Bulldogs vs. Panthers

As the season winds down, there are teams who know they are in the playoffs and teams who are battling to make sure that they are amongst those teams lucky enough to be in the postseason.
Both Pine Prairie and Ville Platte are two teams that fall in the latter category. The Panthers currently stand at number 32 in the power rankings, while the Bulldogs find themselves in the number 29 spot (excluding the select teams).
So, when these two teams clash Friday night at Ville Platte High, more than just a district game is at stake for these two gridiron squads. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
Each of these teams has taken different paths so far this season. Ville Platte (4-4, 1-2) has been hot and cold throughout the 2015 season, alternating wins and losses. Pine Prairie (3-5, 0-3) is currently on a three game losing streak, after winning three in a row in their previous three games.
“We haven’t been as consistent as I would have liked this season,” said Bulldog head coach Jorie Randall. “That comes with experience. When we started the season, we began with a number of players who had no experience at all. It is up to us to make sure we become consistent over the next two games.”
“This game is like a playoff game for us,” said Panther head coach Yves Prince. “We have to treat it like that. If we cannot get another win on the season, our season may be over with. Our district is one of the toughest in the state. It takes a lot to win a district game.”
For Ville Platte, one aspect of their play that has been fairly consistent has been the play of the defense. The Bulldogs only allow 13 points per game and have held opponents to seven points or less five times this season.
“Our scheme is simple, so it allows us to play fast,” stated Randall. “We have had a number of players step up on that side of the ball and given us some great playing time. Our defensive interior seven has really been dominating this season.”
Offensively Ville Platte really has not found any type of rhythm. The Bulldogs only average 11.4 points per game and have been held to six points or less five times this year, including three scoreless games.
In fact the only positive part of the offense has been the play of senior running back Daylon Jones. Jones has rushed for 794 yards on 129 carries.
“There is no doubt our run game has been good this season,” commented Randall. “For the most part our guys have been winning the battle. That gives our back including Daylon confidence to run the ball.”
For Pine Prairie, when they have been hot, the offense has really been on fire. In the three wins for the Panthers this year, they have averaged 35.7 points per game. However, in their five losses, the offense has only been able to average an anemic 9.4 points per game.
One could say that as Dylan Doucet and Douglas Fontenot go, so goes the offense. The Panther duo collected 868 yards on 103 carries, an average of 8.4 yards per carry and 14 touchdowns in that three game win streak.
Compare that to the last three games, where the tandem has only gathered 315 yards on 74 carries and scored one touchdown, and you can see how they can affect the momentum for Pine Prairie.
“Dylan and Douglas are definitely keys to our offense,” stated Prince. “But what really gets those guys going is our fullback Josh Fontenot. We did not have him available last week, but he will be ready this week. He is the glue to the offense. When he is in Dylan and Douglas are more at ease.”
Because of their inconsistent play on offense, Pine Prairie has put their defensive unit in unsustainable situations, keeping them on the field for lengthy stretches.
“Our defense feeds off of our offense,” commented Prince. “We have to be able to control the ball on offense and keep our defense fresh.”
The passing game for both teams has left a lot to be desired; something that may be needed Friday night if one team hopes to come out on top.
“The passing game will come into play this week,” said Randall. “I believe the team that can be efficient in the passing game will have a huge advantage in the outcome of the game.”
“It may come down to the team that can be consistent in the passing game,” said Prince. “That team may not have to have a tremendous passing night, just be efficient enough to take the pressure off of the running game.”