Oberlin, Basile winner can grab share of 5-1A title
Published 2:09 pm Wednesday, October 26, 2011
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Control of the District 5-1A race and an automatic playoff berth will be on the line in Oberlin Friday night when the Tigers host Basile.
Oberlin (5-3, 3-0) will be looking to clinch at least a share of its third consecutive district championship. Basile (6-2, 3-0) can also clinch a share of the district championship, which carries with it an automatic playoff berth.
Basile head coach Tony Bertrand said his team will need to reverse a recent trend.
“For the last three weeks, we have come out flat for some reason and played a bad first half,” he said. “At halftime we have decided to start playing and we have finished them well. I would like to see us play a full four quarters. It is going to take that these next couple of weeks when we have tough opponents.”
Basile finishes the regular season against Elton (7-1, 2-1) next week.
“We have been winning some games; they have been close but you have to expect that in district,” Bertrand said.
“We have had some good luck in the turnover department and been able to control the ball and control the clock with our offense.”
Last week Dylan Matte returned to lead the Bearcats offense, throwing for 81 yards. Matte started the season at running back.
“He is just getting healthy after a hamstring pull and was able to do some things at quarterback,” Bertrand said of the switch. “He did not have to run too much and was able to throw and made some things happen. Him just being there gives the team some confidence.”
Oberlin will be brimming with confidence after knocking off previously undefeated Elton 28-12 last week. Bertrand said the Tigers have maintained a ground game even with the graduation of last year’s star, Cedric Skinner.
“There sure are a bunch of them, see a lot of kids doing a lot of good things,’” Bertrand said.
“They sure have a lot of speed. They are able to run and throw. They get after you on defense, they put pressure on the quarterback and have some quick guys on the defensive line, They create a lot of turnovers.”
Elton will try to remain alive in the district race when the Indians play at South Cameron (1-7, 0-3) Thursday night. Hamilton Christian (1-7, 1-2) will host Merryville (2-6, 0-3) Friday night.
