It was mission accomplished for the Paris Eagles. Against a Class 2A Johnson County Westside team that was down to just 16 players dressed for their game against the Eagles, the Paris offense scored quickly and often in a long first quarter of play to put the game out of reach early. By doing so, Paris began mass substitutions with a little more than five minutes remaining in the first quarter. By agreement with the Westside coaches, the clock became continuous at approximately five minutes in the first to shorten the game and prevent possible injury to either team. With the victory, Paris improved their record to 2-0 on the season, and the Rebels record dropped to 0-1 on the season.
It was a difficult game for both schools. Westside was obviously outmatched in the game, but the Rebels played hard for the entire game. For Paris, the Eagles wanted to put the game out of reach and then pull their starters to protect against injury while giving their reserves a chance for playing time and development. Westside’s only score of the game came in the second half against the Eagles’ defensive reserve players. For Paris, many reserves played well; most notably, back-up sophomore quarterback, Maddox Watts.
Paris scored on its first possession of the game when senior quarterback Chase Watts hit senior running back Duke Walker for a touchdown pass at the 10:53 mark in the quarter. James Yang’s extra point attempt was good, and the Eagle led early, 7-0.
The Eagles defense was impressive again early in the game prior to the substitutions that began toward the end of the first quarter. The defense gave the ball back to Paris again, and it was Watts again throwing a touchdown pass, this time connecting to senior wide receiver Blake Martines on the first play of the Eagles’ second offensive possession. The extra point was good again, the Eagles extended their lead to 14-0 with 9:33 left in the quarter.
The defense continued its impressive play, shutting down the Westside offense. Again, the defense gave the ball back to the Paris offense, and once again, on the first play of the next possession, the Eagles scored. This time, it was Duke Walker running for 35 yards and a touchdown. Yang missed his first extra point attempt of the season, and with 3:52 left in the quarter, the Eagles had taken a 20-0 lead.
Then disaster struck again for the Rebels. On the ensuing kickoff, the Paris special teams created a turnover, recovering a Westside fumble inside their 30 yard line. After the fumble recovery, it was the Paris offense and senior running back Nate Henderson scampering into the end zone from approximately 12 yards out for another Eagles touchdown. The extra point attempt was good, and the Eagles lead was 27-0. Both teams went to the locker room at the half with Paris leading 27-0.
The reserves finished the game in the shortened second half. Westside managed to score against the Paris backups and went for two points on the after touchdown conversion attempt. The attempt was no good, and the Eagles led Westside 27-6. Late in the game, it was backup Maddox Watts rushing for a touchdown around the right side on a tough, and physical run to make his way into the end zone for the Eagles final score. And that is how the game ended with Paris winning the game by a score of 34-6.
Resident Press will take a look at this game on Sunday with comments from Paris coach Jeff Weaver, along with a look at next week’ opponent, the West Fork Tigers. Paris will return home next week for its first home game of the season, and final preseason game before it’s bye week on September 17. Look for this story on Sunday night in the online edition of Resident Press.
Photos from this game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Monday night. So, in the mean time, enjoy your Labor Day weekend, and…the first Razorback weekend of the new football season!
Happy Labor Day from Resident Press!
