The football team will take on the Randall Raiders at the Happy State Bank Stadium for tonight’s annual GOAT game. Debatably one of the biggest games each year for the rival schools.
The Eagles come into this game 6-3 for the season, 2-2 in district play. The first two district games were losses against West Plains (39-10) and Dumas (34-29) followed by two wins against Pampa (41-6) then Hereford (41-0). Randall comes to the contest 7-2 with district wins against Dumas, Hereford and Pampa.
“Last week we had a great mindset and a great win against Hereford,” quarterback Brox Hacker said. “I think the main thing is that we stick together and play as a team.”
Hacker said the win against Hereford solidified the chemistry between the entire team and he hoped their focus and determination would fuel the playoff run that they have been working towards this year.
“That’s the great thing – we got each other’s backs,” Hacker said. “It’s a lot of dedication, practice every day and film on the weekends.”
Each week the players spend their time learning the new game plan and learning how to make adjustments to their position when facing a new opponent each week.
“We focus on one game at a time,”senior Rudy Flores said. “Everyone knows the job that they’re going to have to do and how we are going to play each play.”
Preparing for this game has not been different than other weeks and the rivalry does not have much to do with the way the Eagles spent their week.
“We know we have a tough opponent to play,” interim head football coach Matt Lovorn said. “[We] have prepared for what we need to do in the game plan for offense, defense and special teams.”
Regardless of the outcome of this game, both the Eagles and the Raiders have clenched a playoff spot. But if the Eagles win by 11 or more points they will land the number two spot in District 2-4A to play El Paso Austin. If the Eagles win by less than 11 or lose they will face El Paso Yselta.
Players to watch: Jake Doak, Noah Sanchez, Da’Keydrion Ford, Brox Hacker, Austin Turner and Bayler Schilling.
