East Prairie earns playoffs spot with win over Malden

EAST PRAIRIE -- The East Prairie Eagles made their way into the playoffs on Thursday evening by defeating the visiting Malden Green Wave 14-0.

Playing in rough field conditions, the Eagles held on tight for their first playoff visit since 1994.

Although the Green Wave had success at times through the air, they went to the ground game more often than not, where the East Prairie defense was solid.

Malden was held to just 59 yards on the ground, mainly behind Raymond Wilson who had 52 of the 59 total yards.

The Eagles' running trio of Aaron Miller, Zach Shipman and Kaleb Williford combined for 141 yards on the ground, laying the foundation for two scores.

The first score came in the air from Connor Scott to Phillip Latamondeer from eight yards out with 3:08 left in the second quarter.

A failed extra-point attempt left East Prairie's lead at 6-0, which is where it stood at half.

The second and final score of the game came after a drive that was led by the three Eagle backs. Scott pushed across the goalline for a 1-yard touchdown run with 6:39 left in the game.

Following a 2-point conversion pass to Miller the score was 14-0, where it ended as time expired minutes later.

East Prairie finished the regular season with an 8-2 record and will head to Crystal City on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m for the regional round of the state playoffs.