Hawks host Leopards in key district game

TEXARKANA, Texas - It's always a festive time around Texarkana when two city teams play each other in football.

When Pleasant Grove and Liberty-Eylau have their annual clash on the gridiron, it adds a little more energy to the event.

The Hawks (6-2, 3-0) host the Leopards (5-3, 2-1) for Senior Night at Hawk Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. for the District 8-4A, Division II game.

"It is going to be an emotional game because it is our Senior Night," Pleasant Grove coach Josh Gibson said. "It is the last home game for the seniors. They have been involved in three long seasons, and they are looking for a fourth. Knowing that it is over on their home field is sad for those guys."

Last season, PG defeated L-E at Harris Field, 45-6.

With both schools records seemingly mirroring one another, playoff seeding is at stake between each squad.

"It's going to be a big ball game," Liberty-Eylau head coach Dewaski Davis said. "It's going to have the playoff atmosphere. Both of us are getting ready for the playoffs.

"It's a big game for the town of Texarkana. It's also for some bragging right as well."

The Hawks have given up an average of 11.5 points per game, while the Leopards have surrendered an average of 16.6 points per game.

"The first thing that sticks out to me about Liberty-Eylau is their athleticism," Gibson said. "They are really athletic. They did a good job in the secondary creating some turnovers against Gilmer. I think they have a good football team. I think they are playing better defensively than they are offensively. They aren't putting up as many points right now, but they still have athletes that can make a team pay."

Both Liberty-Eylau and Pleasant Grove have dealt with COVID as best they could, with neither team having to forfeit a game due to a outbreak. Both schools have had cancellations during the season, but the canceled game was called by the opposing school.

"We're playing for seeding right now, more so than anything," Davis said. "A win would give us better grip on the second seed and possibly a shot at the first seed.

"The doors are open and the window of opportunity is there."

With a game between rival schools, emotions can run at an all-time high but both coaches expect their team to be focused at the task at hand.

PG plans to attack the Leopards' defense with a versatile ground attack.

"Offensively, we are going to do what we do," Gibson said. "We have been playing solid football the last couple of weeks, and we are going to play our aggressive style of football. A lot of different backs will get to carry the football."

L-E will try to keep the game within their plan, to take the short road victory.

"We want to contain their offense and try to get some stops," Davis said. "We also want to make their defense play extended drives. We want to have ball control and take care of that part of the game."

Upcoming Events