Right now, the players might be all over the football field at Mount Paran Christian School. Two weeks ago, however, they weren't the primary occupants.

Scores of geese had invaded the field - located several hundred yards from a pond on campus - and proceeded to eat and trample the grass while leaving their droppings behind. The situation was far from ideal as football practice was slated to begin a week later and Mount Paran planned to showcase its field and new lighting system during its season-opener Aug. 28.

"The geese were just eating the field like it was a dessert bar out there," said athletic director Craig Wilson, who knew something needed to change.

Wilson and others at the school took to the Internet searching for ways to rid the field of geese without hurting them. They found several solutions, ranging from sonar to underwater lights, but none of them were within the school's budget. It was then that science teacher Adam King thought of a natural predator - coyotes.

It was then that Wilson decided to import coyotes - five artificial ones purchased from a local hardware store.

"We didn't want to put a live coyote out on the field," Wilson said. "We found a company that sells these little coyotes with real tails that flap in the wind. If you move them every couple days, the guy promised us the geese will be gone. It's been two weeks and not one of the geese has been on the field."

So far, the plan has worked - and fooled more than just a few geese.

"The kids are scared of them. They look real until you get right up on them," Wilson said. "So far, we are keeping our fingers crossed. We still have them. They haven't been lifted by any members of our senior class."

The geese, however, haven't traveled far. The flock of 50 to 60 water fowl have relocated to the baseball and softball fields - prompting Wilson to place an order for more coyotes.

"Now, the problem is they have gone to the other fields," Wilson said. "We already have four more coming - two for the baseball field and a couple for the practice field and we are going to see if we can get (the geese) scared off."

Each of the plastic coyotes cost about $50, making it an inexpensive alternative to re-sodding the field.

"So far, we feel like it has been a very good investment," Wilson said. "It is keeping (the geese) off and letting the field grow like it is supposed to. The science behind the idea is working."

Wilson assured the alumni that there is no plan to change the school mascot - no Mount Paran Geese or Coyotes.

"We know there are a lot of Christian schools called the Eagles, but we kind of like it," Wilson said. "We won't be changing that."