The Calera Eagles (6-6) saw their season and their run in the state playoffs come to a close at home Friday night with a 38-13 loss to defending 2A state champion Leroy.

The Eagles scored first and last, but the Bears (11-1) took advantage of turnovers to put the game out of reach.

First-year Calera head coach Lanny Jones said the only way for his Eagles to win was to &8220;keep it close and give us a chance.&8221; He also said he told his kids all week there was no way to make turnovers and stay in the game.

The Eagles went undefeated last year until they fell to Southern Choctaw in the second round. While Jones said the team had some close losses this season, this team also made it to the second round.

Jones said Leroy capitalized on three turnovers by his Eagles.

While Jones credited Seth Merrite with a big catch, he said, &8220;Offensively, we didn’t do anything.&8221;

On the defensive side of the ball, however, he recognized the efforts of Nick Cannady and Dominique Wilson.

&8220;We just couldn’t get things going and had to make big plays to stay in the game,&8221; Jones said.

While he said the season was disappointing from the view of fans, from the coaching aspect, he said he could see the team getting better each week.

&8220;As far as building off this (season),&8221; Jones said, &8220; I think there is a lot to build from.&8221;

The Eagles scored first on an 88-yard pass from Brock Russell to Merrite. Carlos Gomez added the PAT, and the home team led 7-0. But the lead was short-lived.

After taking a 14-7 lead into the half, the Bears extended their lead to 28-7 following two Eagle fumbles.

The Eagles’ Kaderius Lacey gathered in a Leroy fumble, however, and raced 74 yards to end all scoring.

On the night, Leroy held Calera to one first down, negative 40 yards rushing and 104 yards passing for 64 yards of total offense.

The Eagles also suffered three lost fumbles and one interception in the game