Bulldogs look impressive in spring game

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/20/2008 - 15:26

By: LANCE REED

Sports Editor

The Ville Platte High Bulldogs got a glimpse of what their football team will look like last Tuesday. You could say it’s a brand new team with the loss of so many seniors who were starters for so long. They took on the Class 1A North Central Hurricanes at Ville Platte High School.

“We should be good, said second-year Head Coach Roy Serie. “We will be young, but good.” That was the overall opinion Serie gave on the entire spring football season. He saw lots of good things. The first-string teams went 15 plays on both offense and defense. The second-string teams went 10 plays on both sides of the ball. The third segment featured eight-play goal line stanzas.

The VPHS first string looked really good. Senior running backs Ralensee Nelson and Darnell Towns made some very big runs, with each scoring. Projected starting quarterback Felton Edwards completed four passes in the 15-play series. Two of which were for big gains. Haywell Williams was the benefactor of Thomas’ nice throwing for several receptions. Also having a good day was fullback Chris Frank with great blocks and carries.

“Felton looked really good,” Serie said. “He controlled the offense and played with lots of confidence. The offense overall looked great. Nelson and Towns both ran the ball hard. Our line is young and they need work, but they will come along.”

The VPHS defensive unit held the Hurricanes to zero scores during the two offensive sessions. They were aggressive and really played physical ball. In fact, the only time the NCHS team found the end zone was during the goal line stanza. They scored once in eight plays from the goal line.

“We were really aggressive on defense and I like that a lot,” Serie remarked. “We were hitting people and knocking down passes. It was really fun to watch. I think we’re going to be OK if we can stay healthy and get everyone back next year.”

The Bulldogs will have the same tough schedule they faced in 2007 in 2008. The home and away roles will be reversed, but nevertheless, the boys from VPHS will have their work cut out for them. However, coming off of a great year and a district championship should provide enough momentum for them to do well.