Eagles qualify for playoffs

EAST PRAIRIE -- The East Prairie Eagles made their way into the playoffs on Thursday evening by defeating the visiting Malden Green Wave 14-0. Through rough field conditions and steady rain the Eagles held on tight for their first playoff visit since 1994.

East Prairie's Kaleb Williford is tackled by Malden's Patrick Wilson (20) and Raymond Wilson (5) Thursday night in East Prairie. (Josh Mills, Staff)

East Prairie's Kaleb Williford is tackled by Malden's Patrick Wilson (20) and Raymond Wilson (5) Thursday night in East Prairie. (Josh Mills, Staff)

"It's been a great season and a great year," said East Prairie head coach Jason Aycock after the win. "God's blessed us. I've been blessed with some good players and some just overall hard-nosed players."

Although the Green Wave had success at times through the air, they went to the ground game more often than not, where East Prairie's 'hard-nosed' defense was solid. Malden was held to just 59 yards on the ground, mainly behind Raymond Wilson who had 52 of the 59 total yards.

The Eagles' running trio of Aaron Miller, Zach Shipman and Kaleb Williford combined for 141 yards on the ground, laying the foundation for two scores. Williford had 21 carries for 84 yards. Aycock said that his senior back was due.

"Kaleb packs a punch back there," Aycock said of Williford. "In our power game right there he's good for at least two yards, even if there isn't a hole there. That's one thing I wanted to use him at. He's a senior and he's due and I wanted to give him a shot."

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