Rebound test set up for Trojans with SEH

Despite the loss on the scoreboard last week to one of the top teams in Class 1A, the Trojans played the best game of their season without a doubt. How can you prove it was not a fluke and show the true character and charisma of your team? You go out and take it to the team that has been your arch rival since the day you put on the blue and gold. That is the challenge that awaits the Trojans as they head to Eunice tomorrow night to meet the St. Edmund’s Blue Jays (6-3/3-1). 

Both SEH and SHHS have big things on the line this week. The Blue Jays are trying to get into the top five of the Division IV power ratings, while the Trojans want to guarantee themselves a home game in the first round. Furthermore, a win helps either team face a weaker team in the opening round. 

If someone was to try and sort out this game by statistics it would be simple. Both teams are very similar on paper. The Trojans score about 28 points per game, where the Blue Jays are scoring nearly 34 points per game. Sacred Heart fares a bit better on the defensive side of the ball. They are only giving up 14 points a game on average, while SEH is allowing 24 points a game. A big reason for that stat is because the Trojans held Point Coupee Central to just 26 points last week, while the Blue Jays gave up 50 points. 

Even the schedule and success has been similar. Between the two teams, only SEH has defeated a team with a winning record. For St. Ed’s that was Opelousas Catholic in week four. The Jays won that game 36-35 late in the game. The Trojans’ came close last week when they took the Cougars of PPC into overtime. 

The Trojans offense has shown it can score quickly or it can put together slow methodical drives that eat up the clock and score points. Which route they go tomorrow night will be determined by how physical can the O-line be. Last week, SHHS’ offensive line was on the ball and blew the Cougars back over and over. Senior quarterback Wesley Fontenot will need the line to have another good night so that he can work his magic. 

St. Ed’s has worked well this year behind an offensive line that can blow people back as well. Drew Brown and the Blue Jays have found success throwing the ball and running the ball. How will they attack the Trojans? Look for SEH Coach Thomas David to use play action passes to set up the big play, much like he did last year. The Blue Jays seem to almost allow the Trojans to stay close going into the half, but then blew the doors off the hinges in the second half. 

The SHHS defense could be the difference maker. The Trojans have grown in leaps and bounds on defense this season. Holding the Cougars to just 26 points was a pure example. In fact, the Cougars scored on four big plays. They did not have any drives that produced points. 

“Missed tackles gave them (PCC) their points,” said SHHS Head Coach Doug Guillory. “We were in position, we just missed the tackle because we’re not ready.”

Although the Blue Jays are at home and have the stronger power rating, the Trojans have to feel like they have the edge. They played amazing last week and they have more to gain by coming up with the win. With their speedy spread-like offense, the Trojans could use their speed and various weapons to find success. However, they will have to mix things up and not go to the same plays over and over. The Blue Jays will be waiting for that. 

St. Ed’s has pretty much owned this rivalry over the last couple of years. Could this be the year the Trojans turn the table on the boys from Eunice? SHHS fans surely hope so. This game should be a good one and kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at St. Edmund’s.