Playing football at The Rig in Pearland has always been an experience that varsity football players look forward to when playing against the Oilers of Pearland High School.  But the Rig will now be the home for another group of athletes and support teams. The Dawson High School Eagles will now share the facility with the Oilers.

As the newest high school in Pearland ISD, Dawson currently houses only ninth- and tenth-grade students.  You wouldn’t know there were no upper classmen from their fervent school spirit.

The Dawson High School Eagles junior varsity A team hosted the Memorial sophomore team last Thursday. Upon entering the Rig, the excitement of the game was palpable. From the towering stands to the bright green turf on the field to the grandeur of the drill team, cheerleaders, and support groups, this JV game experience was as close to a varsity experience as possible.

Booster club moms were selling t-shirts, programs, and every other item that an Eagle fan could need. While walking up the ramp, fans could hear the band playing loudly, preparing to present an entertaining half-time show. For the Dawson Eagles, this was as meaningful as any varsity game.

The fans and faculty from the school were very gracious, with many of them making sure the opposing team and fans had a pleasant experience.

I talked with a coach who told me that they have a hard time finding teams to play since most schools want to schedule for all their teams, and Dawson has only three (two junior varsity teams and one freshman team).The lack of a varsity squad does not hinder this group. You wouldn’t know that from their fan support. It looked like there were as many faculty members at the game as families. Everyone was there to watch their Eagles soar.

And that they did. The Eagles played with determination, as they beat the Memorial Mustangs 42-0. The talent at Dawson was exceptional, and I believe that if they had a true Varsity team, many of these fine young athletes would have been playing on that team. The sophomore Mustangs may want to forget this game, but they will not forget the experience of playing at The Rig.

The Dawson Eagles are well on their way to developing an excellent football program. Look out for those Eagles!!

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