The stands were packed in anticipation for the 2018 homecoming game versus the Cy Creek Cougars. The Eagles took the field for their first Friday night lights game this season, and the first game this season without weather being a big factor.

Going into the game, the Eagles had put up 63 combined points against their opponents through the first two games of the season, both wins. Tonight was a different story. The Eagles offense struggled early in the game, rarely scoring touchdowns, and the defense was put to the test.

In the first half, the Eagles gave possession away three times. The defense was quick to get off the field in the first quarter, which is exactly what Coach Brister said he wanted his guys to do after the first game this season. The defense held the Cougars to a single touchdown in the first half and forced them to punt three times.

The offense was limited throughout the half with only two field goals and no touchdowns. With three seconds left in the half, the Eagles were in position to kick a field goal and take the lead, but their efforts were thwarted after the Cougars blocked their kick. The Eagles trailed at halftime 7-6.

Following the halftime homecoming festivities, the defense came up big on the first drive. Defensive back Jayden Goodwin intercepted the ball on Cy Creek’s side of the field, but on the next play, the offense fumbled the ball to give it right back to the Cougars. A few drives later, the Eagles drove down the field and kicked a field goal, taking the lead 9-7 with three minutes to go in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter immediately started strong with an interception from middle linebacker Jaylon Capuano. The Eagles drove down the field, but couldn’t put points up and turned it over to Cy Creek. The Cougars made a similar drive, but they made a field goal giving them the lead 10-9 with eight minutes to go.

After a few drives from both teams, it was crunch time. Cy Falls got the ball with a little over two minutes to go in the game knowing it would likely be their last opportunity to pull out their third consecutive victory. Eagles quarterback TJ Goodwin and the offense steamrolled down the field. QB TJ Goodwin completed two key passes that combined for 48 yards to put the Eagles in scoring position at the Cy Creek 25 yard line with just over a minute to go in the game.

The Eagles advanced to the 13 yard line with under a minute to go and a flag saved the Eagles from fourth down. With seconds to go in the game, the ball was handed to running back Koby Leavatts and he ran it in for the first and only touchdown, giving the Eagles the lead late in the game. The Eagles converted on a gutsy two-point conversion to increase the lead to 17-10.

The Cougars tried to drive the length of the field, but the Eagle defense came up with a big stop as time ran out. The win moved the Eagles’ record to 3-0 on the season and it gave them a victory in their District 17-6A opener.

“We knew they had a good defense, they had played two good football teams in their first two games,” Coach Brister said. “First game at district, so we knew they’d be fired up and they played very well and we’re trying to get better in all phases.”

The Eagles’ next game is Friday, September 21, against Northbrook at Tully Stadium. Scheduled start time is 7:00 p.m.  

“Show up like you did last week,” Coach Brister said. “Anytime we can create some excitement with people in the stands that’s what we want. Show up early, be loud wear green and give us all you got.”

Check out the Wingspan’s Sports Center here: https://www.cyfallspress.com/sports-center/