The Fort Dale Academy Eagles have reason to celebrate.

And they will.

The Fort Dale Academy athletic department will be hosting its annual Fall Sports Banquet January 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Greenville.

The banquet will recognize members of the junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams, the junior high and varsity twirlers, dancers and cheerleaders and the junior varsity and varsity football teams.

The junior varsity football team will be honored for its undefeated season while the varsity football team will be honored for their 10-2 season, including an appearance in the AISA Class AAA semifinals.

The varsity Eagles, led by nine seniors, finished the regular season 9-1, the best in head coach James &#8220Speed” Sampley's tenure.

&#8220This was a tight-knit bunch,” Sampley said. &#8220These kids didn't just play football together but they would hunt and fish together.”

Sampley said the way his team came together, especially after losing senior Peter McGowin before the season even started, is a testament to their character.

&#8220The camaraderie has been real big and helped us be a success,” Sampley said.

&#8220They will be hard to replace,” he said. &#8220They are just a good bunch of kids.”

During the varsity football's presentation, Sampley will present several awards.

The Captain's Award will go to the seniors and the Headhunter Award will be presented to the player with the most tackles.

Sampley will also recognize the most outstanding offensive lineman, defensive lineman, offensive back and defensive back.

The two most prestigious awards, the team's Most Valuable Player and the Ambassador's Award- given to the hardest working player and leader, will also be presented.

Anyone interested in attending the event should contact Fort Dale Academy at 382-2606 for more information