For the second consecutive season, the Paris Eagles (7-0, 4-0) handed the Atkins Red Devils a 42-6 defeat. But last night’s game did not include the first drive, quick strike pass by the Paris offense. But instead, saw the Eagles play dominating offense and stout defense in going away with the big win at Eagles Stadium. The rain held off for the game, but the field was saturated from heavy rains earlier in the week and on the morning of game day. The wet field did not seem to hinder any team, but it was Paris who was able to make big plays, convert on third downs, and see their playmakers, Chase Watts and Duke Walker make big play after big play.
The Paris defense was put to the test, particularly in the third quarter when Atkins, trailing big, fought hard to get back into the game. The Red Devils had the ball for most of the quarter, but the defense held Atkins scoreless in the second half. The defensive effort for Paris was highlighted by a big fourth down stop, deep in Paris territory, Following the stop, the Eagles outstanding player, Duke Walker, took a hand-off and raced around the left end and up the Paris sideline for an 80 yard touchdown run that put the clincher on another 3A-4 conference win for the Eagles.
Paris, who is currently in the midst of a three-game home stand, will be at home again next Friday against the Perryville Mustangs. The game with Perryville will be the final conference game before a possible showdown in Booneville for the conference championship on October 29. But first, the Eagles must focus on a very good Perryville team who will come to Paris seeking revenge for a loss to the Eagles last season at Perryville. Paris cannot afford to overlook the game with the Mustangs, and coach Jeff Weaver and his staff will be counting on an outstanding Eagles senior class to help keep the team’s focus on Perryville and not overlooking the Mustangs with Booneville two weeks away.
Photos from the Eagles victory over Atkins will be available this weekend on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. In the meantime, enjoy your weekend and get ready for another big conference next week at Eagles Stadium!
So, Paris fans, don’t look now, but for the second season in a row, your Eagles are off to a 7-0 start!
