The Mansfield Tigers traveled to Logan County on Friday afternoon in a torrential downpour that showered the city of Paris on and off for most of the afternoon. But when the rain cleared just before kickoff, another storm hit Paris in the form of a dominant Mansfield offense and defense. And at the end of the night at Eagles Stadium, Mansfield walked off the stadium turf with a 31-0 shutout road win over the Eagles.
Mansfield was impressive in every phase of the game. The Tigers’ size and speed dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage. On offense, the line opened big holes for the fleet Tigers running backs that hit the creases and ran with determination. Defensively, the Mansfield defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, putting constant pressure on the Paris quarterbacks and giving up very little to the Eagles’ running game.
Mansfield took at 19-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, after scoring on its first offensive possession of the game and then again in the second quarter. The Tigers defense kept the Eagles in check and allowed the offense time to put another score on the board before the half.
In the second half, the physical domination continued for Mansfield as the Tigers played ball control offense with their running game. Paris could not stop the Tigers’ running game, and Mansfield shortened the game with an effective rushing attack and an explosive passing game that concluded with a touchdown pass to Peyton Martin in the fourth quarter.
Mansfield will have a bye week next week before the Tigers welcome the Waldron Bulldogs to Mansfield on September 16. For Paris, the Eagles will return to the road next Friday to play at West Fork on September 9. Paris will have its bye week on September 16 before they start conference play on September 23.
The combined Mansfield scores of 41-6 at Magazine and 31-0 at Paris have the Tigers scoring a total of 72 points in two road games and giving up just six. The 4A Waldron Bulldogs will be a big test for Mansfield as they prepare to start conference play in the tough 3A-1 conference. Mansfield begins conference play on September 30 when they host the Greenland Pirates.
The Paris Eagles are giving great effort and are not giving up at any point of their games. They are in a rebuilding mode playing with a lot of sophomores and others who have very little varsity experience. The loss on Friday to a deep and experienced Mansfield team is hard to endure, but it is simply part of their development as a team. The Eagles need their fan base to stick with their team and show up to support this group of players who are working hard and playing their hearts out. They will continue to improve, but they need your support and encouragement.
RNN Sports will be in West Fork next week to bring you coverage of the Eagles’ game at West Fork. Stay with RNN Sports for complete coverage of Paris Eagles and River Valley high school sports coverage.
