After defeating the fourth Top 10 ranked opponent of the season at Glenwood Friday night, 20-15, the No. 4 Fort Dale Academy Eagles have moved up to their highest ranking in the Alabama Sports Writers Association AISA poll with this week's ranking.

As if this week's showdown with region rival Morgan didn't have enough incentives, a win Friday night would put the Eagles in great position heading into the playoffs.

And the playoffs have been something on the Eagles' minds when preparing for Morgan.

Last season, the Morgan Senators upended the Eagles not once, but twice.

In the regular-season match up, the Senators held on for a 28-14 win and then put the Eagles away in the second round of the playoffs, 35-8.

Both teams have a new look since last season and Fort Dale is hoping to catch the Senators off guard, who are reeling from a 15-7 loss to Edgewood.

In preparation for the brutal three-game stretch against Morgan, Cottage Hill and Lowndes, Fort Dale has worked on the passing game while perfecting the running game.

Fort Dale head coach James &#8220Speed” Sampley said his team would need to be a balanced team heading into the last three games and the playoffs and in recent weeks, they have been.

In the win over Taylor Road two weeks ago, Newton was 13-of-22 for 285 yards and two touchdowns.

On the ground, the Eagles rushed for three touchdowns against Glenwood as Blake Mullins rushed 19 times for 115 yards and two touchdowns.

Mika Jones also had a touchdown for the Eagles.

Kickoff for Friday night's game at Fort Dale against the Morgan Senators is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.