Porters Chapel Academy’s road trips this season have been everything but routine.

The team’s charter bus hit a couch on the interstate on week, forcing coaches to hammer away at the front door in an effort to get it closed.

The following week on a trip to Baton Rouge in sweltering heat, the charter bus had no air conditioning and sealed windows. A replacement bus was supposed to meet the team near Woodville, but the replacement showed up an hour late. As members of the team were still getting ankles taped, the national anthem began playing on the field,.

The Eagles played without taking a single warmup toss or exercise.

Tonight, the Eagles again take flight for what seems an endless road trip. PCA is scheduled to kick off with Claiborne at 7. Claiborne Academy is located near Shreveport and sports a running back named Rhett Butler.

PCA coach Randy Wright certainly hopes the memories of last week’s crushing loss at Riverfield is now gone with the win.

&#8220We were a little down after such an emotional loss last week,” said Wright of the double-overtime 19-16 defeat. &#8220We are disappointed that we don’t have a chance to win a district championship. But, we know an understand that we need a win this week and get ready for Adams Christian.”

With a victory tonight, the Eagles (4-3, 1-1 District 4-AA) will move closer to a playoff spot. If the Eagles beat Adams Christian next Friday night, the team automatically earns a playoff spot. A loss to Adams Christian, and PCA will hope to be one of two wild-cards that earn playoff berths.

That is one reason Wright, who is leading a team filled with bumps and bruises, will go all-out tonight.

&#8220We have to win tonight. This is a big game for us,” Wright said.

Quarterback Hayden Hales is having his best season, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark in last week’s loss. He has tossed eight touchdown passes – three each to Michael Busby and Cole Smith.