Tom Dodge
The Eunice Bobcats open District 5-3A competition Friday at home against Crowley.
After back-to-back losses to Jennings and Rayne, Eunice (1-2) is looking to bounce back against the Gents (2-1).
But injuries and illness have forced the Bobcats to change their line-up this week.
“We are having so many injury problems,” the coach said. “We are trying to field a team to get out there.
“It is next man-up,” Trosclair said. “We will see several younger players out there.
“Those who thought they would be a back-up found out they aren’t for long,” the coach said. “I hope they will be ready.”
Crowley opened the season with a 13-12 loss to Iowa, but rebounded for wins over Westlake (40-16) and Cecilia (28-25).
Trailing 25-20 heading into the fourth quarter, Crowley scored the winning touchdown on a 22-yard run by Keith Wilson and a two-point conversion pushed the Gents uo 28-25.
Paul Dugar completed 6-of-9 passes for 107 yards including a 49-yard scoring strike to Chris Lewis.
Marquis Garrett completed 6-of-12 for 95 yards including a 24-yard scoring toss to Lewis.
Crowley finished with 335 yards of total offense, including 133 yards rushing – led by Wilson’s 68 yards on 15 carries and the go-ahead score.
“We have to be prepared for all their offense,” Trosclair said. “There are a talented team, as is usually the case with Crowley.
“They two quarterbacks who can play, which is a good thing for them.”
Trosclair said heading into the first district game, they are trying to remain positive about the season.
“We want to show up and play well,” he said. “I told the team that nobody is going feel sorry for you unless it is your momma or your girl friend.
“We need to continue to play hard,” the coach said. “It is a big game in an eight team district. We drew Crowley and Church Point as the first two teams.”
Trosclair said he is proud of his team’s attitude even with two losses and nunerous injuries.
“We have some players who are willing to move around and to what ever the team needs,” Trosclair said. “Hopefully we can in the mix for the district title.”
In other disrict games, Church Point (1-1) visits Pine Prairie (1-2), Iota (3-0) travels to Northwest (2-1) and Port Barre (0-3) visits Mamou (0-3).