When I was in high school (now that I’ve uttered that phrase, yes I know it’s official, I’m old), there was three rules for Homecoming:

1. Win the game by something around 40.

2. Be seen at the dance so if you got in trouble, instant alibi.

3. Make sure your house isn’t decorated with too much Charmin.

However, step one directly affects the rest of the celebration. If you lose the game, the dance and other festivities aren’t attended by many and the overall attitude is sour.

So, looking at the Eastern schedule it’s clear Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee-Martin and Tennessee Tech obviously don’t understand the concept.

Scheduling the defending the conference champion to your Homecoming game, is what my town would call a promotional error.

Don’t get me wrong, the Panthers want to win every road game but it doesn’t seem like they have a problem with sending Homecoming crowds disappointed.

“It’s not really a Homecoming thing,” Eastern cornerback Ben Brown said. “We like to spoil everybody’s fun.”

The Panthers top defensive back said this after the Panthers got a 27-3 victory against Tennessee State and spoiled the Tigers’ attempt to win their 10th consecutive Homecoming game last season.

“I think it’s a compliment of our program to be the Homecoming game opponent,” Hutson said. “Usually you’re the patsy that will guarantee a home win or they’re looking for that emotional win against a quality team.”

After 11 consecutive Ohio Valley Conference wins, it’s safe to say Eastern is nobody’s patsy outside Hawaii (no shame there), so why are these OVC schools so glutton for punishment?

Take this week’s game with Eastern Kentucky as a perfect example. The Colonels were the preseason favorite and they chose to play what was considered its most crucial game of the season during Homecoming. Now, the season could be dashed with another loss and the life-support that Josh Greco’s Walter Payton Award hopes are on would flat line as well. All of this could occur on the most festive Saturday in the fall and why do that to your alumni, fan base and the emotions of the players?

Once again, Eastern has paved the way for how to do things in the OVC as the Panthers have Murray State (1-5, 0-3) coming to Charleston for a most likely Homecoming victory. I’m unsure whether or not Eastern director Marketing and Promotions Amy Reis is behind this or not, but either way, this is working out perfectly for her. Make the game quick, painless and anxiety-free. Kind of like Novocain.

Too bad, Eastern has to ruin others fun.