High School Football Tour: Eupora

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EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI) – The University of Alabama is trying to live up to its own expectations this season. Head coach Nick Saban wants his 2013 to establish its own identity.

The Eupora Eagles may not be the dynasty the Crimson Tide is, but 13-straight playoff appearances and being last year’s 2A state runner up, puts them in a similar situation and head coach Junior Graham is preaching similar idea to his squad.

“Sure, the expectations are there,” Graham said. “When the community puts pressure on you, both as a coach and as a player, you’re going to perform at a high level or you’re going to find something else to do.”

Eupora has nine returning starters, including quarterback Trey Pittman who is a third-year starter.

“I am confident in myself and my other teammates. I’m a well-built leader,” Pittman said. “We have a good history as a program, as Eupora and I know that it’s a lot to live up to but I know that as a team we want to do that and we look forward every season to trying to beat those expectations.”

The ability to get younger players experience last season should help Eagles along with additions Chance Cooper and Deon Watkins who come from the basketball team.

“We were fortunate last year that we had a few games that maybe got out of hand and we were able to play a lot of players and I think that is key,” Graham said.