Tom Dodge
The Bobcats face a tough non-district opponent Thursday as Eunice travels to No. 6-ranked Tioga.
The game was moved up from Friday because of the threat of stormy weather.
‘They have a really good team.” Eunice head coach Paul Trosclair said of the Indians. “They have the best quarterback we have faced all year.
“He reads the defenses well and operates their offense perfectly.”
The undefeated Indians opened the season with victories over Westlake (35-21) and Pineville (33-20) before picking up a forfeit win over Buckeye.
Tioga continued its strong season with wins over Jena (40-13) and South Beauregard (47-14).
The Indians began District 3-4A with a 37-35 thriller over previously undefeated Leesville.
In the win over the Wampus Cats, Tioga scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:20 left as junior quarterback Blake McGehee threw a 16-yard pass to Jomarion Lilly to give them a two-point lead.
Last week, Tioga rolled to a 46-14 district win over Peabody.
Eunice (5-2) rebounded from a last-second loss to Rayne with a 49-28 District 4-4A win over Washington-Marion.
“I liked the way our offensive line blocked and controlled the line of scrimmage,” Trosclair said of the Bobcats’ win. “We were able to sustain drives and that was the difference in the ball game.”
So far this season, Bobcat quarterback Simeon Ardoin has completed 38-79 passes for 613 yards and six touchdowns.
Trelyn Cooper had 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns.
Deon Ardoin has gained 553 yards rushing on 97 carries and scored nine touchdowns.
Devin Richardson has gained 479 yards on 58 carries and scored three times this season.
Jeoul Hill has rushed for 452 yards on 54 carries with six touchdowns.
Eunice is averaging 36 points per game and has allowed 18.5 points per game.
“I feel good about where our defense is,” Trosclair said. “We will need to be able to sustain drives on offense and protect the football,” the Bobcat coach said. “We can’t give Tioga too many offensive opportunities.”
Heading into this week’s game, Tioga is the top team in the LHSAA Class 4-A power rankings, while Eunice sits at No 21.
The top 32 teams earn playoff spots, with the top 16 teams hosting first-round playoff games.