Bobcats prepared to keep winning

Eunice High’s Austin Young returns a kick during Monday’s practice.

Photo by: Tom Dodge

By Tom Dodge
sportsenews@bellsouth.net

Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships.
For Eunice head football coach Paul Trosclair, he would love to have both working in fine fashion.
After an 11-2 finish and a quarterfinal appearance in 2007, this year’s Bobcats could have even more success.
With nine games in which the defense allowed 14 points or less and 11 contests in which the offense scored 21 points or more, the Bobcats proved they were a well-balanced team.
With five returning starters on offense and seven on defense, Eunice should defend their District 4-4A title.
“On paper we have enough players to get back there,” the coach said “but it depends on how hungry the team is about doing that.
“Motivation and desire are very important when the playoffs start,” he said, “because you are going to have some very tough games.”
While defense and offense grab the most attention, Trosclair said he isthrilled to have experience in the special teams, a spot where games can be won or lost.
“This year we have some kickers,” the head coach said. “Last year we started with none and we had to make some and that helps.
Cornerback Malcom Darby is the kick-off specialist, while Jeff Burge is the field goal kicker and Chris McCoy will handle punting duties.
“The game we lost in the regular season last year was a missed extra point with six minutes left to go against Jennings,” he said reflecting on the 14-13 loss to the Bulldogs.
After that loss, the Bobcats rolled up 10 straight wins before falling to eventual Class 4-A state runners-up Archbishop Shaw (24-7) in the quarterfinals.
According to the coach, the defensive secondary enters the season as the strongest part of the line-up because of their experience including seniors Troy Godfrey, Malcom Darby and jnior Tharold Simon.
“Those guys back there are talented he said of his defensive backs. “That make a big difference.”
But the entire defense was also impressive, limiting opponents to only three points in the second half during the regular season.
“Our coaches did a good job of adjustments at halftime to what the other team does,” he said. “But I also think conditioning plays a factor. It is easier to be on top of your game mentally when you are on top of it physically.”
Trosclair said the leadership on this year’s team is shown mostly by their actions.
“We don’t have a lot of verbal leadership. but we do have guys who show up and practice hard and that counts for something.”
The Bobcats scrimmage Kaplan at 5:30 p.n. Friday and will face Opelousas High 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 in the St. Landry Parish Jamboree at Donald Gardner Stadium in Opelousas.
Eunice opens the regular season at home against Crowley on Sept. 5.