The Royals varsity football team fell to a 3-2 record this season after losing a conference game to the Shamrocks at Westfield on September 18th. It was the Royals first conference loss of the season. However once again the HSE defense had a great game. The Royals held the Shamrocks to only 246 all purpose yards and only 14 points. 

“I think we have played pretty solid,” Junior defensive back Noah Wolf explained. “There’s still a lot of work to go, to get to where we want to be. This group has been through a lot, especially getting a new DC (defensive coordinator) in the middle of the season. We play hard, and for each other. I wouldn’t want to be on the field with any other guys. This year is different, you can feel it. I’m excited for the future, love my guys.”

Just a few days after the Westfield game Defensive Coordinator Coach Stanley resigned from his position. Coach Kelly brought in former head coach and long time Royal Coach May who coached the Royals from 2007 to 2017 and led the team to a total of 86 wins in his 121 games as head coach. Earlier this week cornerback Gio Ragland expressed his feelings about the changes in the coaching staff.

“I’m not going to lie, losing Coach Stanley affected the whole team. That’s a bond that can never be broken. But after a few practices with Coach May I have no doubt in my mind he is going to lead us into being the best defense in the state and a win Friday.”

It’s clear that despite the recent changes this Royals team truly believes that they have what it takes to come out with a win tonight at home against the Eagles.

In addition Southeastern Sports Network will be streaming tonights game live starting at 6:45, and kickoff will be tonight at 7:00.