Prep RedZone Arkansas Team Preview: Paris

One of the most improved teams in the state of Arkansas in 2020, was the Paris Eagles. The Eagles finished the 2020 season with an 11-2 record. Paris had an eight-win improvement from the 2019 season. We are going to examine the offensive and the defensive side of the ball for the Eagles. We will also give a prediction for the upcoming season and give a look ahead of key games throughout the season. The Eagles were extremely productive on the offensive side of the ball last season. In 2020, Paris quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="152798" first="Chase" last="Watts"] accounted for 40 touchdowns and over 2,000 total yards. Watts has an accurate arm and can fit the ball into his wide receivers consistently. The ability Watts has to extend drives and escape the pocket is a major plus for the Eagles. Meanwhile, the ground game for the Eagles is going to be a strong facet of the offense this season. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="152798" first="Chase" last="Watts"] is not afraid to run the football. However, [player_tooltip player_id="171190" first="Duke" last="Walker"] was impressive last season rushing for 1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns. Walker displays good bursts running the football and he is tough to bring down on first contact. Walker is the type of running back that can also be a threat in the passing game. The bottom line is the ground game is in good shape for the Eagles. As for the wide receivers for Paris, the Eagles have several talented players that have the potential to have strong 2021 seasons. The Eagles have an impressive duo at the receiver position in the forms [player_tooltip player_id="174430" first="Cooper" last="Haley"] and Blake Martines. Haley is a threat in the red zone. Last season, Haley hauled in 10 touchdown receptions. Martines has excellent speed and uses it well to create separation from the opposing defensive backs. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the football, the Eagles have some talented players on the defensive side of the ball as well. Linebacker Nate Henderson is all over the field for the Paris Eagles. Henderson racked up an impressive 103 tackles last season. The Paris defense will lean on Henderson this season. [player_tooltip player_id="171190" first="Duke" last="Walker"] will open some eyes in the way he plays the safety position. Walker is a hard hitter who does an excellent job of making plays on the ball. <strong>2021 Prediction:</strong> The game that will be circled on the calendar for Paris is the Booneville game. The Eagles will play the Bearcats on the road this season, however it should be a particularly good game. Paris has the talent to make a deep playoff run and a conference championship is not out of the question this season.