Tom Dodge
NEW IBERIA – The approaching Hurricane Delta forced St. Edmund’s game at Highland Baptist to be cancelled this week.
“We wanted to play Wednesday night because it looked like school was going to be closed Thursday and Friday,” St. Ed’s head coach James Shiver said. “But that couldn’t happen so the game was canceled.”
Highland was forced to cancel their scrimmage and the first game of the season against Grand Lake because of COVID-19 issues.
Shiver said they had discussions with Vermilion Catholic to play on Wednesday, but with the voluntary evacuations in Vermilion Parish it didn’t make sense to travel to Abbeville.
“We were ready to play,” Shiver said. “It’s disappointing that the guys can’t play this week.
“Now were are down to six more games this season,” the coach said. “We will be ready to face Ville Platte next week.”
St. Edmund battled to a 36-29 loss to Avoyelles last week.
In spite of the fact the Jays allowed 421 yards on the ground, Shiver was pleased his team fought to keep the game close.
“They may be the best running team we will face all season,” Shiver said. “They out-weighed us on the line by at least 60 pounds per player.”
St. Edmund finished with 242 yards of total offense against the Mustangs (114 yards rushing, 128 yards passing).
Clay Miller connected with Kieran Davis for touchdown plays of 9 and 16 yards.
Davis and Miller added touchdown runs against the Mustangs.
“I hate to lose, but there were positives to take from the game,” the coach said. “They had about the same stats (410 yards on 62 plays) as last year against us but they beat us 36-7.”
Shiver said it’s important to earn a win tonight against Highland.
“We need to win as many as possible with only an eight-game schedule,” the coach said. “The playoffs are determined by power points – so we need get a win this week.
Last year, the Blue Jays cruised to a 47-0 win over the Bears.
After Ville Platte next Thursday, the Blue Jays will open district play at home against Opelousas Catholic on Oct. 23.
The storm forced several teams to change their schedule this week.
Eunice High’s trip to Breaux Bridge was moved to 7 p.m. today.
Iota moved its game against South Beauregard to today, while Church Point will visit Opelousas High.
Mamou’s home game against Port Barre has also been moved to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Mamou had to cancel its season opener against Bunkie because of COVID-19 issues.
Basile’s home game against Hamilton Christian was moved to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Sacred Heart’s game at Rosepine was also cancelled because of Hurricane Delta.