Eagle s suffer First Conference Loss at Magnet Cove, But Title hopes still alive as Glen Rose comes to a spooky Eagle Stadium.

Andrew Wells Paris Alumni and Arkansas Tech Student

The Paris Eagles took their first conference loss last Friday on the road against the Magnet Cove Panthers, falling 28-20. After a scoreless opening quarter, the Panthers broke through with a 37-yard touchdown run followed by a successful two-point conversion. Paris answered with a touchdown of its own, making the deficit 8-6 at halftime. 

Magnet Cove extended its lead in the third quarter with two more scores before the Eagles struck again to make it a one-possession game. After scoring their own two-point conversion, Paris closed the gap to 20-14 in the fourth quarter. The Panthers responded with another rushing touchdown late in the game, although the Eagles found the end zone again with just 53 seconds remaining, their onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, sealing the 28-20 final. 

Quarterback Josh Honea completed 10 of 19 passes for 129 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, while also adding a rushing touchdown. Dimitri Capo led the team in receiving with 81 yards and a touchdown, and Ty Farmer added 21 yards and another score. 

Defensively, Jayden Carter paced the Eagles with 13 tackles, followed closely by Landon Robberson with nine. Defensive backs Harley Barnhill and Athan Wells each recorded key interceptions to help keep Paris within striking distance. Despite outgaining Magnet Cove in total offense, three costly turnovers ultimately proved too much to overcome. 

The loss drops Paris to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play. Next up, the Eagles will host conference favorite Glen Rose this Friday, October 31st, for Senior Night. The Beavers enter at 7-1 and undefeated in 3A-4 play, having dominated their conference opponents by an average margin of 43 points. Their only loss came in a non-conference matchup against Bismark. 

With Glen Rose standing atop the conference, this Halloween showdown will be a must-win for Paris to stay in the hunt for the 3A-4 title.