By Kazi Nassif

Coming off a 26-3 loss at Irving Nimitz, the Eagles will begin their district schedule against Pearce in the “Battle for Belt Line.” They will look to improve on their 0-3 record.

Head Coach Greg Pels believes that the team has made progress early in the season an said they are close to putting it all together.

“Well obviously we want to win, but I think we’ve been competing at a high level,” Pels said. “We took those nonconference games as a chance to improve, and we’re getting better every practice and every game.

After losing a few players to injury, Pels believes in the “next man up” philosophy and will not alter his gameplan for the Pearce game.

“Regardless of what happens regarding injuries, we’ve got a football game to go out and play,” Pels said. “We’re going to get some bumps and bruises along the way, but we don’t really worry about it. it creates and oppurtunity for another student athlete, and we expect them to step up.”

Pels says that RHS-Pearce rivalry is important off the field, but just another game on the field.

“It’s an important game because it’s the next one, and we treat every game as important as any other,” Pels said. “The rivalry and all of that stuff is for the student body, fans and alumni to create a great atmosphere for our performers and football players.”

Senior kicker and punter Case Ritter says that three games into the new season, the young Eagles have made significant progress towards winning their district opener.

“For most of our team, this is their first time playing varsity football,” Ritter said. “Once we work out those jitters, you’re going to see a great team. We want to start district play 1-0 so that we can start on a strong note.”

Senior outside linebacker Preston Abadie feels that the team’s approach to practice will help give them the edge for the upcoming game.

“During the bye week we practiced just like another week,” Abadie said. “We practiced early with full pads, something I doubt other teams did.”

Abadie says that he is very excited for his final game against Pearce, which could mark the turning point in the Eagles season.

“The Pearce game is pretty important to me because it’s senior year,” Abadie said. “What better way to celebrate the last year of high school than kicking some pony butt.”