Defense coming up big for Eagles

Paris is off to its best start since 1956 thanks to a high-powered offense, but the Eagles have also been spurred by a stingy defense.

The Eagles (6-0, 2-0 3A-4 Conference) are averaging 43 points per game following a 57-26 win over Baptist Prep. But coach Tyler Clark said his opportunistic defense has also done a great job.

The Paris defense has

forced 20 turnovers in six games and came up with a defensive touchdown in each of the last five games. Clark said good overall speed is one asset for the unit.

“They understand the concept of rallying and flying to the football,”

Clark said.

“All summer long we stressed getting to the football.”

The trio of Jimmy

Dikeman,

Duke Walker

and Nathan Henderson have

keyed the defense with one at each level. Dikeman, 6-2, 315-pound senior, always requires attention from more than one lineman, Clark said.

“He has just been dominating at the line of scrimmage,” Clark said. “And that lets our linebackers run free and make plays.”

Henderson leads the team with 46 tackles and a pair of defensive touchdowns. He’s got a pick-six and a scoop and score. Dikeman, the nose guard, has 30 tackles and two takeaways, too. Walker, the team’s leading rusher with 492 yards and seven touchdowns on offense, also has 32 tackles and an interception playing in the secondary.

That defense should be tested Friday when the Eagles take on 5-1 Atkins. The Red Devils are also averaging around 40 points per game and have some speed.

Clark expects a good game provided his team does its part.

“If we come and play, it should be a really good football game,” Clark said. “I think speed is one of our strengths, too. They’ve got some size up front and we’ve got some size, too. I expect it to be a dogfight. I really do.”

— Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB

Clark