Third-ranked Basile seeks title

While there is a lot of talk and buzz going on right now about Basile’s high poll ranking in over a decade, the 9-0 Bearcats are ready to clinch their District 4-1A Championship tomorrow night when they host the Elton Indians (4-4, 3-2). Basile (9-0, 5-0) is not going to overlook Elton. The Indians have always played Basile tough and this will be no exception to that. This battle of the creek has been one that has filled the stadium to the brim every year, regardless of either team’s status.
Elton comes into the game with a record that is not common. For the last few seasons, Elton has been strong. This season, it seems as though they have hit some snags. They dropped league losses to Oberlin and surprisingly Merryville. The Indians are putting up good numbers though. They score an average of 24 points a game, but they are also giving up an average of 30 points a game. While inconsistent, don’t be fooled about the momentum coming into this game.
Basile has tons of momentum coming into this game. They cruised by East Beauregard last week 34-0. Basile is playing well on both sides of the football and according to Head Coach Tony Bertrand, the boys are having fun. That is most likely an understatement from the humble skipper, because BHS has been firing on all cylinders every week since blowing by Sacred Heart to begin the season.
Basile’s defense is going to be the key in this game. The D-unit is giving up less than a touchdown per game from a statistical point of view. The BHS starters have allowed just three scores this season in league play. If the unit shows up and gives an early blow to Elton, it could be a long game for the Indians.
On offense, Elton is primarily a running team. They will come right at Basile and try to back them off the football. That will be a tall order as the front seven of Basile seems to be one of the best groups since Bertrand took over as head coach.
From the offensive side of the field, BHS is putting up 30 points a game and finding all sorts of ways to score. Quarterback Mark Ivory has really come along and developed into the signal caller Bertrand thought he’d be. Ivory is throwing for over 100 yards a game as a late. He also runs the football well. Ivory’s ability to shine has been highlighted by the performances of Clintrell Sias and Kendrick Ceasar. The trio of threats compliment each other, but makes it very difficult for opposing defenses to focus on who to stop. With Ivory’s throwing ability getting better and better each week, Basile is growing into a threat that the entire Class 1A is noticing.
A win tonight gives Basile the 4-1A title and keeps their strong seed up. The Cats are hoping to finish the year at 10-0, but they realize the next two games could be the toughest they face in their regular season.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Basile.