Basile hopes to continue streak, while Mamou and Pine Prairie need wins for diverse reasons

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Three teams in the parish will take to the field tomorrow night, each one hoping to pick up wins for diversely contrasting reasons.
Take for example the Basile Bearcats (6-2, 4-1).
The Bearcats are hoping that a homecoming win over the Grand Lake Hornets (1-7, 0-5) will bolster their placement in the Class 1A power ranking and allow Basile to remain one of the top six teams in the state. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
The Bearcats are peaking at the correct time, as they have won their last four games and six of their last seven.
“Right now, it is not about the teams that we face, but it is about us,” stated Basile head coach Kevin Bertrand. “We have to continue to take ownership of our play and continue giving the best effort every time we hit the field. If we do that, the sky is the limit.”
Despite Grand Lake’s record, Bertrand is cognizant of not allowing his team to let their guard down.
“Last year, we came into this game with a very similar record and it took everything we had to beat them,” said Bertrand. “We are aware that we cannot take any team lightly, especially those that are hungry to take down a top six football team.”
Across the parish, the Pine Prairie Panthers (3-5, 2-3) are still looking for that every elusive fourth win; a win that would boost the post-seasons chances of the Panthers.
Last week, Pine Prairie came oh so close to recording that win, falling to the Northwest Raiders in a heartbreaking 32-26 loss. In that game the Panthers had a chance to win the game late, but a fumble cost Pine Prairie the game.
This week, Pine Prairie faces probably their toughest test of the year, as they travel to Iota (8-0, 5-0) to take on the No. 1 ranked Bulldogs. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
“We let one get away from us last week,” commented Pine Prairie head coach Yves Prince. “We know the challenge that greets us this week. But, with the way we played against Northwest, our guys have a ton of confidence that they can play with any team left on the schedule. I am so proud of this team’s effort all year long. I can tell you this, we will come to play tomorrow night.”
Meanwhile, 10 minutes away, the Mamou Demons (0-8, 0-5) must overcome the missed opportunities they have had over the past couple of weeks if they hope to pick up their first win of the season. The Demons will have that chance tomorrow night when they travel to Church Point (5-3, 2-3) to tangle with the No. 10 Bears. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
The Bears started the season 5-0, but have faltered lately, losing their last three games in a row; the last two losses were by a combined seven points. Still, Mamou head coach Dwight Collins knows that his team must produce more positive plays if they are to come away with a win.
“Right now, it is about effort for us,” stated Collins. “We are not consistent at this time and that is because consistency comes with effort; something we have been lacking all season long. We need to play with passion every play of the game. Once we begin doing that, we will see better outcomes than what we have been producing.