Porters Chapel can still finish second in District 4-A, and host a playoff game, but it’s going to need some help.

The Eagles lost 24-18 to previously winless Heidelberg Academy last week, taking control of their playoff situation out of their hands. A win would’ve largely locked up the second seed with one district game, against Prentiss Christian, remaining.

The loss to Heidelberg (1-6, 1-2 District 4-A) might prove costly to PCA (3-6, 2-2). Heidelberg finishes with district games against Prentiss Christian (4-4, 2-1) and winless Park Place. If PCA finishes tied with Heidelberg, the Rebels would take the second seed by virtue of their win over the Eagles.

Ben’s Ford, over which PCA has a tiebreaker advantage, closes out the regular season against District 4-A leader Newton Academy.

PCA travels to face Class AA foe Manchester on Friday.

“It really does put us behind the eight ball,” PCA coach Wade Patrick said. “We’ve got one more (district game against Prentiss Christian) and we’ll have to see where we stand.”

The Eagles will regret the chances that slipped away against Heidelberg. Three touchdowns were called back on penalties and the Eagles were unable to corral Heidelberg quarterback Marqueion Milsap, who threw the game-winning TD pass and rushed for another score.

PCA quarterback Zac Morgan put together a great drive, hitting a couple of passes to get the Eagles within striking distance. But he was unable to connect with P.J. Lassiter and Ted Brisco in the end zone on jump balls and the ball went back to Heidelberg on downs.

“We’ve got to take it out of their (officials’) hands and not make it so close,” PCA coach Wade Patrick said. “We had two good looks right there. They’re both basketball guys and we just figured we could make a play, kind of like going up for a rebound, in the end zone. But Zac did a great job tonight and made some great throws for us.”