Bobby Ardoin
Editor and Contributing Writer
You sometimes hear football coaches, at least many during the modern-era, say that a district championship is no longer that important.
If that’s true, then why do schools construct trophy cases?
More recently a few coaches say the power-point team rating system now used at the end of the regular season to determine playoff positioning is actually more crucial than district titles.
Correct me, but I can’t remember any coach or team establishing a preseason goal to acquire a specific number of power points.
Instead, you always listen as players insist that winning a district title is paramount to success, followed by a successful postseason and a chance to play for a state title.
No matter what the opinion, district games are always an anticipated portion of the schedule, relished perhaps as much as October squirrel hunting in Evangeline Parish.
When teams are underachieving or maybe 0-5 at this point, coaches like to inspire their players about starting a new season, turning the page with a new one that includes district games.
Jackets will soon be required for attendance and now there’s the district incentive, so what’s going to happen in Week 6?
ST. LANDRY GAME OF THE WEEK
Westminster Christian (3-2) at Opelousas Catholic (2-3)
This district opener for each program will be played at Donald Gardner Stadium. OCS has played a rugged schedule against several ranked teams. The Vikings are somewhat of a mystery, but it’s hard to hide their ability to score points. Westminster at times has been impressive along with an auspicious start. Don’t discount the Crusaders’ potential for scoring points, which could make this game competitive. The crosstown series between the teams has been lopsided lately in points and wins. That will continue as OCS again takes this one.
OTHER GAMES
Northwest (3-2) at Iota (3-2)
The district title obstacle for Northwest has always been either moving past Iota or Church Point. This week is no different as the Raiders face Iota, which has played a tough schedule. Northwest has an impressive array of talent, good skill position talent and high interest in football. Two Iota wins have been against Crowley and Ville Platte. Although they may not be favored,I like the Raiders’ chances in this one.
North Central (1-4) at St. Edmund (3-1)
It is not hard not to imagine North Central with a better record, but the Hurricanes have squandered some chances to acquire victories amid winnable circumstances. Now, North Central faces a district schedule and the prospect of winning a league football game, something that hasn’t occurred in awhile. St. Edmund has a team capable of challenging for a district title with an offense that is explosive aerially and on the ground. The Jays win a fourth straight.
Opelousas (3-2) at New Iberia (0-5)
The current road show for Opelousas ends against the Yellow Jackets. After five straight at other stadia and another at NISH, the team bus might be ready for an overhaul. New Iberia is indeed winless, but the Jackets have played a Class 5A schedule. Nonetheless Opelousas prevails in this non-district game with an offensive show that sends the Tigers back with a win.
Beau Chene (1-4) at Livonia (1-4)
Neither team in pre-district experiences this season has been impressive offensively. Livonia has lost three straight and scored 14 points in those games. The Gators are seemingly replicating last year, averaging five points a game along with defensive issues. This is a toss-up game statistically and analytically. Pick Livonia in this district game.
Port Barre (2-3) at Church Point (2-3)
Port Barre at times this year has done some encouraging things, while on other occasions, the Devils have experienced difficulties, especially offensively. Church Point has a new head coach and a winless three-game start. Church Point has since recorded a pair of easy wins. Consider taking Church Point in this second district contest for the teams.
Eunice (3-2) at Rayne (4-1)
The Bobcats are young in many areas, but it’s now Game 6 and Eunice should be solidifying those spots that were initially questionable. Rayne has a high-scoring offense and a team that plays with a high motor. Can’t see Eunice winning this district opener for each school.
