Following a close, but triumphant game against the Rock Hill Blue Hawks, the varsity Eagles football team now will face the Little Elm Lobos there tonight.

From then to Now

The ‘Battle of the Birds’ marked the second win against the Blue Hawks, since their debut in 2022. Down 13-14 in the second half, the Eagles offense stepped up, securing the 34-28 win. The Eagles now stand 3rd in district play.  The Blue Hawks sit at sixth. Little Elm will be entering their home field tonight, holding the last-place position in the 6A Region I District 5 football standings.

“(After the Rock Hill game,) I saw that we can’t get big-headed,” senior Jonah McClendon said. “We need to come out punching in order to win the (Little Elm) game .”

Tonight

Historically, the past two years, the match-up has taken place at Children’s Health Stadium, with the evening’s event being the first time the Eagles will take the road since 2020. Planning to earn their second consecutive win, following a loss in 2021, the Eagles have been sharpening their skills all week leading up to today’s event. Comparatively, the Lobos hold the 8th spot in district, below all opposing teams. Led by Head Coach Joe Castillo, the Lobos have yet to secure a win this season.

Analysis

The Eagles come into the night’s match-up with strong athletes on both sides of the ball, especially with offense. The offensive line is secure, with key players like Tulane University-commit senior Tyler Mercer, and five-star right tackle senior Ellis Davis, who has committed to Texas Tech. Passes from quarterback Nate TenBarge tie in the success, executing plays with receivers and ball carriers all across the roster. Senior running back Josh Martinez and tight end Jack Clifford join younger athletes like junior Blake Summers and Leo Anguiano and sophomore Lathon Latiolais. Each have  added points to the scoreboard every game. The cohesive work directed by offensive coordinator Malcolm Hill and Coach Brian Thompson has showed in every game this season.

“The biggest thing that we’re going to do is to make sure that our preparation is right,” Thompson said. “We’ve got to make sure that we’re focused when we come out and not assume that just because of what’s happened in the past, is going to happen again this year.”

Defensive players also take key stands in the games, holding back the opposing line, ensuring the Eagles remain in the lead. Senior team captain Davis Perkins ‘leads’ the defensive line, calling plays, alongside senior Terrence ‘TJ’ Jones, who leads the secondary. Seniors Jonah McClendon, Andrew Ward, Chase Mercer and Malique Sutherland also assist.

Despite any pros or cons the teams will bring, the play tonight will decide whether the Eagles or the Lobos add another – or even a first – win to their individual current standings. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. in the Little Elm ISD Stadium.

Gallery • 7 Photos

Riley McConnell

As he warms up before the game. senior Nate TenBarge, foot planted in mid-field, throws the ball. A notable 46-yard exchange to sophomore Lathon Latiolais, TenBarge's pass marked the first Eagle touchdown of the Rock Hill game. The offensive line made a successful turn around, after ending the first half 13-14, falling short to the Rock Hill Blue Hawks at the end of the second, but the Eagles claimed the win in the end.

Click the photo above to start a slideshow with information about the varsity football game Friday, Sept. 22, against the Rock Hill Blue Hawks.

Who: Prosper Eagle Varsity Football team – Led by head coach Tyler Moore

What: Varsity football game against Rock Hill High School

When: Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

Where: Children’s Health Stadium at Prosper ISD

What’s next: The Eagles will play Little Elm High School, Friday, Sept. 29. The game will take place at Little Elm ISD Stadium at 7:00 p.m.