Week 5 Parish High School Football Predictions

Photograph: Beau Chene player attempting to gain yardage earlier this year against Northwest High. (Photograph by Susan Angelle Photography)

BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer

Midseason games involving St. Landry Parish football teams start Thursday night, so it might seem appropriate to deliver the Week 5 mid-term report cards.

Currently it appears to be a mediocre season for parish teams as only Opelousas High (3-1) has a winning record. Cumulatively however the St. Landry teams are 14-10, as three schools stand at .500.

For most parish teams Week 5 ends the pre-district season, although Port Barre is 0-1 in District 5-3A.

Last week the parish teams finished 4-3. Opelousas High left with a road victory over St. Amant, with Westminster Christian obtaining a first victory and North Central winning for a second straight week.

Let’s review the parish games for Week 5.

ST. LANDRY NOW GAME OF THE WEEK
Leesville (4-0) at Opelousas High (3-1)
Opelousas High has been receiving statewide attention, as the Tigers have started a football season with three wins for the first time in two decades. The Tigers’ victories have come amid a tough schedule that includes Class 4A and 5A opponents. This week Leesville features previous wins over Jennings, Iowa, Jena and winless Catholic-New Iberia. Opelousas is playing sound defense and so far the Tigers have been able to run and pass effectively. It’s Homecoming at Donald Gardner Stadium, which for the Tigers is more like a festival event. Picking Opelousas.

Beau Chene (1-3) at Kaplan (2-2)
The Gators have been shut out twice and scored 19 points in the last two games. Looking at their schedule, the Gators have District 5-4A to handle after this week and that’s going to be a tough bridge to cross considering the performances during the first four contests. Beau Chene needs to improve offensively. Kaplan started 0-2, but the Pirates are on a two-game winning streak that should extend to three games.

Eunice (2-2) at Catholic-New Iberia (0-4)
The Bobcats have won on alternating Friday nights and in the two losses Eunice has had difficulty scoring in the fourth quarter. The win last week over Northwest could be a breakout victory for the ‘Cats. Catholic High has been shut out twice this year and scored 27 points in four games. Eunice has one of the best passing combinations parish wide in quarterback Josh Brown and receiver Tylon Cooper. If the ‘Cats don’t get overconfident this should be win number three.

North Central (2-2) at Northwood-Lena (1-4)
Some think North Central is the surprise team in the parish, but don’t tell that to Hurricanes’ head coach Jacob Carruth. North Central Carruth said, would win some games in 2022, and his prediction stands. The ‘Canes have 1,239 yards of total offense and quarterback Craig Malveaux has thrown for 651. Northwood opened with a win over Ringgold and has lost three straight. Pick North Central.

Northwest (2-2) at Port Barre (0-3)
The Raiders like Eunice, have been up and down. If the trend continues, this should be an up week for the Raiders, who average three touchdowns a game. Northwest has been bothered by turnovers and penalties this season. The Raiders should defeat Port Barre which has scored six points.

Menard (1-3) at Opelousas Catholic (1-3)
Like Opelousas High, Opelousas Catholic has played a difficult schedule. The Vikings stand 1-3 due to untimely mistakes in three defeats and acquiring more penalty yardage than necessary. Defensively there have been issues all season and until that is rectified the Vikings shouldn’t be considered a contender for a district championship. Menard beat a weak Class 5A Pineville team and in their losses the Eagles scored 14 total points. Ride with the Vikings in this one.

St. Edmund (1-1) at Oakdale (2-1)
The Blue Jays have put together an unusual season. St. Edmund had a canceled game (with LaGrange) last Thursday night, so the ‘Jays haven’t played an LHSAA-sanctioned game since Sept. 16 against a developing Westminster-Lafayette program. SEHS features an exciting runner K’Von Johnson (720 yards). Oakdale lost to Grand Lake in a close game and then defeated Ville Platte and Oberlin. Look for the ‘Jays to win.

Westminster Christian (1-3) at Delcambre (3-1)
Westminster has losses against teams that are 11-1 collectively and offensively the Crusaders are beginning to flourish despite the loss of a starting running back and three offensive linemen. Freshman quarterback Stephen George has been effective as a first time starter, but head coach Travis Blaize would like to see fewer penalties to keep the chains moving. Delcambre is another tough opponent, WCA can win this one. Going with the Crusaders.