Ville Platte takes on Opelousas in final non-district contest

The final tune-up game before Ville Platte High starts their district competition will take place this Friday night when the Bulldogs host the Opelousas High Tigers for homecoming. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
Ville Platte comes into the game with a 3-1 record and are averaging 30.3 points per game this season. What is even more impressive is that the Bulldogs have shut out three of the four opponents they have faced.
Only Lafayette Christian has put points on the board against the stingy Ville Platte defense in a 21-20 win two weeks ago.
With the defense playing the way it has so far this year, Ville Platte High head coach Jorie Randle credits depth as a huge aspect in the success of that unit.
“Our defense has done what it was supposed to do all season long,” Randle stated. “Our players know how to handle any formation and situation on the field without us really having to tell them. We are able to get a number of players in the game each week. This helps not only to keep the players fresh, but it also builds depth and experience that will be helpful in district.”
Randle has high praise for all of his defensive unit, but has pointed to three players in particular that have shown the skills and leadership necessary to be the main parts of the machine.
“Tralon (Thomas) had another big night at linebacker,” Randle said. “He had 16 or 17 tackles. He’s a real leader on the field. “Also, (tackle) Shawn Jones showed that he’s hard to stop. One-on- one, he can’t be blocked. Tonight, he was able to disrupt the backfield and even got a strip fumble. Another player that has stepped up his game is Jalen Edwards. He is becoming a bigger and bigger part of the defense.”
The Bulldogs will need that defense to show up Friday night, as they will face a talented Opelousas squad.
“Their record is not indicative of the talent they have on the field,” commented Randle. “They give you a bunch of formations and try to get the ball to their athletes. The only thing is that they do not seem to have any identity on offense. We will try to keep them in third and long situations as much as possible.”
The Tigers come into the game with an 0-4 record. Opelousas lost to St. Martinville 42-7 this past week.
Opelousas has only managed to average 8.5 points per game and have scored twice in only one game this season. The Tigers give up an average of 35.3 points per game on defense.