Schedules map out playoff path

<p class="p1">In the season debut of the Three Point Stance, staff writers Rodrick Anderson and Warren Arceneaux discuss the schedules of area Class 5A and 4A high school football teams.</p><p class="p2"><strong>What is the best nondistrict game?</strong></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>WA:</strong></span> Leesville at Rayne. Leesville lost twice last season, both times to Rayne. The Wampus Cats were hit hard by graduation but this game will provide a good litmus test. </p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>RA:</strong></span> Jennings at DeRidder. With several key offensive players back, including quarterback Lane Armer, receivers Greg Woodard and Chris Grant and running back Torrin Bouvia, the Dragons have a good chance to improve on last year’s 6-4 record. Their first real test will come in Week 3 when they host perennial 3A power Jennings. Get past the Bulldogs and the Dragons could be considered the team to beat in District 3-4A.</p><p class="p3"> </p><p class="p2"><strong>What is the biggest district game?</strong></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>WA:</strong></span> Barbe vs. Acadiana is the area’s best big schools rivalry, in my opinion. The game usually has a big impact on the district title, and the two were part of a three-way tie for first place last season.</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>RA:</strong></span> Sulphur vs. Barbe. I know a lot of people say this game is no longer a rivalry with Barbe winning the last nine, but there has been a lot on the line the last two seasons when these two met. Sulphur tied with Barbe and Acadiana for the district title the last two seasons. If the Tors want to win an outright title, the key is to beat the Bucs, which coincidentally happened the last time they beat the Bucs in 2008.</p><p class="p3"> </p><p class="p2"><strong>Who has the most and least favorable schedule?</strong></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>WA:</strong></span> The Tors get each of the two other co-champions from last year, Barbe and Acadiana, at home. Sulphur was unbeaten at home in the regular season last year. LaGrange has six road games, including the final five of the season.</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>RA:</strong></span> Sam Houston got a bit of a raw deal last year when its homecoming game turned into a forfeit win after Lafayette had to forfeit after an altercation with LaGrange in Week 7. But on the plus side, Sam Houston will get six home games this year with all six coming in the final seven games, giving the Broncos a big boost as the try to secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2015.</p>””Three-point Stance

SportsPlus

Local News

Mayor talks progress, what’s ahead for the city

Local News

EMS Academy, Acadian Ambulance will be offering EMT classes in LC

Local News

City Council candidates for District C state their views

Local News

Capstone at the Oaks senior living complex nearing completion

Local News

FBI says it found 2,400 new JFK assassination records

McNeese Sports

Baseball Preview: Putting pieces in place

McNeese Sports

Shumate rallies Cowboys by ETAM

Business

Trump raises tariffs on aluminum and steel to 25%

Crime

Sheriff issues warrant for Texas man accused of theft

Local News

Parish facility management team strengthening building infrastructure

Crime

LC woman killed in crash with intoxicated driver

Local News

If FEMA didn’t exist, could states handle the disaster response alone?

life

Program uses locally grown produce to help students with healthier eating habits

Crime

2/10: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

Local News

Eagles deny Chiefs a three-peat

Local News

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

Local News

Crime & punishment: Amendment would allow more juveniles to be tried as adults

Local News

Guest commentary: Executive orders pivot US energy workers from defense to offense

McNeese Sports

Garcia, Parker lead Cowboys

McNeese Sports

Lady Demons drop McNeese

Local News

Lottery registration for Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants open Feb. 12

Local News

10 honored for contributions to music during Black History Month Breakfast