Prep Football Preview: Marquee Matchup

There's no doubt that Brandon Hampton has seen the peak and valleys of Eldorado football.

The Eagles' head coach has been there for the good times and the bad times, the best time came after last Friday's win at Fairfield.

There wasn't much time for celebration as Hampton and his staff quickly turned their attention from Fairfield to a Johnston City ballclub that is 5-1.

The schedule doesn't really get all that easier with three games left on the docket. After tonight, Eldorado will travel to Chester (5-1) and then close out the season at home against Vienna-Goreville (0-5, 1-5).

"Those are the games you want to coach in and those are the games you want to play in," Hampton said. "Those are the games that fans want to see, but we try to just continue to look at it as one game at a time and the challenge early this week is focusing on Johnston City and so far, I think they have done a very good job of that.

"We as coaches have turned the page really quick and now we have to continue to remember how we got to be 5-1 and what we did that got us here."

Hampton talked how improving each week, working hard and giving that great effort on Friday night has been key to the Eagles success and in looking to boost their playoff implications, hoping that formula doesn't stop.

"We've peaked pretty early and been a roller coaster type team in some of the past years," Hampton added." I told the guys this earlier in the week, the one thing I respect from them is they have handled each situation. They are never too high or too low. The stage has never gotten too big from them and they just move on to the next challenge.

Hampton argues that Johnston City is the "most improved football team in southern Illinois."

"They really struggled a year ago, but they have gone back to running the football and being sound defensively," Hampton said. "As I look at them each week, they have improved as the season has gone on."

Hampton acknowledges that neither his Eagles or JC were supposed to be sitting in that spot they are now, both sporting a 5-1 record, but also relishes the opportunity to display both teams Friday night in what has become a new rivalry in the Black Diamond Conference.

"Last time we were at home we made some strides to help our atmosphere and we had a huge crowd. The kids really responded to the pre game stuff we were trying to get done. When you can get your hometown crowd behind you, it certainly gives you a pep in your step."

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