For Paris fans, it seems like forever since their beloved Eagles played a home football game. The last time Paris played at Eagles Stadium was on September 10 against West Fork. Other than that, Paris played away from home for its preseason scrimmage, and then played regular season games in zero week, week one, week three, and in week four, all on the road. Paris now opens a three-week home stand that will include critical conference games with Baptist Prep, Atkins, and Perryville. So, for Paris fans, your month has arrived; you can watch your Eagles at home for the next three weeks.
Little Rock Baptist Prep will come to Paris on Friday for a 3A-4 conference game, and for the Paris coaches, this week’s challenge will be to keep the team focused amid all of the potential distractions that come with homecoming week and game day. The Paris Eagles are a senior-heavy team, and their maturity and experience should be a plus in knowing how important it is to maintain focus on game preparation and the Baptist Prep Eagles.
Although Baptist Prep struggles to show success in their football program, the team is very competitive and will bring everything they have when they play Paris. In last year’s game in Little Rock, Paris played perhaps its most unimpressive game and almost allowed Prep to have hope of winning the game. The Paris Eagles’ talent won the game, and Paris was able to eventually pull away for the road win. This year’s team cannot do that with the added potential distraction of homecoming.
Paris will be vying to improve its record to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the conference for the second consecutive season. And once again, Paris cannot afford to overlook the week’s opponent by looking ahead to a big match-up next week with Atkins. So for the Paris Eagles, the operative word this week is “focus”.
Resident Press will be in Paris on Friday to bring you coverage of the game in Saturday’s online edition. Photos from the game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Sunday.
Fans from both schools should enjoy perfect fall weather for Friday night’s game, and unlike last week, there is no forecast as of today for precipitation on Friday. So, come out to the stadium and enjoy the homecoming festivities and cheer your Paris Eagles to victory!
Happy Homecoming!
