Eagles edge Jaguars in district battle

Despite some second half trouble, Eisenhower controlled in the early going and got its first district win on Friday’s matchup defeating Southmoore, 42-35.

Eagles’ head coach Javon Harris was happy with tonight’s win against a school with a reputation like Southmoore’s.

“Coming off three losses and to see our guys persevere, it was great to get a win. We’ve had some injuries and are battling through adversity and playing some good teams like a respected Southmoore club…it goes back to these guy’s work,” said Harris. “They’re showing up every day, not wavering from losses, and wanting to build and get better as a team.“

Eisenhower’s second-half performance was not as polished as the first, but Harris sees tonight as a lesson and an opportunity for his kids to learn from their mistakes.

“The biggest thing is to have the guys understand that we’re winning,” he said. “Don’t fall because of whatever the other team is doing, we’re winning the game. Stay up and keep the same mentality throughout the game.”

Eisenhower managed to come up with a big touchdown play that gave the Eagles a comfortable lead heading into the second half with just four minutes left.

On first down from its own 37-yard-line, quarterback Charlie Tratche lobbed a pass over the Sabercat defense and into the hands of receiver Serri Sheridan who made the catch and ran 40 yards for the touchdown. That play gave Eisenhower a 35-8 lead which the Eagles would hold going into halftime.

Sheridan had some great plays from each side of the ball. On special teams he returned a kickoff 70 yards to set his team up on the 15-yard line with only a minute elapsed in the second quarter. On defense, Sheridan caught an interception as the clock expired before halftime.

Trachte had an efficient first half converting on 9 of his 15 passes. The Eagles were able to gain 184 yards from the pass in the first half, 152 of those yards were between Trachte and Sheridan. In total the duo gained 177 yards from the pass.

Running back Rashurd Hurt had a solid night running the ball and helped Eisenhower get to an early lead, running in the Eagle’s first three touchdowns of the half. Hurt ran for 130 yards on the night and was also crowned homecoming king.

Southmoore rallied in the second half to bring the score within one touchdown, but the Eagles came up big and got their first and only touchdown of the second half following a touchdown from the Sabercats with 11 minutes remaining in the game.

Eisenhower did a good job wasting as much clock time as they could, spending seven minutes on the drive. On second and goal from the five-yard line, Hurt hurried to the end zone and dove headfirst into the corner pylon to secure the Eagle’s final touchdown. That play gave them a two-touchdown lead with only four minutes remaining.

“I was proud of my coaches. We’ve grown as a group. They called the game, didn’t waver, had some great decision making, and helped me with some calls as well. I’m really proud of our coaches and kids for persevering and getting the win,” said Harris.