Experienced Bearcats looking to improve in 2008

By Tom Dodge
sportsenews@bellsouth.net

Entering his third season as head football coach, Tony Bertrand is expecting his Basile team to battle in District 5-1A and make a strong run in the playoffs.
Last year, the Bearcats finished 7-4, second in district and lost a heartbreaker to Northlake Christian (21-14) in the opening round of the playoffs.
“We had a good summer in the weight room,” he said. “We did seven-on-seven competition which we haven’t done over the past several year and I think that helped us develop more in our passing game and our pass defense.”
One of the biggest changes for the Bearcats this season is the movement of senior Jon Fournerat from quarterback to fullback.
“He had been playing quarterback since his freshman year, but he is pretty much open to anything,” Bertrand said of the move. “He can really play a lot of different positions and he has great hands.”
Fournerat will see action at fullback as well as receiver on offense and then move to linebacker on defense, according to the coach.
Junior Fabian Bellard moves under center as a dual threat to throw or run.
“Bellard was probably the best receiver we had last year, but I hope this works for the better as he brings a lot to the quarterback position.
“He runs the ball well and has a lot of quickness,” the coach continued. “He can throw very well.”
A threat to break the game open is running back Derrick Thomas, the fourth Thomas running back to play for Basile after brothers Kori and Tori and James.
“I guess back home they were teaching him how to do it as he does it real well.”
Bertrand said experience should help the Bearcats this season with six returners on offense and five on defense.
“We have several seasoned guys who are in their second and third year starting so we are excited about that.
“We need our new starters especially on the offensive and defensive lines to step up.”
Bertrand said he is excited about his experienced linebacker corps of Fournerat, Mason Ortego and Jacob Bergeaux as well as defensive backs Josh Cornely and Bellard.
“We can’t afford to have any injuries as we have a lot of guys playing both ways,” Bertand said of one of the keys to a successful season
“We are proud of what we accomplished last year,” the coach said. “We played for the district championship but just came up short.
“They remember that and they will be fighting for what they lost last year. They will be ready.
“I think we can compete in every game.”
Basile will host Pine Prairie in a scrimmage 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
The Bearcats will face Ville Platte and Mamou in the Evangeline Parish jamboree at Pine Prairie on Friday, Aug. 29.