SportsAugust 26, 2023
East Prairie prevails 28-24 over Charleston in unforgettable season opener
EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — In a gridiron clash that will be remembered for years to come, East Prairie toppled Charleston with a breathtaking 28-24 victory on Friday, August 25 at Eagles Stadium. Facing an opponent known for their physicality and dominant linemen, the Eagles (1-0) defied the odds by establishing an unyielding ground-and-pound attack that left the Bluejays (0-1) reeling...
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat
EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — In a gridiron clash that will be remembered for years to come, East Prairie toppled Charleston with a breathtaking 28-24 victory on Friday, August 25 at Eagles Stadium.
Facing an opponent known for their physicality and dominant linemen, the Eagles (1-0) defied the odds by establishing an unyielding ground-and-pound attack that left the Bluejays (0-1) reeling.
“There were so many positives coming out of tonight and I’m so excited heading into next week,” said East Prairie coach David Stalker. “We knew that Charleston had a really big line and they were going to play physically. But we came out and had a more physical mindset than we ever had before. So many kids came out here tonight and we’re big-time leaders for us.”
The pivotal factor behind East Prairie’s win was the character and exemplary command showcased by the players throughout the game.
“I’m ecstatic,” Stalker said. “My kids played with a lot of heart tonight and showed a lot of leadership. That’s what won the game.
“We didn’t underestimate Charleston at all,” he continued. “They have one of the best coaching staffs in southeast Missouri. Coach [Justin] Hutchings runs a good program over there and I can’t say enough good things about him, but our kids took over. They came out here and did what they needed to do.”
The Eagles started the game with a strong defensive stand, forcing the Bluejays to punt on the opening drive of the game.
Seizing the momentum and demonstrating their commitment to a smash-mouth style of football, East Prairie’s offense took the field with a fiery resolve, orchestrating a masterful drive by meticulously marching down the field in a seven-play, 51-yard drive, with six of those plays exhibiting their mighty running game.
The drive ended with a powerful 3-yard touchdown run by sophomore Tavion Ware with four minutes and 52 seconds left in the first quarter.
“Last year we couldn’t get in different formations because we were so young,” Stalker said. “This year we are more prepared and it’s starting to open up some more things that we can do.”
The Bluejays’ early offensive struggles continued on its subsequent drive as a series of unfortunate high snaps left them in a dire 3rd and 37 predicament, ultimately forcing the team to punt once again.
In a dazzling display of offensive brilliance, East Prairie further widened the gap, surging to a commanding 14-0 lead with 1:37 left in the opening quarter. The moment arrived when junior Ty Wallace unleashed a perfectly placed pass, finding its mark in the streaking hands of junior Connor Marcum, and Wallace ran in the ensuing two-point conversion.
As the game progressed, it seemed that East Prairie was destined for a lopsided victory.
It appeared the game was heading toward being a blowout after East Prairie junior Brian Bazan recovered a fumble near midfield on the ensuing Charleston drive.
Hopes were high for the Eagles to capitalize on the takeaway, however, the offense faltered and punted.
But just when it seemed the momentum might swing, Bazan once again emerged as a game-changer, recovering yet another fumble.
“Getting the ball back means everything to me,” Bazan said. “It means the world to me to be able to give my guys on offense the opportunity to go and score. It’s only up from here. East Prairie football, we are on the come-up.”
Despite East Prairie’s initial dominance, they were once again forced to punt, providing Charleston with another much-needed opportunity to awaken their slumbering offense.
The Bluejays swiftly shifted gears and ignited a drive that covered 57 yards in just five plays. The drive concluded with a sensational 23-yard touchdown pass from senior Ko’Terrion Owens to junior Tayshon Clark. Senior J’Maurion Robinson ran in the two-point conversion to narrow the lead to 14-8 with 2:51 until halftime.
The Eagles delivered another devastating haymaker right before halftime. With less than three minutes remaining, East Prairie embarked on an eight-play, 74-yard drive that displayed the team’s determination and efficiency.
The crescendo of this impressive march came when Wallace once again connected with Marcum, resulting in a 12-yard touchdown with nine seconds left on the clock.
The weight of this explosive scoring left Charleston grabbing with the daunting task of mounting a comeback, their confidence shaken and the uphill battle ahead seeming all the more insurmountable.
East Prairie’s decision to defer possession and receive the kickoff in the second half added another layer of pressure for Charleston. With this strategic move, the Eagles not only had the lead but also they would have the opportunity to do further damage after halftime.
Charleston found a glimmer of hope and gained some much-needed momentum when junior DeShaun Henderson made a game-altering play, forcefully stripping the ball from an East Prairie ballcarrier and recovering the fumble at midfield.
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The play injected the Bluejays with renewed energy and provided the team with an opportunity to turn the tide of the game.
Henderson’s exceptional defensive effort not only halted East Prairie’s progress but also ignited a spark, revitalizing and setting the stage for a comeback.
With 9:59 left in the fourth quarter, senior Zachyran Thomas broke free for an incredible 69-yard touchdown run. The Bluejays’ sideline and fans erupted as the score narrowed to 20-16 after Owen ran in the two-point conversion.
Fueled by its newfound momentum, Charleston attempted an onside kick and successfully recovered the ball.
Owens again proved crucial as he powered through the defense for a 2-yard touchdown run with 7:18 left in the game, giving the Bluejays their first lead of the game, 24-20, after another two-point run by Owens.
“At halftime, none of my players were gassed,” said Charleston coach Justin Hutchings. “However, we noticed [East Prairie] was having some issues with cramps. I urged our team to capitalize on their energy and I challenged them to leave everything out on the field. They did that tonight. We managed to come back, but unfortunately, some things just didn’t our way or in our favor.”
Despite surrendering the lead, East Prairie refused to fold under the pressure.
Stalker initially favored the passing game on the late-game drive. However, Wallace had a different perspective. He displayed immense confidence in the team’s rushing attack.
“It wasn’t that Wallace didn’t want the ball in his hands or the opportunity to make the winning play,” Stalker said. “But it was that he was that confident in the team’s backs to drive down the field.”
Yet, it was a passing play that ultimately became the defining moment of the drive.
Again, Wallace connected with Marcum, who showed off his elusiveness and speed after the catch. Marcum’s impressive work allowed him to gain 40 yards, propelling the Eagles to the 5-yard line.
“The leadership among those kids was amazing tonight,” Stalker said.
With time ticking away and the stakes soaring, junior Braylan Cade exploded through the defense on fourth down, scoring a 2-yard touchdown with 3:07 left in the game.
Wallace also refused to be denied and crashed into the endzone on the two-point conversion attempt, widening the lead to 28-24.
“[Wallace] makes up pretty dangerous,” Stalker said. “I’m so proud of these kids for overcoming that adversity. I’m also proud of not only their play on the field but for their leadership and attitudes on the sideline.”
With the outcome hanging in the balance, the East Prairie defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs with about 90 seconds left to seal the victory.
“We confronted adversity head-on,” Bazan said. “Despite facing challenging moments, we lifted our heads high and excelled.”
In terms of total yardage, East Prairie edged Charleston 334-329.
Wallace had an impressive game, completing 7-of-11 pass attempts for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
He connected frequently with his favorite target, Marcum, who rushed seven times for 79 yards and caught four receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
Ware contributed with 16 rushes and 49 yards and a touchdown despite battling cramps, while Cade ran 12 times for 41 yards and a touchdown and caught a pass for 14 yards.
Other notable contributors for the Eagles were Rudy Arizmendi (four rushes for 35 yards), Bazan (two rushes for 13 yards) and Wallace (three rushes for six yards).
Owens connected on 3-of-7 throws for 55 yards and a touchdown and also ran for a score. Thomas was the Bluejays’ leading rusher, tallying 116 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.
Robinson had a strong showing with 80 yards on 12 attempts. Clark had three rushes for 60 yards and made two receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown.
Charleston’s other top performers were sophomores Tim Frazier (one rush for 16 yards) and Kaden Branum (four rushes for 21 yards). Henderson chipped in with one catch for 30 yards.
Both teams had issues with penalties. East Prairie committed 11 penalties for 65 yards, while Charleston had a staggering 20 penalties for 120 yards.
“We definitely had our fair share of mistakes that held us back,” Hutchings said. “Like I mentioned this summer, we have a lot of young, first-year players, so it’s no surprise that we made some of those small errors that lead to penalties. Unfortunately, we had several instances where our own mistakes killed our drives and swung the momentum against us.
“But these guys are a serious group,” he continued. “Once we put in that extra work, get things rolling and iron out a few things, I think we’re going to be a pretty good team.”
Charleston will host Chaffee (0-1) on Thursday, August 31, while East Prairie will host New Madrid County Central (0-0) on Friday, September 1.
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