Panthers host Hurricanes

The Pine Prairie Panthers are coming off of a spirited performance against the Basile Bearcats in the Evangeline Parish Jamboree; even with a 23-14 loss. The desire of the Panthers is to continue the momentum they have gained from both the scrimmage and the jamboree as they host the North Central Hurricanes on Friday night. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
“I was definitely satisfied with our performance Friday night against Basile,” said a contented Head Coach Yves Prince. “No doubt we have areas where we can improve, but our effort was very pleasing. Offensively, we need to work on our running game. Our offensive line needs to continue to get better run blocking and our backs have to learn how to hit the hole a little quicker. Those are areas we will be addressing at practice.”
The Panther defense played fairly well against Basile on Friday, not allowing Kendrick Ceasar to get going early in the contest.
Coach Prince was very positive in commenting on the defensive effort. “I thought our defensive scheme was a good one going into the game. I was really happy with our linebackers Keenon Roy and Josh Fontenot. Our secondary gave a good effort too. We are going to have to rely on our defense to carry us until the offense can get into a rhythm.”
Coach Prince also addressed some need for improvement in their special teams. “We had a couple of errors on our special teams that are very correctable. The jamboree is for making mistakes. Our players have been really positive about the season so far. The interest in moving things in the right direction is growing every day.”
North Central, coming off of a 8-0 loss to the Port Barre J.V. in their jamboree, brings an inexperienced team to Pine Prairie on Friday. However, Prince still understands that anything can happen during a game. “North Central has some athletes,” said Prince. “We cannot take them lightly. We will have to play a complete game to come out on top. They like to pass the football and I think that plays into our strength defensively.”
Whatever the outcome Friday, the Panthers are definitely looking like a more confident football team. A win on Friday will only continue the momentum brewing in Pine Prairie. Coach Prince and staff are working hard to unlock the combination that will allow the Panthers to continue to improve this season.