Basile hosts Elton for bragging rights and much needed victory

The Battle of Bayou Nezpiques between the Basile Bearcats and the Elton Indians is so very important for two main reasons for the Evangeline Parish squad.
First, the winner of the game brings home bragging rights and the trophy back to their home school for another year.
Secondly, Basile needs another district win moving forward. This past Friday night, the Bearcats dropped to 1-1 in league play and 2-3 overall with a 28-13 loss to the Grand Lake Hornets.
In that game, Basile out produced Grand Lake on the ground, 273-165. However, the Hornets used the big play to take down the Bearcats, as they produced three scores of 30 yards or more.
“It was just a weird game for us this past Friday night,” stated Basile head coach Kevin Bertrand. “I thought we moved the ball very efficiently on offense and seemed to control the clock. But, we just could not contain their big plays. I know we have the capability of being a good football team. We just have to put together a complete game.”
The biggest key to the loss to Grand Lake was the inability of the Bearcats to produce any points in the second half. Basile trailed 14-0 after one quarter of play, but was able to keep themselves in the game with two second quarter touchdowns.
“For some reason, we just could not find the points in the second half,” said Bertrand. “We have talked to the players all week long about being able to finish drives and keeping explosive plays from happening by keeping possession of the ball.”
This week, the Bearcats will face a different type of team in the Elton Indians. The Allen parish squad is currently 0-5 on the year and average less than 10 points per game on offense. The Indian defense surrenders an average of 30 points per game.
Still, Bertrand knows that his No. 11 ranked team in the latest Louisiana Sportsline power ratings will have a to be at their best to come away with a win.
“Elton is a tough-nosed football team,” commented Bertrand. “We cannot come in and be complacent just because they have not won this year.”