41-0 lead at the half.

On the opening kickoff of the second half, Calera’s Greg Jones pinned the Marbury runner inside the 5-yard line.

&uot;Greg has done just a great job of getting down the field on kickoffs this season,&uot; Adams said. &uot;He has made a big difference for us on special teams.&uot;

The Calera defense forced a Marbury punt shortly thereafter. Calera wasted little time finding the end zone again.

Delbridge capped a 4-play, 35-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run. Jones’ PAT capped scoring for the Eagles.

Adams noted several things on his team’s turnaround from a year ago.

&uot;We’re playing like a team,&uot; Adams said. &uot;The kids are showing a lot of enthusiasm on the field and you can tell they want to play football. Sometimes in the third game of the year, the newness of a football season wears off. School has started and the kids practice in the hot sun every day and they can lose their concentration. That’s one thing that has not happened to us this year.&uot;

Adams also praised the efforts of his coaching staff, saying that their performance has made &uot;all the difference in the world&uot; as to the way his team is performing.

&uot;Another thing that has helped us this year is the fact that there is no negativity around this football team this year at all,&uot; Adams said. &uot;One reason for that is the play and leadership of the eight seniors we have. They have been through some difficult times here, and it’s great to see them winning.

&uot;Another thing that helps is the kids who have played here before come out to all the games,&uot; Adams said. &uot;The players who graduated from last year’s team either call or email me or come to all the games.&uot;

Next for the Eagles is region opponent R.C. Hatch (0-3). Kickoff has been changed from 7:30 to 7 p.m. at R.C. Hatch