Vikings Featuring Defense
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
The offseason investment Opelousas Catholic made defensively is obviously providing dividends.
OCS continued to complement offensive potential with defense on Friday night, as the third-ranked Vikings (2-0) moved past East Beauregard 43-6, in a game played at Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy Stadium.
“I thought our defense played well. We had three starters out, but the guys we had stepped up and did a great job against East Beauregard, which has an offensive style that makes it difficult,” said Matherne.
The Vikings’ program, said Matherne, hired three defensive assistants who Matherne pointed out have made a difference in the program.
“We got guys who coach the defensive back, defensive line and the linebackers. We’ve created an excellent defensive staff and they are building the type of defense and defensive culture that I wanted,” said Matherne.
Matherne said defensive lineman Sammy Griffin, linebacker Ethan Bellow and defensive back Carter Savant stood out defensively.
Matherne said that offensively, the Vikings ran only 28 plays, but OCS was still able to score six times.
East Beauregard, Matherne pointed out, provided enough one-on-one defensive coverage that allowed the Vikings to get their receivers open.
“That’s what we like to do, get those kinds of matchups and then when we get by the coverage, there usually isn’t anything left,” said Matherne.
Quarterback Kross Gillen threw for 330 yards and six touchdowns. Gillen completed 10 of 15 attempts, with wide receiver Maurice Marcel catching three passes for 120 yards and as many TD’s.
Roderick Tezeno also had three receptions for 80 yards and 1 TD, while Luke Minyard had a pair of TD’s for 71 yards.
At this point Matherne said he’s not particularly concerned about state rankings for his team.
“In one poll (Louisiana Sports Writers Association), we are third, in another we are at 12, while another poll has us 16th. One poll ranks us eighth,” Matherne added.
“With all those different opinions, I really don’t know where we should be ranked. I’m not really concerned about that. As long as we play well and continue to improve, we will see how we are at the end of the season,” said Matherne.
The Vikings play Port Barre Thursday night in a game also scheduled for the LRCA facility.
