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After eight season games and four playoff rounds, the 2020-2021 Eagles football season came to an end with a record of 8-4 overall. After their close win against the McKinney Boyd Broncos Dec. 4, Prosper advanced to the UIL 6A Division II playoffs. Throughout the playoffs, the Eagles had games that the team described as memorable.

In the playoffs, the Eagles won against Flower Mound Marcus Marauders 38-19 Dec. 12, the Arlington Bowie Volunteers 28-7 Dec. 19 and the V. R. Eaton Eagles 27-17 Dec. 26. With these victories, the team earned the titles of  Bi-District, Area and Regional Semifinal Champions.

However, during round four, the Eagles suffered a loss to the Denton Guyer Wildcats 30-24 in triple overtime, putting an end to their season. Earlier in the regular season, the Eagles played the Wildcats and ended up in a close loss, 24-23, Oct. 30.

Throughout the fall, the team said there was chemistry on the field between the whole team, resulting in their success.

Senior quarterback Jackson Berry helped the Eagles with his ability to throw passes and communicate with various wide receivers and tight ends. Berry made touchdowns himself, running the ball. Berry committed to Southern Utah State University’s football team as the upcoming quarterback. 

“I’m proud of this team and how we battled,” Berry said. “I had a great time this whole season.”

Junior running back, Noah Billings, accumulated 958 yards and five touchdowns throughout the season. 

Both junior wide receiver Tyler Bailey and senior tight end Cameron Harpole produced many of the team’s touchdowns and running yards. During the postseason, they both gained at least two touchdowns individually each game. 

“All the seniors who are graduating, those are like my brothers, and I won’t get to play with them again,” Bailey said. “We played our hearts out. That’s all I could ask us to do.”

Senior safety Ryan Medeiros concluded the season with 85 tackles, 50 of those being solo, 35 being assists. He also had two interceptions, four forced fumbles and eight pass breakups. 

“The loss against Guyer was a tough one,” Medeiros said. “We worked the whole season, but it happened for a reason.”

Senior middle linebacker Aidan Siano proved to be a key player for the defense, despite an ankle injury in the middle of the season. Siano made important sacks and tackles and forced turnovers that helped the Eagles. He will be attending Rice University next year to continue his football career.

“I just hope we left this program better than we found it,” Siano said. “We fought hard this season, and I’m proud of that.”

Senior kicker Brad Larson ended this season with 20 offers from various colleges. Larson contributed to the Eagles’ success, especially during their close games because of extra-point kicks and field goals. 

Throughout the season, Larson had an on-going fundraiser for childhood cancer that raised money for each point scored by him, mostly being from extra-point kicks. 

“I started the fundraiser my junior year because being a kid who had to beat cancer, I know how hard it was on my family,” Larson said. “I wanted to make it easier for those families and kids who are dealing with that now. Since I’ve started, I’ve raised around $6,500. The fundraiser is a motivation to do that much better during each game.”

COVID-19 uncertainties left players, coaches and fans wondering about the outcome of this season. Only 20 out of 50 states participated in football playoffs, according to MaxPreps. Coaches and players said they are grateful for a great season, despite this year’s challenges. 

“I am just so thankful we had the opportunity to get to play at all,” head coach Brandon Schmidt said. “It was awesome to get to have another season with these seniors.”