Lake Arthur-Kinder, Welsh-Notre Dame take small school spotlight
In this edition of the Three Point Stance, Rodrick Anderson and Warren Arceneaux discuss Week 9 games involving area small schools.
What is the best game on the schedule?
WA: Lake Arthur at Kinder. The Tigers are in the middle of a grueling stretch of schedule that started with a loss to Welsh and win over Westlake. It concludes next week with a game against undefeated Notre Dame. Kinder is no pushover, but getting a win over the Jackets would be a big confidence boost to the Tigers.
RA: Welsh at Notre Dame. Welsh had just one blemish on its record last year and it was a pretty big one, a 49-7 loss at home to Notre Dame. Welsh will get a chance to return the favor Thursday in Crowley. The Greyhounds have been on a tear lately, winning six straight while scoring 48.5 points per game. Welsh’s defense has also been strong during that span, allowing more than 12 points just twice. Winning this game will not only secure a district title for the Greyhounds, but also show that they are ready to make another state championship run.
What is the best in-game matchup?
WA: Welsh LB Alec Iguess vs. Notre Dame RB Noah Bourgeois. Iguess is a returning all state linebacker who set the school record for tackles in a season last year. Bourgois makes the Notre Dame offense go, averaging 132 yards per game and 8 yards per carry. Iguess and his teammates will have to find a way to bring those numbers down if the Greyhounds are to win a game that likely decides the District 6-2A champion.
RA: Merryville RB Cam’ron Williams vs. Elton’s linebackers. Williams has averaged almost 100 yards a game during the Panthers’ three-game win streak and has improved his yards per carry by more than a yard to 5.7. Williams will face some stout linebackers this week in Jalen Chretien (5-10, 195), Kervondrick Scott (6-3, 215) and Bryce Laughlin (5-8, 170). Defense will have to play a key role for the Indians to finish the regular season strong and secure a home playoff game.
Name a player to watch.
WA: Elton QB Dylan Fontenot has thrown for at least 99 yards and at least one TD in each of his starts this season. In addition to running the offense, Fontenot plays DB and returns kicks for the Indians. who travel to face a Merryville team that has won three straight games.
RA: Welsh RB Jaheim Simon. An injury kept him on the sidelines the first two weeks of the season, but the sophomore as been unstoppable since returning to the field. He 5 100-yard games and has scored at least one touch each game. At 5-11 and 185 pounds, he has the power to run between the tackles plus more than enough speed to put the defense behind him once he breaks threw even the smallest hole. The Greyhounds will need his talents this week against Class 2A No. 1 Notre Dame.