Ahead of the game

When the LHSAA made the final decision to begin the regular season on October 2, many teams across the state were in a waiting pattern and had to scramble to get into season mode.
However, one team in Evangeline Parish did not blink an eye because they were ahead of the game.
That team? The Basile Bearcats.
“We feel like we are ahead of the game right now,” stated Basile head coach Kevin Bertrand. “We were able to take the so called down time to insert special teams. For the first time since I have been here, we have two groups of special teams.”
“Another positive for us is that we have been able to get a ton of work in with the younger players,” continued Bertrand. “Obviously there are some things we have to see, and we are lacking that actual game time play, but I feel we are ready to open up the season right now.”
Basile comes off of another tremendous season, having gone to the quarterfinals three of the last four years. The Bearcats finished the year with an overall record of 6-4 and a district record of 5-2.
“Every year we come out with the mind set of taking one day and one game at a time,” said Bertrand. “We have been fortunate here that our players and our coaches work hard day in and day out to make this program the best that it can be. We are definitely ready to get back on the field and play.”
On the offensive side of the ball, Basile returns quarterback Cole Manuel. The senior signal caller was a second team All-Parish selection and has shown the poise and leadership necessary to guide the Bearcats once again this season.
Basile will miss some tremendous athletic running backs off of last year’s squad. Gone is Isaiah Ceasar, a first team All-District and All-Parish performer, who rushed for 1,100 yards last season.
Also gone is Logan David. The big fullback not only garnered a ton of his own yardage, but he also was key in the running game as a blocker.
Still, Basile does have some players with experience who will fill in the roles left behind by Ceasar and David. According to Bertrand, juniors Ethan Bazinet and Ethan Langley have stepped up at the tailback and fullback position and are bracing to have break out seasons.
The wing back slot, however, has not been filled because of an ongoing battle between players. Bertrand feels that when the season begins one will be in place.
Two players who will see time at the wide out positions are senior Logan Guillory and freshman Jared Thomas. The two will try to help fill the void left behind by second team All-Parish selection Keeman Ivory.
Up front, the Bearcats bring back four huge returners, including tight end Justin Smith. Seniors Wesley Lejeune and Bryson McCoy, along with junior Gabe Fontenot will provide some needed stability in the run heavy powerhouse that Basile has become over the past few years.
“We are excited about having a veteran offensive line coming back,” commented Bertrand. “Having guys with game experience is going to be a huge key for us offensively. Games are won in the trenches, and it helps to have a crew of players that can get the job done.”
Defensively, the Bearcats have to find replacements for tackle machines like Issac Cortez and David. The two players combined for over 150 tackles last season.
The only returner up front on the defensive side of the ball is Smith. However, the linebacking corps will have everyone back including first team All-Parish selection Bryson McCoy, who recorded 112 tackles last season. Joining McCoy will be Baylor McCoy and Lejeune.
The defensive backfield will be on point once again, needing only one replacement.
The kicking game remains intact, with Smith doing the punting and first team All-Parish kicker Jose Palacios handling the place kicking duties.
Before the season began the Bearcats found out that they will only have seven games this season, as Elton has decided to suspend football. Still, having one fewer game is no problem for Bertrand and his team.
“We called around to try and find a game to fill that spot, but the teams that had open spots are all Class 5A,” Bertrand said with a chuckle. “It will not be the end of the world if we only have seven games. I think we will still be playoff ready.”
The Basile season starts off with a tough match-up with Sacred Heart. The Bearcats then begin district on the road at Hamilton Christian.
Grand Lake comes to Basile for game three. The following week, the Bearcats have an open date, due to Elton’s unfortunate situation.
Basile hits the road to East Beauregard for week five action. A Thursday home game bring Merryville in for week six.
The Bearcats close out the 2020 regular season campaign with back-to-back road trips to Gueydan and long time rival Oberlin.