Photograph: Opelousas running back D’Shaun Fontenot gains yardage during the jamboree. (Photograph by Freddie Herpin.)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
It wasn’t a particularly impressive first week of the regular season for the nine St. Landry Parish football teams.
The schools finished 1-7 overall and Port Barre didn’t even get the chance to play a scheduled game at Livonia on Friday night.
Weather last Friday night was challenging and so were the results for St. Landry teams who enter Week 2, hoping for better results.
Northwest High had the only successful 2022 debut as the Raiders unveiled a Wing-T offense that gained over 200 yards during a 21-15 victory at Northside.
Otherwise there were numerous first-game issues.
Beau Chene was shut out 39-0 at Rayne, Opelousas High squandered a strong first half showing only to lose at Teurlings Catholic 32-15, Opelousas Catholic sputtered offensively and looked outmatched defensively against Oak Grove 53-18, St. Edmund was outscored by South Lafourche 57-40 and Eunice couldn’t finish against Church Point which won the fourth quarter and the game 26-12.
Westminster Christian couldn’t find the end zone offensively and North Central in a second season under head coach Jason Carruth, had a chance for a first victory in three seasons, but lost to Merryville by a touchdown.
Here’s a look at this week’s games.
Port Barre (0-0) at Beau Chene (0-1)
Conditioning for Port Barre might be a factor after the Devils didn’t play Friday night. Beau Chene is hoping to improve after allowing Rayne to run wild last Thursday night.
Prediction: Look for Beau Chene to prevail after a poor opening-game display.
Natchitoches Central (1-0) at Opelousas High (0-1)
The Tigers put up some impressive numbers until Teurlings made the defensive adjustments. What happened to that Opelousas High defense in the second half?
Prediction: Opelousas has a tough schedule and this is a win they need. Pick the Tigers. Just a guess.
Opelousas Catholic (0-1) at Ascension Catholic (1-0)
Prediction: The Vikings will discover a lot about themselves this week, going on the road to play at program with good tradition. Ascension Catholic takes this one.
Crowley (0-1) at Northwest (1-0)
If the Raiders’ defense improves, Northwest could have a respectable season. Crowley is a program that is in disarray as Acadia Parish has disavowed attendance zones.
Prediction: Northwest will be 2-0.
Eunice (0-1) at Jennings (0-1)
The Bobcats need a win to prevent a problematic start. The annual series with Jennings is one of the oldest in the state.
Prediction: Look for Eunice to gain a win, but this victory won’t be easy.
North Central (0-1) at Gueydan (1-0)
The Hurricanes could win a game or two this season. The contest with Gueydan could be one of those contests.
Prediction: Not sure how to pick this one, but we have to go with Gueydan.
Westminster (0-1) at Grand Lake (52-6)
WCA had a chance to win in a double overtime game last week, but the Crusaders couldn’t reach the end zone.
Prediction: This week there is a chance for a WCA victory. Don’t like to pick the visitors, but in this case it will be Westminster if the offense complies.
St. Landry Now Athletes of Week: Javian Reese and Donovan Thomas each gained over 100 yards during the Northside win. Athletes of the Week t-shirts are ready for both of you.
