Both the Iota Bulldogs and the Church Point Bears are coming off of big wins in which a star running back and a staunch defensive effort have carried them to victory.
However, this week they face each other.
If the Bears win, they will undoubtedly have the inside track to the title. Their remaining three games will be against a tough Crowley High team (3-3), followed by games against Mamou (1-5) and Port Barre (0-6).
Should Iota win, they will pull the Bears back to the pack into a tie with Northwest High School and themselves as being the only three teams with one loss.
Iota Head Coach Josh Andrus is hoping that whatever magic has carried them to this point in the season continues. Behind the legs of Kaleb Guillory, the steady hand of quarterback Trae Rambin and a defense that can seemingly make any adjustment necessary to shut down teams, the Bulldogs are out to a 5-1 start this season, with games remaining against Port Barre, Pine Prairie and Eunice.
To put things into perspective, following last weekend’s huge victory over Crowley High, Andrus may be in a position where his team is no longer just looking at the playoffs. They are considering how to bring a playoff game to Iota for the first time in nearly two decades.
“Last week’s win huge,” said Andrus. “If we can just keep improving every game we will be alright.”
Once again, running back Kaleb Guillory and his non-stop motor led the way for the Bulldogs on offense. His 231 yards on a season high, 34 carries, was instrumental in bringing a victory, that had the Bulldog fans feeling ecstatic on Friday. Guillory currently has 1,134 yards for the season.
The Iota defense took a hit last week when they lost Brett Spell for the season with an ACL injury. The tough defensive back, who also played at receiver for the Bulldogs this season, will be missed.
Overall, however, Andrus could not possibly feel any better after they played lights out ball in the second half last week. The Bulldogs have developed a penchant for making the necessary halftime adjustments.
“They just kind of have a knack for that,” said Andrus.
Even during their lone defeat against Northwest High School, they Bulldogs have been shutting down the opposing teams’ offense in the final two quarters all season long. Linebackers Levi Manuel and Kalem Johnson have been terrific at busting through their opponent’s offensive lines and getting tackles for loss all season.
Andrus is looking forward to a tough contest this week.
“They are good everywhere,” he said on Tuesday. “They play a fifty defense and have a really good nose tackle (Pat Boast). On offense, they have some tough running backs in Rodney Dupuis and Gavin Richard. Both backs had over 100 yards on the ground for the Bears, with Dupuis’ third touchdown of the game lifting the Bears to their victory.
“Last week was a good atmosphere and that was a big win,” said Bear Head Coach John Craig Arceneaux. “This week should be another tough game for us and we’re looking forward to it.”
Arceneaux said that he was hoping the weather would lighten up in Church Point which has been seeing steady rainfall this week.
“Hopefully, we can get in a normal week of preparation and put in our game plan and be ready for them,” he said. “They have a real good running back and they are playing tough ball. We’re going to be ready.”
Game notes
• The two teams will be squaring off this season for the first time as opponents in District 5-3A.
• Both the Bears’ Rodney Dupuis and the Bulldogs’ Kaleb Guillory have been players of the week this season. Dupuis for last week’s efforts against Northwest High School (246 yards, 27 attempts, three touchdowns) and Guillory for his 300 yard game against Lake Arthur earlier this season.