Sacred Heart open district play tonight against Jeanerette

As Sacred Heart head coach Josh Harper views it, the second phase of the season for the Trojans begins tonight, as they will travel to Jeanerette for the opening of District 5-2A play.
With that second phase comes the opportunity for Sacred Heart to continue their perfect season and get to 4-0 for the first time in several years.
“It is huge for the program to be undefeated right now,” stated Sacred Heart head coach Josh Harper. “It’s big for the community and the coaches. It is easy to sell the product when you are winning.”
Sacred Heart has earned that chance at staying perfect mainly by controlling the line of scrimmage, especially on the offensive front. The Trojans have been dominate in the running game, having rushed for 730 yards on 115 carries up to this point in the season; an average of 6.3 yards per carry.
Running backs Julien Vidrine and JT Harper lead the Sacred Heart rushing attack, gaining 288 and 391 yards respectively.
According to Harper it has been a combination of excellent offensive line play and the rapid development of running back play that has the Trojans on the right track.
“Coming into the season we were so young up front and at the running back position,” said Harper. “They have really grown together up to this point. Right now the backs have so much confidence in the guys up front. They are seeing holes open up and are hitting them on time.”
While the offense has done its part in the pursuit of perfection, the defensive unit for Sacred Heart has shown a bend but don’t break mentality all season long.
As an example, this past Friday against Houma Christian, the Trojan wall of defense allowed the Warriors inside the 20-yard line three times but allowed only one offensive touchdown late in the game.
“Defensively we have tried some different looks at times,” commented Harper. “But when it comes down to it, out five man front has really been our bread and butter. Our players are playing faster and are more physical when they feel comfortable with the scheme.”
Tomorrow night Sacred Heart will be on the road to take on the Jeanerette Tigers for their first district contest of 2016. The Tigers are 1-2 on the year after losing to Franklin 6-0 this past Friday.
Sacred Heart defeated Jeanerette last season 62-12, but Harper knows that the Trojans cannot take the Tigers lightly. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
“We cannot afford to take anyone for granted,” said Harper. “We know we need to continue to play with the same intensity no matter who we play. Jeanerette has some good athletes and are very quick. They can take it to the house at any time. Our focus will have to be spot on for us to continue to win.”