Tom Dodge
Eunice is undefeated after three weeks as the Bobcat nation celebrated wins over Opelousas, Jennings and Rayne.
“It is a pleasant surprise to see us at 3-0,” Eunice head coach Paul Trosclair said after the Bobcats opened the 2017 season 1-4. “We thought with the youth we had, that was going to be a tall task.
“The seniors have really stepped up and kept the team focused on what we need to be focused on.
“We have a good mixture of veterans and young guys and it has paid off for us.
“Our guys step out there and believe they can win.”
The Bobcats’ challenging schedule continues as Eunice visits Crowley tonight in the District 5-3A opener.
The Gents (2-1) opened the season with wins over Iowa and Westlake before falling 49-34 to Cecilia last week.
Crowley finished with 335 yards of total offense against Cecilia, but the Gents allowed 445 yards in the loss.
“Crowley year-in and year-out always has a talented team,” Trosclair said. “They have good size and good speed.
“It is going to be a real challenge for us.”
Marquis Garrett completed 9-of-22 passes for 213 yards and three scores for the Gents with Odadiah Butler hauling in four catches for 108 yards and a touchdown.
Garrett also had touchdown passes to Chris Moore (12 yards) and Rapheus Joseph (27 yards).
Eunice rolled to a 53-26 win over Opelousas to open the season and the Bobcats then earned wins over Jennings (33-23) and Rayne (36-14).
“It is a great start to the season,” the Bobcat coach said. “I think we may be No. 1 in power points –which is a great position to be in.
“Our early season schedule has been tough but our guys have exceeded expectations.”
In the victory over Rayne, Eunice running back Deon Ardoin gained 183 yards on 25 carries and scored four touchdowns.
EHS quarterback Simeon Ardoin completed 6-of-13 passes for 109 yards and added 76 yards on 10 carries in the Bobcats’ win.
“We going to have to be able to move the ball against Crowley,” Trosclair said. “But I believe we can – we will have to grind it out because they don’t give ups too many big plays.”
Crowley rolled to a 39-0 win last season.
“Last year against them we had seven starters out,” Trosclair said. “It was pretty much a struggle the whole game.
“But it is good we have playmakers this season so the defense can’t focus on just one guy.
“We have also been pretty consitent on defense and we hope that continues.”
Heading into district play, there are four teams still undefeated with Eunice, Church Point, Iota and Northwest.
No. 3 Church Point (3-0) entertains Pine Prairie (1-2), No. 10 Iota (3-0) plays host to No. 4 Northwest (3-0), while Mamou (0-3) travels to Port Barre (1-2).