The East Prairie Eagles are one step closer to their first district crown in 14 years and they have moved up to a status of probable in making the play-offs this season as they enter week ten. Holding off a late charge by Caruthersville Friday night, the Eagles moved to 2-0 in district play with a 22-15 win.

"I was holding my breath," said Head Coach Jason Aycock. "They had the ball fourth down and less than an inch to go and I was just standing there hoping that they didn’t make it."

The Eagles started off the game looking like they were going to roll over the Tigers as they marched it in to the end zone on each of their first two drives of the game. As they were scoring though the Caruthersville defense was making plays and showing that they may be in the game a lot longer than expected.

After taking the lead, the Eagles’ offense was held in check as Caruthersville gained momentum. A touchdown on a long pass, a field goal and another score had them in the lead at 15-14 heading into the locker room.

"I told the kids then that this was not going to be an easy game to win," said Aycock. "They had the lead and they believed they could beat us."

In the second half each team held the other out of the end zone as the third quarter disappeared without any additional points on the board.

In the final quarter of play though the Eagles marched the ball down on a long sustained drive that ended when M.C. Williams took it in. His number was called for the two-point conversion and the eagles had the 22-15 lead.

"M.C. was held down in this one," said Aycock. "He was there, though, when we needed him."

The Tigers had one last charge in them late in the game when they mounted a drive with time still left on the clock. They took the ball down inside of the Eagles five-yard line and faced a fourth down and less than a foot to go.

"I wasn’t sure what they would call," said Aycock. "I figured they would call a quarterback keeper or something quick right up the middle because if they got the first down the clock would have stopped for them."

The play called was a rollout pass that fell incomplete, preserving the win for the Eagles.

"When that thing hit the ground I said ‘Thank you, Lord,’ " said Aycock. "It happened quick but when the ball was in the air it seemed like it stayed there forever."

The Eagles celebrated on the field after the game as they played their final regular season game at home. As they did so Coach Aycock had a chance to talk about the final play called by the Tigers.

"Well, the last thing I will ever do is question another coach," said Aycock. "I mean we stand there on the sidelines and have so little time to make a decision on what to call next. You’re talking five or six seconds to get a play and send it in.

"Then the kids have to get the thing called, get to the line, execute the play and then it starts all over. Now add to that emotions of a game coming down to the wire and I’m telling you it’s harder than you think. They made a call because they thought they had found something that would work. He may get some criticism from fans right now but he was doing all he could to win that game. I’m just happy it didn’t work."

With the win the Eagles are sitting in control of the district, but they are not a lock to get into the new play-off system just yet.

A win this week over Malden and they are outright district champs. A loss and they can still get in the play-offs but there is one model in which they do not get in.

"Hey we are looking at this as a game we have to win," said Aycock. "If we do that, then we don’t worry about points and tie breakers and all of that stuff. We just have to prepare for a game and then go out and win it."

STATS:

Connor Scott, 2 for 8, 15 yards in the air.

MC Williams, 33 carries, 228 yards, 1 TD, 2 EP, 1-2pt Conversion, 10 Points Total.

Jordan Jarrett, 11 rushes, 58 yards, 2 TD’s, 12 points Total.

Shane Scott, 81 yards in return yards.