Tom Dodge
David versus Goliath.
That is how Eunice head coach Andre Vige explained Friday’s Class 4-A showdown against No. 2 Edna Karr.
“Our guys know the challenge that is ahead of them,” Vige said. “We have played in big games but we haven’t faced this giant before.
“We know this is a tall task and a steep mountain to climb,” the coach said. “But we are going to start at the bottom of the hill and try to work our way to the top and see what happens.
“I know our guys will keep fighting and not give up.”
Last season, Edna Karr team claimed its fourth Class 4A state championship in a row with a 35-34 win over Warren Easton.
It was the Cougars’ fifth straight trip to the Superdome for state playoffs and their ninth in the last ten years.
Karr also won state titles in 2016, 2017, 2018 as well as 1993 and 2012.
The Cougars were runners-up in 1995, 1999, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2015.
This season, Karr (8-1) has defeated Catholic High of Baton Rouge, John Curtis Christian and Warren Easton.
The Cougars’ one loss was a 27-26 defeat at the hands of St. Augustine.
“They have the size, they have the speed and a lot of good players,” Vige said of the Karr roster.
“They have big offensive line and very talented skill players.”
The Cougar offense is led by quarterback A.J. Samuel and talented receiver Destyn Hill.
“They are a quick strike team on offense and they have players all over the field who can take it the distance,” the coach said. “There is no one guy you can key on.
“They play disciplined on defense and they fly to the ball – plus they are good on special teams.”
Edna Karr earned a 70-19 victory over Istrouma in the second round after the Cougars cruised to 42-0 win over Ellender to open the playoffs.
Karr outgained Istrouma 435-203 in total yards and Samuel threw for 288 yards on 11-of-14 passing
Karr was effective from the beginning as Kevin Marigny got the scoring started with a 6-yard touchdown run.
After an Istrouma score, Kylen Lampton broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run as Karr pushed ahead, 13-6.
The Cougar defense had three consecutive takeaways and Samuels hit Aaron Anderson (80 yards), Destyn Pazon (30 yards) and Trenton Lewis (16 yards) to give the Cougars a 32-13 first-quarter lead.
Samuel had scoring strikes to Pazon (26 yards) and Lampton (76 yards) before Anderson returned a punt 35 yards for a touchdown to stretch the Cougars’ halftime lead to 51-19.
Anderson had a 65-yard kick return in the third quarter to push Karr ahead, 57-19.
Damien Duncan added a 10-yard touchdown as Karr lead 64-19 heading into the fourth quarter.
Khamani Simmons had a 25-yard scoring run to cap Karr’s lead to 70-19.
Eunice advanced to the quarterfinals with a 35-0 road win over Belle Chasse.
“It is very exciting for our team to still be playing football,” Vige said.
“I think it was our most complete game of the year,” he said of the second round win. “All three phases did well.”
Vige said he is hopeful his Wing-T offense can present some problems for the Karr defense.
“We can’t turn the ball over,” he said. “The two games we lost we had multiple turnovers and the games got away from us.
“We need to move the ball and hopefully sustain drives.”
The Bobcat defense must also perform well to keep the game close, according to the coach.
“We have to take away their explosive plays,” Vige said. “We need need to force turnovers as well.”
Eunice senior running back Deon Ardoin needs less than 20 yards to set a new Bobcat career rushing record.
Tyler Collins (2005-2008) holds the record with 3,398 yards.