Analysis – Undefeated Prosper prepares for matchup against McKinney

Ana Arredondo, Editor-in-ChiefSeptember 19, 2019Leave a Comment

Tate Nichols, No. 15, tackles a Flower Mound player. The Eagles are 3-0 and will play their next game against McKinney High School Friday, Sept. 20 at the McKinney ISD Stadium. The McKinney Lions currently have a record of 2-1 this season.

Repeatedly, sports analysts and local media outlets predicted Flower Mound (now 2-1) to win over Prosper (now 3-0). Yet the final score proved never to underestimate the Eagles. They walked away from Neal E. Wilson Stadium with a victory over the Jaguars on their Homecoming night. Not even Flower Mound’s student section’s rowdy cheers could have stopped the Eagles’ determination to battle throughout the game.

Prosper dominated in the first half with touchdowns from sophomore Tyler Bailey and senior J.T. Lane, making the score 36-0. The Jaguars managed to outscore the Eagles in the third quarter with three touchdowns, however, it was still not enough for Flower Mound. Prosper prevailed with a final score of 57-34.

The defensive wall

The Eagles constructed a defensive wall, which contributed to the team’s win. With a strong defense led by linebackers Aidan Siano and Tate Nichols, Flower Mound running backs had trouble gaining yardage. The Jaguar’s QB was also under constant pressure from the Eagles’ defense, with sacks from Nichols and Will Shreve.

With 45 seconds to go in the first half, defensive lineman Chase Parham recovered a fumble that set up an 80-yard pass touchdown for wide receiver Hayden Metcalf. Prosper putting up points on the scoreboard late in the second quarter put a stop to Flower Mound’s first-half progress.

Prosper’s upper hand

While Prosper graduated key players like Keegan Shoemaker, Wayne Anderson and Jostein Clarke, they are not short on offensive strength this year. Starting quarterback Jackson Berry completed 19 out of 26 passes adding up to 281 yards to end the night. Bailey scored the first two touchdowns in the first quarter and finished with 202 yards. Lane pounded the end zone with three touchdowns and was the leading rusher with 131 yards.

A strong performance from the Eagles’ offensive line, led by University of Texas commit Jake Majors and sophomore Nash Gagliano, helped establish the running and passing game from the beginning. Berry made it to the end zone with a touchdown and set up receiver Metcalf with an 80-yard pass. To round a solid performance in all facets of the game, the Eagles kickers junior Brad Larson and senior Kevin Kargozar delivered points with every kicking attempt. The Flower Mound crowd gradually became quieter as Prosper’s horn blasted throughout the night.

Hungry for another win

The Eagles’ next outing will bring them a chance to keep their undefeated streak alive as Prosper (3-0) faces McKinney High (2-1) Friday night at the McKinney ISD stadium. The Lions are coming off a win against J.J. Pearce with a final score of 57-21. Quarterback Seth Cox had 336 passing yards while ball carriers contributed 231 more rushing yards.

The Eagles’ defense needs to be aware of McKinney key players Isaiah Rojas and O.J. Ransem. With McKinney’s 587 offensive yards against Pearce’s defense, Prosper will attempt to repeat their solid defensive performance. Facing McKinney in the newly established 380 rivalry, Prosper aims to bring home a win in their first district game in 6A Region II. The Eagles will be looking to move their record to 4-0 and stay undefeated. They are currently ranked first in the district followed by fellow undefeated powerhouse Allen.