Tom Dodge
By Tom Dodge
Sports Editor
The area football teams will participate in scrimmages this week as a preview and preparation for the season.
Eunice High's scrimmage at Kaplan was moved from Thursday to 5:30 p.m. Friday because of the stormy weather.
The Bobcats finished the 2019 season with a 9-3 overall record, 4-1 in District 4-4A.
“There is nothing normal about how we have had to do things because of the conronavirus,” Eunice head coach Andre Vige said. “Without spring practices and how we have had to prepare this summer, we feel we need to make up for lost time.
“I talked with Kaplan head coach Tank Lotief and the scrimmage time will be extended so we can get some extra plays in,” he said.
“We want to see as many guys play as we can so we can make evaluations.”
After facing Kaplan in the scrimmage, the Bobcats open the season next week at home against Ville Platte.
Eunice downed the Bulldogs 47-6 last year.
“The guys are pumped up and ready for the season,” he said. “We are ready to see someone else beside ourselves on the field.”
St. Edmund will entertain Vermilion Catholic in a scrimmage set for 6 p.m. on Friday.
The Blue Jays finished the 2019 season 6-5 overall, 3-2 in District 5-1A.
“We are going to stay really basic at the scrimmage,” St. Edmund head coach James Shiver said. “We want to get a lot of people on film to see who can help us as the season goes on as we develop our depth chart.”
Shiver said after a number of plays with the different groups, the Jays and Eagles will then play two eight-minutes halves.
“We want to work with our special teams and other areas because our season begins next week and this will be a dress rehearsal,” Shiver said.
“The kids are excited to see the season get started,” Shiver said.
After facing VC in the scrimmage, the Blue Jays open the regular season at Avoyelles.
St. Ed’s lost to the Mustange 36-7 last year.
Church Point will travel to Crowley for a scrimmage on Friday.
The Bears finished the 2019 season with a 7-2 overall record, 5-0 in District 5-3A.
Iota will scrimmage at Rayne today at 6 p.m.
The Bulldogs finished the 2019 season with an 9-3 overall record, 3-2 in district.
Mamou will scrimmage at Westminster Christian Academy on Friday with Jeanerette joining the scrimmage.
The Green Demons finished the 2019 season with a 4-6 overall record, 2-3 in district.
Basile will travel to Merryville for a 5:30 p.m. scrimmage today.
“We want to see our guys in a game situation,” Kevin Bertrand said. “Without having spring practices there are a lot of question marks.
“We are going to use the scrimmage to shore up where we think we need help and see what kids are ready to step up.
“Without a jamboree, we will use the scrimmage as a live game situations to give our guys some playing time.”
Basile finished the 2019 season 8-5 overall, 5-2 in district and advanced to the Class 1-A state quarterfinals.
The Bearcats open the eight-game regular season against Sacred Heart of Ville Platte.
Basile lost to the Trojans 20-0 last year.
In district, Elton will not be able to field a team this season, leaving Basile with an open date on Oct. 23 and a seven-game regular season.
“Elton has a rich tradition and I hurt for them personally because I was the head coach there.
“It is sad that they can’t play this year,” Bertrand said. “I hope for the best for those guys.”