PARIS- It was homecoming on the campus of Paris High School. And after all of the day’s homecoming activities and pregame ceremonies, the Eagles hosted the Bismarck Lions in a 3A-4 conference game.
Paris went into the game having lost at Bismarck a year ago by the score of 55-0. Bismarck, last year’s conference runners-up with their only conference loss of the season to the undefeated conference champions, Glen Rose, returned several players this year. Paris entered the game with a young roster and wanting to compete with the Lions on their own field.
And for much of the first half, that is exactly what the Eagles did. After a scoreless first quarter by both teams, Bismarck eventually scored in the second quarter and took a 7-0 lead into the mid-point of the quarter. But Paris was unable to capitalize off of a fumbled punt that gave the Eagles first and goal inside the Bismark ten-yard line. The Lions would eventually score two more times, and with approximately 30 seconds remaining in the first half, the Lions had extended their lead to 21-0.
Paris was unable to muster much offense all night, and a courageous defensive effort by the Eagles began to fall apart in the second half. Senior quarterback Maddox Watts left the game in the second quarter, and his status is unknown as of tonight.
The final score was a little misleading; Bismarck scored late in the second half to extend their lead to the final score of 41-0. Paris played a very competitive first half against the Lions, especially on defense.
With the win, Bismarck improves their record to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the conference. The Lions return home next Friday to host Glen Rose in what likely will be for the conference championship. Bismarck’s only loss of the season was a 56-20 loss to Prescott on August 25.
Paris will be on the road next Friday to play a very important conference game at Jessieville. The Jessieville Lions lost a week ago at home to Bismarck by the score of 46-6. The Eagles could take a big step toward qualifying for the playoffs with a win at Jessieville. With the loss, Paris’s overall record drops to 2-3 and 0-2 in conference. The Eagles have now played the top two teams in the conference and have a much more favorable schedule remaining.
RNN Sports will be in Jessieville next week for the Eagles’ game on Friday. We will also be in Paris on Thursday night, October 5, to cover the Eagles’ junior high game with Jessieville at Eagles Stadium.
Watch for photos from tonight’s game on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. Have a good weekend, and we will see you at the stadium again next week!
