Bulldogs and Red Devils reignite rivalry

For as long as most VPHS alumni can remember, hard-fought battles against Port Barre and Oakdale have been part of the Bulldogs’ profile. After crushing Oakdale in week four, the Bulldogs now look to begin District 5-3A competition with a big win over Port Barre (4-1) in week six. The Red Devils are coming off of a win over Class 2A Delcambre by a score of 27-21. VPHS is coming off of a 49-0 loss to Class 3A powerhouse St. Charles.
While the Bulldogs may still be licking some of their wounds suffered against the Comets, they will be more than ready to go to Port Barre and meet a familiar opponent. It has been two years, since the two old rivals have met, and what a better time to begin league play.
Port Barre is allowing just 13 points a game and have given up just 65 points this year. They started out the year with a heartbreaking 16-7 loss to Opelousas Catholic, but since then PBHS has rattled off four straight wins. One of those wins was a very impressive 19-6 win over Class 4A Beau Chene.
Port Barre remains in a class run first offensive attack. Head Coach Mac Mistric is in his ninth year as the skipper and things have not changed much during that time. While VPHS used to have to worry about John Sylvester carrying the ball 30 times a game, that hasn’t changed much either. Instead, it’s now a younger version. J.J. Sylvester, a sophomore, now does the bulk of the carrying, along with junior quarterback Cy Bryson. Fullback Brennan Romar is a beast at 5’11” and 225 pounds, but usually only carries the ball in short yardage situations.
Port Barre’s defense has struggled in the past when VPHS brought a good passing game to the table. Senior quarterback Isaiah Thomas is going to be the key tonight. With several options to throw to, it will be important to see how quickly he can get through his progressions and maybe even tuck the ball and run now and then.
Once VPHS’s passing game gets moving that will free up Jermarcus Jones to run the ball. That will do wonders, because Port Barre traditionally doesn’t play well when they are behind. If the Bulldogs jump out in front early, it could be done early, but the PBHS crowd will act as a 12th man.
Port Barre has already been a Class 3A school for two years  so they know what it means to get that first win. Ville Platte High has played a much tougher schedule than Port Barre and that should give the Bulldogs the edge in this one. However, this is Port Barre and Ville Platte High. This rivalry has plenty of drama and very close games over the years, which makes the game even harder to predict. One thing for sure, the stands will be packed.
Game time is set for 7 p.m. in Port Barre.