Tom Dodge
The rivalry game between the Bobcats and Bulldogs is back.
When the LHSAA shortened the season to eight games, the Jennings – Eunice game was taken off the schedule.
Then Hurricane Delta forced Abbeville to cancel its game against the Bobcats this week because of numerous displaced players and coaches.
The Class 4-A ninth-ranked Bobcats are looking to remain undefeated on the season as Eunice travels to Class 3-A No. 9 Jennings Friday night.
The Bulldogs opened the season with wins over DeRidder (29-20) and Cecilia (59-49).
Cecilia rolled up 450 yards of offense against Jennings including 250 yards passing.
Jennings running back Trevor Etienne was limited to 30 yards in the first half, but finished with 100 yards in the second half and scored three touchdowns against Cecilia.
Jayden Lewis added two touchdown runs for Jennings.
“We will be facing a formidable opponent,” Vige said. “It is always a battle when we face Jennings – this team was the state runners-up and they have a lot of players returning.
“The biggest challenge for us is to see if we can slow them down.”
Eunice has out-scored its opponents 104-0 in its wins over Ville Platte and Breaux Bridge.
“As a collective group, our defense is doing their assignments and moving to the football very well,” Vige said. “I like everything about them right now.
“It was big to shut out Breaux Bridge with just two days of preparation,” he said. “Hat’s off to our defense as they went out and did what they were supposed to do.”
The Bobcat coach said it is important that his offense is balanced against a good Jennings defense.
“We need to keep them off guard somehow,” Vige said. “Maybe throw when they are not expecting and maybe run when they are not expecting it.”
Eunice defeated Jennings, 19-7 last season.