Prep Football: Wide Open Race

Posted October 04, 2014 11:00 pm

It might not be much of a feather in the cap, but Brandon Hampton is hoping recent success will stay on Eldorado's side.

The Eagle head football coach was the only team to knock off Fairfield a year ago and has two of the last three wins against the Mules.

If Hampton and the Eagles (4-1) want another one against 5-0 Fairfield, it likely won't come without a fight and Hampton knows it.

"These are two physical teams and will come down to the wire, just like it usually always has."

A combined 6.5 points have been the margin of average win the last three years between the two schools and while Eldorado has had more than convincing wins the past three weeks, Hampton knows this game will come down to defense as much as it will offense.

Fairfield hasn't scored fewer than 38 points in five games this year, while Eldorado has given up a season high 28 in its lone loss to Carmi-White County.

"Fairfield is a much more physical offense than say, C-Z-R, Fulton City or Hamilton County. They will line up foot-to-foot and run more of a spread offense and will try and beat you on the perimeter with the run. It will come down to who can hold up physically on both sides of the ball."

In last week's win against Hamilton County, Hampton applauded his squad for the strides they have made defensively in recent weeks, starting nine new players on defense.

"We just can't give up the big play and that's how Fairfield tries to hurt you. They remind me a lot of us last year with some of their big play guys. They have that ability."

A win against Fairfield could do wonders for the Eagles in the Black Diamond Conference race. Fairfield is the only team still unbeaten after Chester lost to Johnston City last week.

Eldorado still has game's against Chester and JC, but knows this game is just as important as any other.

"It's the next game on the schedule, so it's the one that matters the most. Win or lose."

Michael Dann covers prep and college sports for the Harrisburg Daily Register. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.