After what was called “the most complete team win this season” by Basile head coach Kevin Bertrand, the Bearcats are looking to parlay their 41-8 victory over the Elton Indians into another key district win when they host the East Beauregard Trojans for homecoming tomorrow night.
Game time between the Bearcats (3-3, 2-1) and the Trojans (3-3, 3-0) is set for 7 p.m.
“I told the players after the game this past Friday that if we play this way the rest of the season, the sky is the limit for us,” stated Bertrand. “I know that we have some talent on this team, we just have to keep our focus on doing the right things day in and day out. If we do that, the wins will come.”
Despite its rocky 1-2 start, Basile has gotten its offense on track, scoring 95 points and racking up more than 1,100 yards of total offense over the last three games. The biggest reason for the surge in offensive production for the Bearcats has been the health of the team.
“At the beginning of the season, we were banged up a little,” said Bertrand. “But, we are finally as healthy as we have ever been and it shows in both our offensive and defensive production. As long as we can continue to stay healthy, we should be all right for the final push.”
In the past, Basile has had one player who has handled most of the offensive load. This season is different for the Bearcats in the fact that they have been able to distribute the ball to a variety of players, all of whom share in the responsibility of making sure the offense goes.
As of this past week’s game, Basile has three players who have 275 yards of rushing or more. The leader in that category, Isaiah Ceasar, has 373 yards on 49 carries so far despite being injured in the first couple of games.
But, the Bearcats have shown they are not just a run it down your throat team this season. There is balance to their offense, as quarterback Cole Manuel has thrown for 599 yards on 29 of 65 passing.
Basile will need some of that offense this week, as they must try and hold off a surging East Beauregard team that has won their last three games in a row.
“East Beauregard is a very physical team,” commented Bertrand. “They line up foot to foot and it is no secret they want to pound the ball right at you. We are going to have to strap it up and get ready for a hard fought game. It will take a complete game again.”
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TRACEY JAGNEAUX Sports Editor