Bearcats enter playoffs focused and confident

The Basile Bearcats knew that the 2014 season would be a grind, especially having to play in one of the toughest 1A districts in the state. That season has taken its toll on the Bearcats, as they have faced injuries throughout the year. That is why having a first-round bye in the playoffs comes at one of the most opportune times for Basile. That first-round bye having been earned by a top six finish in the power ratings.
“Our players have really earned a week off,” stated Basile Head Coach Kevin Bertrand. “Every team in our district plays a physical type of game. Each week, we have had to face a really good ball club, and we have had some injuries this year that have made us play some younger guys. But those guys have stepped up and played well. It will be nice to heal some of our players up this week and get them back so we can have some kind of depth to make a run in the playoffs.”
To say the Bearcat season has been successful would be an understatement. Just looking at the offensive stats will paint a picture of near perfection. Basile averages 31 points per game. The run game has been the focal point of the season, and why not, when you have two players with over 1,200 yards of rushing on the season.
Returning all-state performer, Kendrick Ceasar has rushed for 1,214 yards on 146 carries and 21 rushing touchdowns. Fullback Gabe Fontenot has added another 1,204 yards of rushing on 160 attempts and 20 rushing touchdowns. This one-two punch has also added 145 yards each in the receiving game.
The passing game has not been needed much this year. However, when the Bearcats needed to call on that part of the offense, it has delivered. Senior quarterback Mark Ivory has thrown for 541 yards on 33 completions, while attempting 76 passes; an average of 43 percent.
Adding to all of this, the special teams play has been really solid. Punter Blaise Hebert has averaged 36.6 yards a punt and kicker Mark Ledoux is 28 of 36 in extra point attempts.
“It is a great feeling to be 9-1 and to be number five in the brackets,” said a very pleased Bertrand. “We have had a really successful year, especially with the adversity that injuries bring. What this season has shown is we have young guys willing and able to step in and fill roles. That is huge in terms of depth.”
What most casual fans seem to overlook about the Bearcats is how the defense has dominated for most of the season. Defensively, Basile has held teams to an average of 12 points per game. Leading the defense for the Bearcats is Blaise Hebert, who has recorded 130 tackles on the season, as well as forced six fumbles and collected two sacks. Roger Spell has added 109 tackles and forced three fumbles, while recovering one fumble.
The strategy for the Bearcats on this off week is to fine tune their game, both physically and mentally. Most importantly, Basile is looking to use this bye week to just heal. “We need this week to try and get better from a physical stand point,” stated Bertrand. “We are not planning to go out and bang each other around; we will probably be in helmets and shorts for the most part. I want us to be able to correct the little things, the bad habits that you pick up during the season. But, most importantly, I want us to keep on our “mental toes” so to speak.
The Basile side of the bracket is a daunting one. The Bearcats will wait on the winner of the LaSalle and South Cameron game. If the Bearcats can escape the second-round contest, number four Kentwood awaits, as does number one Mangham High School. The path to the dome is not for the faint of heart.
“We have some really good teams on our side of the bracket,” commented Bertrand. “Still, we are concerned about one thing; ourselves. We cannot control who we play or where. The only thing we know for sure is that if we focus on ourselves and play hard like we have been all season, anything can happen.”
How Basile performs in the 2014 playoffs will depend on several factors. First, they must be as close to 100 percent healthy as possible. Secondly, they must not let the down time turn into rust. Finally, the team must follow the formula for success that they have written this season; control the ball on the ground, play excellent defense and do not turn the ball over. If they can accomplish these things, the sky is the limit for Basile.