The Leopards (6-8 overall, 0-2 district) face off at home against their rival school Prosper on Friday, Jan. 8. Prosper (10-9, 2-1) is coming off a 58-36 loss in Tuesday’s game against Wylie High.

Prosper is led by sophomore Kaleb Adams and senior Matt Blowzis. Injuries have forced the Leopards to promote three players from the junior varsity squad, including two freshmen. But head coach Kyle Herrema has a positive outlook on the change.

“It’s really a great opportunity [for players] to step up,” Herrema said. “I also think that is why you run a system [from grades] 7-12 so you can plug in players. I feel bad for our injured guys as they have invested a lot of work but [I] am excited for the call-ups.”  

Last game, Lovejoy fell short to Wylie East 43-28. Senior Drew Hawley led the team in scoring with 9 for the injury-plagued Leopards. Freshmen Kyle Olsen, Michael Difiore, and junior Cody Carmichael moved up to fill in the spots for the missing players.

Herrema added that the team will be ready for the Friday’s matchup.

“We had a great day of preparation for Prosper,” Herrema said. “This is a rivalry game for sure and our guys are definitely locked in. It should be a very exciting game.”

The rivalry between Lovejoy and Prosper has been going on for years now, no matter what the sport. However, this will be the final year, for now, that Prosper and Lovejoy get to play each other in sports because Prosper will be moving up to the 6A division due to school and community population growth.

“It’s always fun playing against a big rival,” junior Jackson Carswell said. “I know as a team we are all ready to go and look forward to playing.”