Testing in progress

Its exam time for the Sacred Heart Trojans and their big test comes in the form of a heated rival, Opelousas Catholic.
The Trojans will take to their home field tonight against the Vikings, in a game that can be used as a measuring stick for the rest of the season. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
“This game against Opelousas Catholic will give us an idea of where we are at this season,” stated Sacred Heart head coach Josh Harper. “This is by far the best team we will have faced so far this year. I just want to see if our players will come out and compete against them, especially after the game last year. I feel that winning the game up front in the trenches will be a major key in the outcome Thursday night.”
The Vikings had no trouble against the Trojans last season in a 35-0 win. So far this season, Opelousas Catholic is 3-1. Their only loss came last week, as one of the best teams in the state regardless of class, the Notre Dame Pioneers, defeated the Vikings 44-12.
In their three wins this season, Opelousas Catholic has averaged 35 points a game and have held two of their opponents scoreless. The only other team to put points up on the board against the Vikings was Central Catholic, who collected 27 points in week 2.
The Vikings have a new head coach in place this season, as former St. Ed’s head coach Thomas David is now in charge of the program. According to Harper, Opelousas Catholic has taken on David’s offensive personality.
“They like to spread you out more this season than they did last year,” said Harper. “They will run the ball some, but they want to get their athletes out in space and get them the ball. They return almost all of their offensive and defensive lineman from last year. They will try to find mismatches and exploit them as much as possible.”
Defensively, the Vikings are utilizing their same 4-2- 5 scheme they have in the past; mainly because the defensive coordinator, Tommy Tate, returns from the last few campaigns.
“They really work to keep everything in front of them,” commented Harper. “If they can get you to drive the ball down the field and not give up the big play, they are happy. It is like having a bend but don’t break mentality. I think we can have some success out of our single wing formation, but we will still get in the spread and try to run the ball to keep them honest.”
Harper and the Trojans know it will be a major task this week if they hope to take down the Vikings. But, what will it take to accomplish that task and come out with a passing grade? Harper has his exam busting ideas.
“We are going to have to play guys both ways for the entire game this week,” said Harper. “The last few weeks we have been able to sub and it has worked. But, for us to compete against Opelousas Catholic, our best players are going to have to play most of the minutes. It may come down to the team that makes the least amount of mistakes and how we handle them up front.”
One thing is for sure, a “B” or “C” grade may not get the job done. For the Trojans, they will have to bring their “A” game.