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When the season started, Prince Edward Middle School Coach Louis Gould III said his football team was based around defense. Time after time this fall, the Eagles showed that to be true. It was fitting then that the final game of the season turned into a defensive showcase in many ways, as Prince Edward beat Russell Middle 42-0 on Tuesday, Oct. 27. 

“What a season,” Gould said after the game. “From summing training to now, (the) Prince Edward Middle Eagles have completed the phrase of hard work pays off.”

Gould pointed out the team reached several milestones during Tuesday’s game, which doubled as both middle school homecoming and as a sendoff tribute to the 8th graders on the squad, several of whom will be moving up to junior varsity on the high school level next year. 

With Tuesday’s win, Prince Edward Middle finishes undefeated in their district and with just one loss overall on the year at 8-1. This marked the most wins in a season during the Gould head coaching period, as well as the first homecoming win during that period as well. 

“I would call that a successful season!” Gould said. “This was a great team and a great win to end the season.” 

Prince Edward Middle honors eighth graders

Gould also gave credit to the team’s eighth graders, who played roles in making the success happen. He singled out quarterback Avan Carrington, who ran for one touchdown and threw for one as well. Jadai Green scored, as did Zymere Evans, who had three rushing touchdowns on the night. Malaa’Chi Alford, Jaylin Boyd and Jazir Peterson all scored on two-point conversions.

And then there was the defensive side of the ball, where Elijah Coleman had an interception before halftime, while fellow eighth grader Kishawn Spencer ended the game with a pick-6 interception, running it all the way in for a touchdown. On the offensive line, Gould praised eighth graders Cam McLaughlin and Tymiere Harris, who allowed no sacks on the night. Finally, eighth grader ZyMere Jennings also had a fumble recovery. 

Gould said he was proud of his players, proud of the work they put in and the success they achieved as a result.