Tom Dodge
The high school football season moves one step closer today with several scrimmages around the area.
Eunice High will hold a three-team scrimmage set to begin at 5:30 p.m.
The Bobcats will face Kaplan and Catholic of New Iberia.
“Our varsity will go offense against Kaplan one round and then Catholic another,” Eunice head coach Paul Trosclair said. “Our varsity defense will go once against each of them.”
According to the coach, each of the teams will get two rounds on offense and defense.
“We use it as a teaching tool,” Trosclair said. “We will look at the film, correct our mistakes and try to improve – that is basically what we want to accomplish in the scrimmage and jamboree.”
Kaplan (10-4) and Catholic High of New Iberia (12-2) both strong runs through the playoffs last season.
“They will tell us where we stand,” Trosclair said of the two teams they will scrimmage. “You will know where your weaknesses are because they will exploit them.
“Both are good teams and have been very successful,” the coach added. “I would rather have something to learn from rather than just go out there and run through somebody.”
In other jamborees, Basile will entertain DeQuincy at 5:30 p.m. while Mamou visits Westminster Christian Academy at 6 p.m.
Iota will host Vermilon Catholic at 6 p.m.
The Church Point Bears will take on Crowley at 6 p.m.
If the field conditions improve, St. Edmund will travel to Pine Prairie Friday for a 5 p.m. scrimmage for new head coach James Shiver.
If the Panther field is not playable, the Blue Jays would entertain Pine Prairie.
Shiver compared getting his team ready to a cook making a gumbo.
“You put it all together in a pot and taste to see if it is good.
“We want to see if it’s seasoned right.”
Shiver said the Blue Jays are learning the new offense and defense he wants to run this season.
“I would like to see what our kids have picked up on the new schemes since I got here this summer,” Shiver said. “The offense will be very bland in the scrimmage and jamboree as we work toward getting ready for the season opener agsinst Vinton.
“I want to see how we execute,” the coach said. “If we mess up, I want them to do it full speed – I want to see effort.
“If our effort is there and we are tough, we will find a way to win.”