JOURNAL SPORTS

Not many programs can effectively replace one of the state’s best passers as Evangel Christian fans got used to seeing the Peyton-Fulgham-to-Parker-Fulgham connection.

But ECA just inserted another Peyton, sophomore Peyton “Pop” Houston.

Pop Houston and the Eagles were able to duel with Neville early, but the Tigers exerted their physical will in the later stretches of a 42-24 win at Evangel on Friday.

Houston provided the pop early as his first regular-season pass attempt as an Eagle was a lengthy touchdown to Johnny Casey Jr. to give the Eagles the early edge.

After a Neville score, Joshua Isaac Jr. found the end zone on a fourth-down run to put the Eagles back up 14-7.

Evangel (0-1) and Neville (1-0) appeared to be headed for another cardiac finish with the game tied 14-14, much like the endings from the past two seasons, the last of which was a Neville overtime win in which the Tigers stopped ECA short on a two-point conversion try.

But Neville’s physical play began to wear Evangel down, and the Tigers’ powerful rushing attack paired with its quick passing game proved to be too much.

“Playing Neville to start the regular season after West Monroe in the jamboree, these teams are always tough and we like to play them early in the season to prepare us for district play,” said Evangel Christian head coach Denny Duron. “Neville was very well prepared tonight and was on their game.

“Pop actually had a very good game, and we didn’t have many negative plays on offense tonight. Penalties were the killer for us, and it’s very hard to win if you don’t clean that stuff up.”

Neville quarterback Parker Robinson connected with Trendan Dumas on a long strike to put Neville up 28-17 at the half.

Evangel was plagued by penalties throughout, and the Eagles couldn’t mount consistent drives to seriously threaten the Tigers in the second half.

Both teams have plans for deep playoff runs after navigating their new Class 5A schedules.

Evangel jumps into District 1-5A play next week in a visit to Natchitoches Central, a 14-12 winner at Breaux Bridge.