Eddies look to embrace their physicality against Jimtown

CASS COUNTY, Mich. -- It's an interstate matchup for the fourth edition of Under the Lights in 2026. After a week one victory over McBain, the Edwardsburg Eddies welcome Jimtown to Leo Hoffman Field for a true Michiana showdown.

The sound of physical football is synonymous with Edwardsburg football. But a week ago, during the first quarter against McBain, the classic Eddies brand of smash mouth, run the ball down your throats football, was nowhere to be found.

"I thought we got off to a slow start," says Dan Purlee, Edwardsburg head football coach.

A slow start indeed. When the whistle blew to signal the end of the first quarter, Edwardsburg trailed 12 to 7. Throughout the rest of the game, they only allowed eight points, cruising to a 55 to 20 win.

"I was very pleased with the way we played for three quarters, 'thought the kids played with great effort, thought we executed on offense, and I thought the defense, once they settled in, played good football. We need to clean up our pursuit a little bit, but overall, was pleased with our week one performance," says Purlee.

Purlee knows his team has to be on their "A" game from the first snap this week against Jimtown. He wants to see that trademark "wear you out" team that he knows Edwardsburg can be.

"From an offensive standpoint, a team that's just grinding the ball and keeping the opposing offense off the field, we're winning the battle of time of possession on the offensive side, and just getting positive yards, we pride ourselves on getting 3 or 4 yards at a time and if we can do that, we feel like we can be successful. Defensively, just playing fast and physical," says Purlee.

The Eddies head into week two with one of their senior leaders still on the mend.

Running back Carson Billington is nearly one year removed from his second ACL tear, but you'd never know it talking to him, or seeing him between the white lines.

"There was never a doubt in my mind to come back," says Billington.

His teammates have had his back during a long and grueling rehab, just as they do when Billington is sprinting down the field, and in need of a block.

"They've always had my back, there's never a doubt to get back with them and they made it fun in the offseason, lifting with them. I've been there every time and they make it fun and not miserable like it should be at 6 in the morning," says Billington.

The Eddies and Jimmies will kick off from Leo Hoffman Field at 7 p.m.