Basile seeks redemption over Oberlin

It is not every day a team has a shot at perfection during the regular season in football. Especially in Class 1A where it seems nearly any team could beat another team. Basile remembers not too long ago when they stood at near perfection and then Oberlin ruined that. Will that happen again tomorrow night when Basile goes to Oberlin for the season finale? Who knows? 

This time around things are very different for Basile and Oberlin. The Tigers, 11th in the power ratings, need to win this game to get into the top 10 and stay away from facing top rated Haynesville or Mangham in the second round of the playoffs. A win for Oberlin also gives them a three-way share of the District 4-1A crown with East Beauregard and Basile. Basile beat East Beau and East Beau beat Oberlin. 

Basile is seeking to win for many levels besides the obvious. Basile is looking to move to 10-0 and crack the top four of the power ratings. In the press polls, the Cats are third, but the power ratings are what really matters. 

The Cats have the upper hand this time around because Oberlin can’t focus on just one running back. Basile has so many weapons this year and it starts with quarterback Mark Ivory. The first year starter has really developed and come a long way. His ability to run and throw the football has opened up things in the passing and running game. Ivory has thrown for over 100 yards many times this year. Last week, he threw for close to 200 yards, including 129 yards to Mason Deshotel. While all that was going on, Kendrick Ceasar collected nearly 200 yards, and Basile was able to run several other backs as well. 

Oberlin’s defense has given up points this year. They are not as strong as they have traditionally been. Oberlin gives up nearly 21 points a game and Basile is scoring over 34 points per game. 

The Tigers have the ability to score as they average 30 points a game. Their primary running game will have a hard time against BHS. Oberlin managed just 28 points against South Cameron and only 16 points against East Beau. Basile is holding teams to eight points a game and have thrown plenty of shutouts this season. 

On paper, this looks like another easy win for Basile, but that will not be the case. Oberlin could care less if Basile is 10-0 or 0-10. They strive to defeat Basile every year. Oberlin High School is also a very tough place to play and even tougher to win. Things will be tough. 

Basile knows how to play in a hostile environment and they will be ready. Look for this game to be anything but a blow, but you never know. 

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Oberlin.