Tom Dodge
The Bobcats open the baseball season on Monday at Jennings and Eunice head coach Scott Phillips is more than ready for that to happen.
“We have a good older bunch but we aren’t experienced,” Phillips said. “We only played 10 games last year and finished 5-5 because of COVID-19.”
“It’s like we are trying to get a junior varsity team ready for varsity real quick,” he said. “I think we have some really good players, but some haven’t played an inning of varsity baseball even though they are juniors and seniors.”
Phillips said the Bobcat offense may be the strength of the team this season.
“I think we are going to swing the bat pretty good,” the coach said. “We have really strong kids.
“On the mound we will have guys who will compete and we will be good on defense.
“We have a solid line-up and key back-up guys behind them,” Phillips said. “If these guys had more experience I believe we would be solid team – it’s just too early to tell.”
Shortstop/pitcher Jahiem Mitchell, catcher/pitcher Zac Suire, pitcher/infielder Braden Rider are three key players returning along with Dylan Darbonne, Hayden Darbonne, Dylan Guillory and Price Myers will all play key roles for the Bobcats this season, according to Phillips.
The Bobcat coach said his schedule is very competitive including games against Tioga, Vandebilt Catholic, Breaux Bridge, Notre Dame and Ascension Episcopal.
“If we are fortunate to win a lot of games early, that is going to help us in the power rankings,” the coach said. “Hopefully we can win our fair share and stay above .500 going into district.”
Eunice’s District 4-4A foes include Rayne, North Vermilion, Washington-Marion and LaGrange.
“I think it will be a battle between us, Rayne and North Vermilion,” Phillips said. “I’m not sure the foundation is there right now for the Lake Charles area teams.”
Phillips said they are taking every precautiom as a team including wearing masks, social distancing and even keeping the same position players apart to attempt to play as many games as possible this season.
“If any of the teams on our schedule can’t play because of COVID, we are looking to play someone else quick,” he said. “Our goal is to play as many games as we can this year and see what happens.
The Bobcats are scheduled to participate in the Westlake tournament that begins on Thursday
Perry Pitre Ford jamboree scheduled changed
The cold weather forced the annual Perry Pitre Ford jamboree schedule to be changed.
St. Edmund’s games held at Blue Jay Field – North Park will be limited to three innings or an hour time limit.
The St. Ed’s junior varsity will take on the Pine Prairie junior varsity at 10 a.m.
The Pine Prairie junior varsity will face the Mamou JV at 11:15 a.m.
The St. Ed’s junior varsity will take on the Mamou JV at 12:30 p.m.
In varsity action, St. Edmund will face Pine Prairie at 1:45 p.m. followed by a clash against Mamou at 3 p.m.
St. Ed’s opens the regular season at home on Tuesday against Ascension Episcopal.
At Bobcat Field, today’s games begin at 10 a.m. as the Iota junior varsity takes on Ascension Episcopal.
The Iota varsity will face Ascension Episcopal’s varsity at 11:30 a.m.
Eunice High’s junior varsity will take on the Opelousas Catholic JV at 1:15 p.m.
The Bobcats and Vikings will conclude the jamboree with a varsity battle at 2:45 p.m.
Eunice opens the baseball season on Monday at Jennings.