By Lance Ogden

Globe Executive Sports Editor

As far as casual Joplin High School football observers are concerned, Waynesville more than doubled up on the Eagles on Friday, winning by a 40-19 score.

It wasn’t the most opportunistic way for the Eagles to open the prep campaign, but then again, 2007 isn’t a normal season for the Joplin School District.

Instead, this night was more about unveiling the future of Eagle athletics through the next decade and quite possibly beyond.

The new-and-improved Junge Field took center stage Friday, and I never once heard it apologize to Joplin coach Doug Buckmaster or his Eagles for one-upping the home team.

I’ve played on synthetic turf as far back as 1984 and have covered football games at every level.

Every few years, technology plays a key role in the look and — more important — the feel of non-grass fields.

Most years, technology serves up a winner. As far as Junge Field is concerned, technology and General Sports Venue Astro Turf hit a home run. A long home run at that.

Simply stated, the “carpet” at Junge Field is the nicest I’ve ever set foot on, and that was giving the Game Day Grass Astro Turf 3D the test with bare feet.

Not only does the surface look and feel like real grass, but the base under the synthetic turf appears to be good, old-fashioned soil, which is something I’ve never experienced, even at the college or pro ranks.

And the field also represents more than just a place to play football for Joplin athletic director Jeff Starkweather.

“I think this looks fantastic,” Starkweather said just after halftime. “This is something the entire city of Joplin can be proud of. This is a great night for us.

“This gives us much more flexibility as far as games and practices are concerned. Weather no longer will play as big of a factor as it has in the past.”

Starkweather said the field will be open to every JHS sports team as well as the band. As an example, if the Eagle softball team’s field becomes a lake of mud because of inclement weather, Starkweather said the club could practice on the new turf.