By Dan Hardenbrook
A long and frustrating football season saw a high point for the Engadine Eagles in a 44-12 Homecoming night victory over the Superior Central Cougars. The Eagles picked up their second win of the season in impressive fashion, playing one of their most complete games in years and completely controlled the contest.
The Eagles are often outnumbered and outmanned, but despite only having 11 players in uniform, they wouldn’t be deterred on a cold blustery night in which the whole town got to celebrate. The Eagles came out and struck early, taking control they would never relinquish in their biggest victory since 2019.
The Eagles took the opening possession and marched right down the field, running the ball on every play. Hayden O’Neil broke multiple big plays on the drive and set up Kaeden Sistrunk, who punched it in for the first TD of the night.
The Cougars quickly responded and it looked like it would be a shootout between two teams desperately wanting a win. Another impressive drive on the ground was sparked by a deep pass from QB Perrson McKeage to set up another short touchdown run, and the Eagles were ready to take flight. A miscue on a Cougars punt attempt set Engadine up with a short field and they quickly converted on a touchdown run by O’Neil. McKeage came back with a 55-yard scoring pass late in the second quarter and the Eagles were up 3 scores going into halftime.
While the Eagles offense was clicking, the defense was punishing, forcing multiple turnovers and creating constant pressure in the backfield. When they got the ball back they continued using their speed, especially on the edge. The Eagles broke off multiple big gains again in the second half as McNeil, McKeague, and Sistrunk kept control of the football and the clock to lead the Eagles to the victory.
Engadine’s win puts them at 2-6 on the season and gives them momentum heading into their rivalry showdown with Newberry to wrap up the regular season. The Eagles are seeking their first 8-man win over Newberry at any level, and look to win the Little Brown Jug for the first time in the trophy’s short history.
