BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
The good news this week for St. Landry Parish football programs is no team will finish 2023 without a victory.
After Week 3, all parish teams have acquired at least one win. Opelousas, Eunice, Northwest and St. Edmund are 2-1.
Last week the nine parish teams finished with an overall 5-4 record. All of those victories occurred as the schools continued to move through the non-district parts of their schedules.
It was the second straight week for a parish winning record.
After a third of the regular season ended last week, the nine parish football programs have an overall 13-14 record and a 48 percent winning percentage.
Remembering what the coaches said in their preseason interviews, the current records of their teams are not that surprising. Their assessments were accurate.
So here is what you might expect to see in Week 4 matchups.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Northwest (2-1) at Eunice (2-1)
This game has always assumed the characteristic of a true parish rivalry, due to geographic proximity of the schools and the fact that the two programs once had a competitive relationship in a Class 3A district. The coaches of both schools have agreed to maintain the regular season matchup and this contest at Bobcat Field Friday night might again prove entertaining.
Eunice and Northwest have proven they have the ability to score points. Fumbles, interceptions and special teams play should decide the outcome. Assign a home field advantage in this game.
OTHER PARISH GAMES
Opelousas (2-1) at St. Amant (3-0)
The Tigers have been impressive offensively and defensively in their last two games which were also played on the road. Opelousas plays another away game against a St. Amant team that is undefeated. It’s the second straight year Opelousas has played at this venue. Although St. Amant is without a loss, the competition hasn’t been that overwhelming. Opelousas has the potential to improve to 3-1 and the Tigers accomplish that.
Opelousas Catholic (2-1) at Southern Lab (1-1)
This game will be played on artificial turf, so give the speed advantage to the Kittens. Opelousas Catholic is showing signs of adapting to new coaching philosophies. Southern Lab lost a close game to Madison Prep last week. Southern Lab wins this one.
Port Barre (1-2) at Mamou (0-3)
This is a must win game for each program. Port Barre has scored one touchdown in the last eight quarters and the Devils, without both starting running backs, haven’t been effective lately in sustaining drives. Mamou has an extremely young team and this means the Devils should collect a second victory.
Beau Chene (1-2) at Abbeville (3-0)
The Gators have improved somewhat defensively, but offensively Beau Chene is having red one difficulty. Fortunately Beau Chene might have the most accurate placekicker in the parish. Abbeville is averaging 23 points, so the Wildcats will win this game in Vermilion Parish.
Crescent City (0-3) at St. Edmund (2-1)
This is the second straight week that the Jays are almost assured of a win prior to the kickoff. St. Edmund has sophomore running back Kevon Johnson (714 yards, 10 touchdowns), who might reach 1,000 yards by the end of this game. Quarterback Kane West has passed for over 400 yards and Blake Moran has caught 266 yards worth of passes. Look for the Jays to score at least 40 or set a school record for points scored.
Westminster Christian (1-2) at Hamilton Christian (1-2)
This is a winnable game for Westminster, which has displayed an offense capable of scoring at any point on the field. The key for the Crusaders however is remaining injury-free. Hamilton Christian scored a win over Highland Baptist. Westminster can win this game and the Crusaders will do that.
North Central (1-2) at Ascension Christian (1-2)
Both teams have victories over Gueydan by comparative scores. North Central let a potential win slip away last week at Thrive Academy. The Hurricanes in preseason thought they could surpass the three victories from last year. Picking the ‘Canes to do that against ACS.
