Slow start dooms East Prairie in 45-20 loss at Caruthersville

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. — East Prairie came out sluggish, and Caruthersville took advantage, scoring early and often. By the time East Prairie woke up, it was too late as the Eagles (3-5) could not overcome the slow start, falling 45-20 to the Tigers (5-3) on Friday, October 13.

“We came out a little unfocused and didn’t get started until the second quarter,” said East Prairie coach David Stalker. “We made a lot of mistakes early on in the game. But the team pulled together and we started playing better after we found a groove. We were able to fight through the adversity that presented itself. The kids could have given up but they pulled together and we finished it out.”

Before East Prairie could blink, they trailed 25-0 and had a mountain to climb.

East Prairie's Ty Wallace (1) throws at Caruthersville on Friday, October 13, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Kylie White)

First, the Tigers returned the kickoff for a touchdown. Then, Caruthersville scored two more touchdowns on runs 28 and 48 yards. And finally, an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

“The biggest challenge facing Caruthersville was the speed they have across the field,” Stalker said. “They swarm well defensively and we had to be okay with just getting hard yards that didn’t break for big gains. Our kids played tough and took on the challenge, we just started a little late.”

East Prairie narrowed the lead to 31-20 in the third quarter after back-to-back touchdown runs, but Caruthersville sealed the deal with a pair of long touchdown runs (50 yards and 71 yards).

East Prairie's Connor Marcum (5) makes a tackle at Caruthersville on Friday, October 13, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Kylie White)

Tavion Ware and Connor Marcum were East Prairie’s top performers.

Ware finished with 38 carries for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He also made a reception for 22 yards.

Marcum ended the game with three receptions for 64 yards, nine rushes for 38 yards, and a touchdown.

Braylan Cade added 39 yards on 13 attempts.

East Prairie will conclude its regular season at Fredericktown (1-7), while Caruthersville hosts Hayti (1-6) on Friday, October 20.