Bulldogs host 3A St. Charles

The Ville Platte High Bulldogs are hoping that they can get back on the winning side of things after a tough loss against the Oakdale Warriors. The Bulldogs are 1-3 and host the St. Charles Comets in their next contest. St. Charles is a perennial class 3A powerhouse, which is led by the legendary Coach Frank Monica. The Comets were added to the schedule last year, when a team backed out of playing the Bulldogs at the last minute. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
Against Oakdale on Friday, Ville Platte was not hitting on all cylinders. The Bulldogs only managed 15 total yards of offense in a 14-0 loss. The offense seemed out of sync all game long. With the injuries Ville Platte has had to deal with, having some of the starters back should have been a positive boost. But, as usual, when starters get back after being away, it takes them some time to get back on track.
“Our passing game will need to improve if we expect to move the football,” said Ville Platte Head Coach Jorie Randle. “It is not all on the quarterback if the passing game is not working. Our receivers have to do a better job of catching the ball and the offensive line has to be better at pass blocking. If we do not throw the ball better, teams will just crowd the line of scrimmage and key on the run. Running the ball and passing the ball have to work hand in hand.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs were able to control the run game of the Warriors. Oakdale did find some success throwing the football against the Ville Platte defense. The Warriors were able to score once in the first half and once in the second half.
“We played decent on defense,” stated Randle. “We had some penalties called against us that gave them good field position for their first score. They had a good passing game and were able to move it on us a little through the air. We were able to control their running game.”
St. Charles comes into the contest with a 3-1 record. The Comets have defeated Southern Lab (31-12), East Jefferson (49-14) and Miller-McCoy (49-6). Their only loss was to East Ascension in a tight ball game, 42-35. “St. Charles is a well coached football team,” said Randle. “They are very patient on offense and defense. You can tell that they are a much disciplined group. They do all the right things, especially on special teams. Coach Monica takes special teams very seriously. They do not make many mistakes. We are going to have to play mistake free football to have a chance against those guys.”
To say that Ville Platte needs a win would be an understatement. Power points are at a premium. For the Bulldogs to gain a victory Friday against the Comets, they will have to play flawlessly. Getting the passing game going will be important so that teams do not key in on just the run. The coaches will be working extra hard to make sure that this happens. One would believe that any and all changes that need to be made are on the table. Now is the time to do what is necessary to start clicking on all cylinders.