Rivalry renewed

BY: NICK JAGNEAUX
Staff Writer

Their Jamboree results went in opposite directions, but both Ville Platte and Mamou are looking in the same direction in their season-opening match-up this evening.
The game, being played in Ville Platte this evening, was originally scheduled for tomorrow.
However, the game was moved to today in order to accommodate the officiating crews.
The Bulldogs beat Pine Prairie 28-0 in last Friday’s Parish Jamboree, and Mamou lost 28-0 to Basile. Nevertheless, both teams have the same idea for tonight’s game: improving fundamentals and player development.
Ville Platte head coach Jorie Randle said that getting a win is important, but getting his team ready for District 5-3A takes precedence.
“We’re using every non-district game to prepare for district,” explained Randle. “We need to sharpen our skills, get our timing right, and find players who will give their all.”
Demon skipper Brian Brumfield is also going to assess his team’s performance on more than just the scoreboard.
“We had some fundamental mistakes in the Jamboree,” Brumfield said, “mistakes that we will need to correct in order to be successful.”
Brumfield specifically noted two areas that he used this last week of practice to get right.
“Against Basile, we had problems on our defensive alignment and tackling,” he remarked.
“Because we didn’t line up well, we gave Basile room to run. And, when we were in a position to make a play, we didn’t tackle well.”
The Bulldogs also worked on its defensive performance following the Jamboree.
“On defense against Pine Prairie, the effort was there,” Randle said. “The d-line did a great job, and the linebackers flowed well.”
“But, one thing that we didn’t do well was gang tackling,” Randle admitted. “We didn’t have as many guys on the tackle as we’d like to have. We’ll need to pursue the ball better and have more hats on the ball carrier. The magic number is seven.”
Offensively, both the Bulldogs and Demons will be testing their passing game early in the season. In the Jamboree, neither team threw the ball well.
“One major problem was our passing attack,” Randle said. In the Jamboree “we missed chances to throw deep because of timing. We’re going to need to be able to throw the ball in district, because the deeper we get into the season, the more teams will force us to throw the ball. We need to be prepared for that.”
Brumfield, meanwhile, is looking to sharpen his passing game.
“Our quarterback, Levi Fontenot, actually threw the ball well,” said the Demon head coach, “but he’s brand new to the position. He’s going to need many more reps and live action to get adjusted. And, he’s going to have to learn to trust that his offensive line will hold their blocks to give him time to throw the ball.”
Although the passing game didn’t work out the well Randle wanted, the Bulldog running game was definitely clicking against Pine Prairie, with nearly 200 yards rushing.
“I’ve got to give credit to the offensive line, which is our veteran group,” Randle gushed. “I was really impressed with their downfield blocking. These guys don’t stop with the first block; they go on to the next level.”
“We had linemen on sweeps blocking 10 to 15 yards downfield,” he said. “I knew they’d be good, but they really overachieved in the Jamboree. I expect them to continue that.”
In the offensive backfield, Randle feels that he’s got a promising tandem to follow the lead of his linemen.
“We’ve got a good 1-2 punch with Jaishaun (Doucet) and Daylon (Jones),” Randle said. “Jaishaun is fast. And Daylon is a heavy runner, a bruiser who is hard to bring down. With those two guys alternating on carries, we’ve really got the versatility to keep defenses on their heels.”
Mamou’s running game, meanwhile, was hobbled in the Jamboree, as running back Joab Perron wasn’t physically fit.
“Joab played sick,” Brumfield admitted. “He wasn’t feeling his best. He was only 50-60 percent healthy. Because he’s a gamer, he wanted to play. But, his health limited his effectiveness. He’ll be 100 percent ready Thursday night.”
Despite the uneven Jamboree results, Randle knows that Mamou will be ready for his Bulldogs when they visit Ville Platte this evening.
“Mamou is on the rise,” Randle complimented. “Coach Brumfield is doing a good job, and he’s going to have the Demons ready to play us.”
Both coaches feel that starting the season against a parish rival is a good way to begin the new campaign.
“Our kids are excited,” Brumfield said. “It’s the first game of the season, so that’s always exciting. But, also they get a chance to play against an old rival.”
Randle agreed.
“It’s good for the game of football in Evangeline Parish,” the second-year Bulldog head coach said. “These players are going to be building a lifetime of memories with local people, with friends from across the parish.”
“There’s a rivalry there, but there’s also a friendship,” he continued.
Kick-off tonight is at 7 pm.