Mamou Green Demons seek playoff pressure against Northwest

By: RHETT MANUEL Sports Editor MAMOU – It’s been over a decade since Mamou High has had the pleasure of experiencing playoff football. So, it goes without saying the importance of tomorrow night’s regular season finale against Northwest. The equation is pretty simple for Mamou. If they win, they lock up third place in District 4-3A and get the chance to play in the playoffs. Lose, and it’s left up to the gods. Potential playoff football represents a culture building moment for head coach Dwight Collins. For him, the playoffs are the ultimate teachable moment for his team. “I don’t think we’ve been in the playoffs in 13 or 14 years,” he said. “I know it would help us in terms of numbers. But more than that, it would help our kids get experience in postseason play. “The intensity is at a different level. Only the elite are out there playing at that time. I want them to feel that so they would get a feel for what it would take to compete year in and year out.” Collins has had his nose to the grindstone in teaching his Green Demons the right approach all year. As a coach, he’s been blessed with a loose and close team that easily rebounds after misfortune. It’s been a blessing and a curse that has caused Mamou to not prepare as diligently as it should at times. It’s a mindset that he’s trying to change, especially this week. “It’s taking care of business,” he said. “It’s not backing down. “It’s winning every day in order to win on Friday. “You’ve got some guys that work and some that aren’t,” he added. “We’ve got leaders that are trying to pull others up. They’re a fun group. They like to laugh and be around each other. But, they’re also serious when they need to be. We’re trying to make sure we’re getting that done all week to make sure it happens on Friday.” It will be paramount against a Northwest team that has enough athleticism to give any team in the state fits at times. “I see a good football team. defensively they’re playing well,” Collins said. “Offensively, they’re coming around with certain concepts. Coach Edwards will have his team ready to play.” As for Mamou’s approach? It will be the same it has been all year. “We’re going to try to keep doing what we do and try to get better at it,” Collins said. “We want to execute.”