From Press Reports

The Eupora Eagles are one of eight teams left in the 2A state football playoffs.

They earned this honor with an impressive victory over region 4-2A runnerup Leflore County. The Tigers came in with high hopes but left with hurt feelings as the Eagles dominated this rain-drenched game from start to finish.

The Eupora defense was its usual stingy self giving up only 6 points and 71 total yards. This was even more amazing when you consider the fact that 56 yards and 6 points were recorded against the JV unit by the Leflore regulars.

The offense ran all over the Tigers. Shawn Ashford scored on a 30 yard td run with 9:03 left in the first quarter. With the rain pouring down Coach Junior Graham decided against kicking extra points and went for two each time. DeMarcus Pass ran the first 2 point try in.

Eagle quarterback Tre' McCarthy recorded the next td at the 6:49 mark of the first period on a 1 yard plunge. This was set up by Pass's 44 yard run on the previous play. McCarthy took care of the 2 point try himself and the Eagles were up 16 to 0.

The defense got in on the scoring next when Shawn Ashford sacked the Tiger quarterback for a safety. Lightning struck quickly again as Ashford raced 76 yards for another Eagle td. Ashford had another td from 1 yard out and Pass added another one himself from the 11 yard line.

Eupora was up 36 to 0 early in the second half and Coach Graham decided to give everyone a chance to get his nice uniform really muddy. He was proud to get everybody in the game but I'm sure he's still doing laundry as you're reading this.

This week is another challenge for Eupora as some history has been made in Mississippi High School football. For the first time ever the result of a football game has been changed. The winner of the Leland/Walnut game is opposite the Eagles in the playoff bracket.

Originally Leland was declared the winner of the game in a controversial decision. After reviewing the events the MHSAA executive committee awarded Walnut the win. This was done at 9:30 A.M. Tuesday.

During the time before the ruling Leland and Walnut knew if they played it would be Eupora, but the Eagle coaches had to prepare for Leland and then Tuesday shift gears to get ready for Walnut. This gives Coach Graham and his staff only a couple of days to get ready for the game.

The game will be at Walnut Friday night at 7 P.M. There will be a fan bus going to the game. If you are interested in riding the bus please contact Mayor Tommy Lott, Tommy Gladney or Ken Graham, seats will be limited so please call ahead. Please make the trip and help our Eagles make all this arguing from Walnut and Leland pointless with a Eupora win.