Prosper prepares for homecoming game against McKinney Boyd

Ana Arredondo and Grace Williamson

After coming off a bye-week, The Eagles suffered a tough loss against the Jesuit Rangers last Friday night. Prosper now sports a 5-1 record and has dropped to No. 3 in the district standings. Jesuit’s plan going into the game was to be the more physical team, which showed out as they had four touchdowns just in the first half. The Eagles’ defense had a hard time stopping the ball. Key players Will Pendergast and Malachai Edwards were sidelined due to injuries, making it hard for the defensive line to stop Jesuit running back E.J. Smith.

The offense tried to gain yardage, but were restrained throughout. Just as their first down came in the late first quarter, the Rangers had already amounted a 20-point lead.  Despite this, Tyler Bailey caught a 14-yard pass to put up points for Prosper at the end of the first quarter. Yet, the offense gave up several turnovers and quarterback Jackson Berry threw three interceptions.  Hayden Metcalf’s 12-yard catch gained Prosper points in the third quarter, but the Eagles were unable to rebound against Jesuit’s final score of 41-14.

Homecoming Comeback

Prosper is heading into the homecoming matchup against McKinney Boyd tonight. The Broncos are coming straight off a win against Plano West, 35-22. The Eagles have been diligent during practice to play to the best of their abilities this week.

We’re going to make McKinney Boyd kids regret playing football.

— Herman Lee

McKinney Boyd’s wide receiver, Kareem Coleman, is a key player against Prosper defense in this match. Defense needs to be fast to avoid any outmaneuvering by Coleman. Keep an eye on the blue and red No. 4 jersey to find out if he can take defensive players Aidan Siano, Tate Nichols and Herman Lee.

With Boyd running back Jatyler Shat injured and out of commission, head coach Joe McBride plans to rotate safeties Plae Wyatt and Jake Fex throughout the game. Just last game against Plano West, Fex rushed for 112 yards. Because of this secondary rotation, the Prosper defensive line will have to be on their toes to restrain the Boyd offense.

Berry threw for 150 yards in last week’s match against Jesuit, and completed 60% of passes. In comparison, Boyd quarterback Carter Whitefield threw 177 yards completing 72% of his passes and rushed for a touchdown himself. Prosper’s homecoming game will be an interesting fight as the Eagles will try to stay in third place standings.

The Children’s Health Stadium gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The band will perform their “Reign” production before the game. Prior to kickoff, Gametime’s live show will air at 6:30 p.m. During half time, homecoming court will be announced, and the queen and king will be crowned.