Coming together

Two big wins in a row have the Sacred Heart Trojans feeling really good about the progress that has been made so far this young season. They are now 2-2 on the year, but most importantly they are 1-0 in district play.
The Trojans rolled up over 500 yards of rushing in their 62-12 district win over Jeanerette this past Friday.
Running back Julien Vidrine had a career night, rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns.
Vidrine was not the only one with great games, as Jacob L. Lafleur and Garrick Fontenot also combined for 150 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
But it was the play of the offensive line that turned some heads.
That type of offensive production is more than likely a result of the players really buying into the system that has been brought with the new coaching staff.
According to Sacred Heart head coach Josh Harper, it is important to continue to gel as a team as the Trojans will face the toughest part of the schedule in the next three weeks.
“We are finally getting a grasp on what we are trying to do both offensively and defensively,” said Harper. “The more success we have the more confidence we get.”
“We have a brand new offensive line basically and they are really beginning to learn the concepts of how to block. It was great to see them work as a unit this past week.”
Sacred Heart will take their big offensive performance to Opelousas Thursday night, as they take on long time rival Opelousas Catholic.
The Vikings are currently 2-2 on the year and 0-1 in district play, after losing to Notre Dame 40-0 this past Friday. Game time Thursday is set for 7 p.m.
“On paper they may be the best team we have faced so far this year,” stated Harper. “They have two running backs that run really hard and are very physical both offensively and defensively. It will be a challenge for us this week to be as physical as they are.”
Opelousas Catholic knows how to score, averaging over 25 points per game. Knowing this Harper is counting on his defensive unit to hold ground and give the offense a chance to get going.
“Last week Jeanerette scored early on us, but we made some adjustments and continued to play hard throughout the game,” commented Harper. “It seems like everything is starting to gel for us on defense.”
“We are playing faster, lining up quicker and recognizing things a lot better since the start of the season. It feels good to watch the players buy into what we are teaching them.”
Sacred Heart and Opelousas Catholic have as an intense a rivalry as any two teams in the state. Harper embraces that rivalry having seen those types of games as a player and a coach.
“I was a part of the Marksville/Bunkie rivalry, so I know something about rivalry games,” said Harper. “I love rivalry games because of the emotional part of those games. You can use that emotion to your favor, especially if you can jump out on the other team early.”
“I told the kids after the Jeanerette game to embrace the next game mentally and emotionally.”
Harper is ready to get his team back on the field after the two big wins against Houma Christian and Jeanerette.
“I am anxious to see how we respond now that we have had some success,” said Harper. “I want to see us continue to grind. We are going to have to continue to be patient and stay within ourselves.”
“We have had a tremendous amount of improvement over the last few weeks, but we still have a long way to go. Thursday night will be a big test for us physically, mentally and emotionally. I just hope we continue to play with confidence.”