Tom Dodge
Heading in to the Church Point game last year, the Bobcats had a 1-3 record.
Not many expected Eunice to begin the 2018 season 4-0 with wins over Opelousas (53-36), Jennings (33-23), Rayne (36-14) and Crowley (36-32).
“We exceeded what we thought was possible,” EHS head coach Paul Trosclair said. “We are estastic about it but we have a big one this week.
“This should be an exciting game for the fans and we are happy we are playing them at home – it is tough winning in Church Point.
“Coach Arceneaux has developed a fine program, no doubt about it.
“Our guys know how good Church Point is and we seem to be ready for the challenge.”
In last week’s road battle against Crowley, the game was not determined until a 16 point fourth- quarter surge by the Bobcats.
Eunice led 20-12 at intermission before Crowley moved ahead 26-23 with nine minutes left.
A 14-yard touchdown pass from Simeon Ardoin to Carlin Vigers gave EHS a four-point edge, but Crowley’s Obadiah Butler rumbled 60 yards to push the Gents ahead, 32-30 with 3:20 left.
Eunice’s Jeoul Hill raced 21 yards for the game winning touchdown with 1:07 keft.
“We found a way to pull out the win,” Trosclair said. “That was a big victory.”
No. 3 Church Point is also undefeated with victories over Jennings (31-21), Abbeville (56-14), Kaplan (30-24) and Pine Prairie (46-0).
This could be a fast clock kind of game with both teams controlling the ground game.
Against Crowley, Eunice put up 298 yards on the ground including 129 yards from Jeoul Hill along with 125 yards by quarterback Siemon Ardoin.
Church Point rolled up 293 yards rushing against Pine Prairie, sparked by 97 yards from Rodney Dupuis.
“They have at least four or five weapons who can hurt you,” Trosclair said of the Bears offense. “It makes it hard to defend every one.”
The two teams can also be affective through the air when necessary.
Ardoin completed 6-of-10 passes for 115 yards and three touchdowns including two to Carlin Vigers.
Breelyn Jones completed 3-of-6 passes for 53 yards and two scores against the Panthers.
“We have to be able to move the football on offense and make some stops on defense,” Trosclair said. “We have to play very well – fundamentals are going to be very important.”
Trosclair said his team has shown to be a very determined group this season.
“They are playing with really a lot of effort and not accepting defeat, which is a big factor.”
Church won 28-17 last season.