One word told the story of the Prince Edward County High School varsity football team’s 24-0 loss to visiting Altavista Combined School on Friday — turnovers.

“We turned the ball over way too many times,” Eagles Head Coach James Ford said. “Three (turnovers) led to their points, directly to their points.”

The Colonels had interception returns of 47 and 45 yards in the first half, both of which ended in the end zone for touchdowns. They also recovered a fumble in the end zone for another score, giving them a 21-0 lead at halftime.

“Defensively, we played very, very, very well,” Ford said. “We only surrendered three points, defensively,” and those points came in the third quarter on a 35-yard field goal.

Ford gave credit to Altavista’s defense for its impact on the game.

“We had guys running open, but they pressured us, they forced us out of our comfort zone, and they did a good job of making us play their game and forcing turnovers,” he said. “Offensively, we have to do better.”

Prince Edward turned over the ball four times via interceptions. Its top rusher was junior Aneal Walker, who had 19 carries for 65 yards.

For success in the next game Friday at Nottoway High School, the Eagles defense needs to simply continue exhibiting the effectiveness it showed against Altavista.

Ford praised his entire defensive lineup for its performance, highlighting, in particular, his linebackers: senior Markeem Trent, sophomore J’Sean Dupuy, senior D’Andre Bowler, senior Michael Dupuy.

Trent led the Eagles with 15 total tackles, seven for a loss, Bowler had nine total tackles, five for a loss, and three sacks and Michael Dupuy and senior Rajai Walton each had seven total tackles.