Fall is in the air along with cooler temperatures. Leaves on the trees are beginning to change colors and football season is nearing the halfway mark. All of this adds up to homecoming time for colleges and high schools across the country.
Homecoming is a time when alumni and former students return to their schools for reunions and celebrations of their school days pasts. It is a local tradition that has even extended down to youth sports, which, honestly, I do not understand. But it is fun for all, and that is the most important aspect.
This year’s homecoming game opponent for Paris will be the Two Rivers Gators. The game with Two Rivers is a 3A-4 conference game. The Gators have struggled with their football program over the past several years. The program has won just one game in the past three years, and just three games in the past seven years. And that has been the unfortunate football culture for Two Rivers High School. But, as I always say, make no mistake, the Gators will come into Eagles Stadium on Friday believing they have a chance to win against the winless Paris Eagles.
New Gators coach Jonathan Ellis has four returning starters on offense and six on defense. This year’s Two Rivers team is challenged by a lack of roster depth along with returning talent. It is difficult to rebuild or revitalize a football program. Football is a talent and manpower sport; a few good athletes are not enough to win. It will take time to develop a large pool of athletes in both numbers and in strength and development to become competitive.
But the Paris Eagles are also struggling this year after having won 23 games the previous two seasons. The Eagles graduated a large and talented class in 2021, and this year’s team has been comprised of several young players who are playing their first year of varsity football. The Eagles have been over-matched all season by virtually everyone they play. As I wrote in last Friday’s column, the Eagles continue to battle hard on every play. They need a good, supportive, homecoming crowd to show up and support them on Friday.
It should be a beautiful night for football. Come out and cheer for the Paris homecoming court, and support the Eagles!
