Tom Dodge
With the local teams scrimmaging this week, that means football season is just around the corner.
Eunice travels to Kaplan at 5:30 p.m. today as the Bobcats face to the 2017 Class 3-A state semifinalists.
“We are to see what progess we have made in the off-season workouts and the first few practices,” Bobcat head coach Paul Trosclair said.
“We have a long way to go in preparation for the season,” he said. “We need to improve if we want to win any of the first five games.”
Eunice opens the season against Opelousas High (5-5 in 2017), Jennings (10-2) and Rayne (10-2) before opening District 5-3A competition against Crowley (8-5) and Church Point (9-2).
Iota will scrimmage at Vermilion Catholic at 6 p.m. today.
“We are looking to see how we start the scrimmage,” Iota head coach Josh Andrus said.
“Last year we had some slow starts, so this year we want to start the games off stronger.
Iota was 9-3 last season and advanced to the secod round of the Class 3-A playoffs.
“On the offensive side we want to be consistent in our execution with no mental mistakes.
“On defense, we want to play fast, physical and be able to tackle well.”
Mamou will take on East Beauregard 5:30 p.m. today as the Dwight Collins’ era begins with the Green Demons.
“We will see if we can control the line of scrimmage with our offensive and defensive line play,” Collins said. “Also, we can’t beat ourselves with turnovers.”
Church Point will travel to Erath for a 6 p.m. scrimmage today.
The Bears (9-2) caputured the 2017 District 5-3A title with a perfect 7-0 run.
“It is always exciting to start a new season,” J.C. Arceneaux said, “but past success does not equal future success.
“We use a scrimmage as an opportunity to evaluate the players’ readiness to step on the field on Friday nights.”
Basile will travel to DeQuincy in a 5:30 p.m. scrimmage today.
“We are looking for continued improvement,” Bearcat head coach Kevin Bertrand said. “But we are always excited about the start of a new season.”
Under Bertrand, the Bearcats have gone to the state playoffs six times, including last season when Basile (9-4) reached the quarterfinals before falling to Oak Grove.
“It kind of an expectation around here for us to win and is is a challenge every year that we want to rise up to,” the coach said.
St. Edmund will entertain Pine Prairie at 5 p.m. Friday.
“We are looking to see who is going to be physical enough to play,” Blue Jay head coach Andy Hargroder said. “We need to see which of the younger guys can play as we need depth.
“Pine Prairie is big and physical up front and that is the kind of team we need to scrimmage as we prepare for the season.
St. Edmund won the District 4-1A championship last season and finished 10-2 overall.
“We need to see where we stand with this team,” Hargroder said. “We are trying to perfect each play on offense and defense.”