As they say, throw out the records in this one, it doesn’t matter when these two schools meet. But this year, as it has been now for the past two seasons, the records do matter as both Booneville and Paris will enter tonight’s game undefeated in conference play. The winner of tonight’s game in Booneville will be the 3A-4 conference champion and will enter the state playoffs next month as the conference’s number one seed. The loser will be the conference runner-up and will go to the state playoffs as a two seed from the conference. And as one additional incentive, the winner of tonight’s game will likely play home playoff games for the first three rounds, or as long as they survive in the first three weeks of the playoffs. That is a huge advantage not to have to make bus trips in excess of three to four hours.
Booneville will once again bring a very strong rushing attack into tonight’s game with Paris. The Bearcats have been virtually unstoppable and make no bones to their opponents as to what they want to do on offense. Booneville will line up and come right at you, telling their opponents, “try and stop us.” Their offensive line is very physical, as well as a deep and talented backfield. The Cats senior quarterback, Randon Ray, is one of the most talented and fiercest competitors in the storied history of Booneville football.
But the wild card in this year’s game may be the Eagles’ head coach, Jeff Weaver. Paris returns many of the players who narrowly lost in last year’s game in Paris, but this year’s edition of the Eagles is a little different team on offense. Last year’s version was a little more balanced with run and pass on offense, and this year’s team features a “quick strike” capability under their new coach. It will be interesting tonight to see how the Eagles approach the Booneville defense.
But to have success tonight against Booneville, the Paris defense has to step up and at least slow the Booneville rushing attack. The Bearcats are going to get their yardage on the ground, but Paris must make them earn every one of them and take a lot of time in doing so. The Paris offense has to protect their quarterback, Chase Watts, and they have to score points. Sounds simple, but in the trenches where war will be conducted all night, it is a proposition of both teams coming ready to play and to play in a hard-fought, physical battle. Turnovers will be key, and to win the game, Paris can not lose the turnover battle and give Booneville more chances to score. The Bearcats are simply too good of a football team, and Paris cannot afford to help them.
Kickoff for tonight’s game is 7 p.m in Booneville, and an overflow crowd is expected on a cold fall night for football. I highly recommend that fans get to the stadium early to secure a seat. Dress warmly, although the action in tonight’s game should be hot and furious!
Resident Press will have a story on tonight’s game on Sunday in its online edition. Photos from the game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports no later than Monday due to the Lady Eagles’ championship game on Saturday.
Good luck to both schools in what should be a classic in Logan County football history!
It’s Paris at Booneville, and it doesn’t get any bigger than that! See you at the stadium!
