CULVER – Both the Tippecanoe Valley and Culver Academies football teams received votes in the Class 3-A preseason poll released earlier this week.

On Friday night, it was the host Eagles who came out on top though.

Culver Academies got a pair of big returns for touchdowns in outscoring the Vikings 36-29 in season-opening action.

The Eagles scored on a punt return and an interception return en route to the win.

Culver Academies, which won 27-22 at Valley in the season opener in 2012, built a 30-14 halftime lead Friday night and then held on for the victory.

Veteran quarterback Hayes Barnes had a big night for the Eagles as he connected on 17-26 throws for 204 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.

Valley star Tanner Andrews had a big night for coach Jeff Shriver’s squad. The senior wide receiver had five receptions for 116 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown from Ben Shriver. Andrews, who is receiving plenty of interest from Division I college programs, also rushed for 71 yards, including a one-yard touchdown.

Quarterback Shriver, now in his third year as a starter, was 12-25 for 211 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Shriver is now the school’s all-time leader in career passing yards.

Garrett Bell put the Vikings on the scoreboard first with a one-yard touchdown run.

Valley went on to finish 8-3 last year, while the Eagles were 7-3.

Valley hosts Bremen and Culver Academies plays at NorthWood next Friday night.