East Prairie drops opener to Perryville; Jackson rolls

EAST PRAIRIE-- If there was ever a good feeling that came after a 26-12 loss, the East Prairie Eagles felt it.

After suffering through two years and only one win to show for it, the Eagles' 14-point loss to Class 4 Perryville was a small sign things are looking up.

Last year, East Prairie fell to the same Pirates team 41-0.

"I really feel like tonight we had something to build on," East Prairie head coach Chad Jamerson said Friday night. "We can show our kids the film, and we made some mistakes, but we can say 'look what you did.' Our guys fought for all four quarters."

The Eagles were down just 19-12 with minutes left in the game but a botched snap near the endzone led to a Perryville touchdown.

"We're very proud of our effort," Jamerson said. "We're trying to make a tough game into a good situation."

Quarterback Brett Ellis completed 9 of 15 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown for East Prairie. Deverance Jones finished with a touchdown catch and 82 receiving yards. Boyd Thompson chipped in with 26 receiving yards.

East Prairie will travel to Hillsboro next Friday to take on Grandview.

Jackson 47, North County 13

JACKSON -- Junior quarterback Dante Vandeven and senior running back Garrett Miller each rushed for three touchdowns as Jackson opened the season by beating visiting North County 47-13 Friday night.

Vandeven also threw for a touchdown. He rushed for 147 yards on 13 carries and completed 13 of 15 passes for 113 yards.

Miller gained 176 yards on 12 carries, including fourth-quarter touchdown runs of 56 and 33 yards.

The Indians led just 21-13 entering the fourth quarter before breaking the game open with 26 points in the final period.

North County senior quarterback Wyatt Compton completed 21 of 35 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 75 yards and a TD.

SOFTBALL

Oran 2, St. Vincent 1

ORAN -- The Oran Lady Eagles softball team pulled out a slim 2-1 victory over St. Vincent Friday at home.

Aubrianna Jones was Oran's winning pitcher. She also had two hits, including a triple. Chrissy Sauceda aded two singles.

Oran (2-0) will host Neelyville Tuesday at 4 p.m.