Pine Prairie needing big win to continue in playoff picture

Describing the 2017 Pine Prairie Panther football season is like describing your favorite suspense movie; big highs, some lows and plenty of not wanting to look away because you might miss a great ending.
The Panthers are 3-4 on the year and 2-2 in District 5-3A play. But, most importantly, Pine Prairie has been moving up and down the power rankings like a yo-yo all season long.
After their big win over Mamou two weeks ago, the Panthers sat in the No. 24 spot in the power ratings. However, last week’s 27-13 loss to Eunice dropped Pine Prairie to No. 32; which happens to be the lowest spot you can be at and still be in the post-season.
“I have been saying it all year,” stated Pine Prairie head coach Yves Prince. “We almost have to get another win in order to secure a playoff spot. The game that is really coming back to haunt us is the loss to Beau Chene. I feel if we could have finished that particular game off, we are probably in the playoffs at the end of the season.”
Last week, the Panthers were down 13-0 to the Bobcats at the half, but found a way to tie the game in the third quarter. Unfortunately, Pine Prairie ran out of gas and allowed Eunice to score twice more.
“I thought we adjusted well at halftime,” said Prince. “But, we also turned the ball over four times. We also had some big runs that their athletes prevented us from scoring on. It was just one of those games. Still, we stood up to the challenge and we are learning how to compete every game.”
This week will be another one of those challenges, as the Panthers will travel to take on Northwest High tomorrow night. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
“They (Northwest) are big up front and can really throw the ball,” commented Prince. “Defensively, we are going to have to put some pressure on the quarterback and not give him time to throw the ball. I think if we can find our running game, we can keep it out of their hands.”