Needing a win

Tonight’s contest between inter-parish rivals Pine Prairie and Mamou will be huge for each team in their own right.
For Pine Prairie (2-3, 1-1), a win means another step toward that every elusive playoff spot; one that has eluded the Panthers ever since the inception of their football program.
For Mamou (0-5, 0-2), winning their first game of the season would go a long way into building confidence in the young Demon squad; something that has seems to have not happened thus far in 2018.
“We have always been close to getting to the post-season, but we just can’t seem to get over that hump,” stated Pine Prairie head coach Yves Prince. “If we can some how come away with a win against Mamou, I believe we would only need to get one more win to take the next step in the program.”
“All year long, it seems as if we just cannot put a complete game together,” stated Mamou head coach Dwight Collins. “We need this win to show the players that all of the hard work they have put in starting this summer has not been in vain.”
The Panthers are coming off of a resounding 27-0 win over Port Barre this past Friday night. In that game, Pine Prairie utilized what they do best, run the football and play solid defense.
The Panthers rushed for 361 total yards, with running back JJ Sims collecting most of those yards. The senior busted loose for 278 yards on 28 carries and scored three touchdowns.
However, quarterback Peyton Ledoux and full back Joel Franks contributed to that total, rushing for 70 and 19 yards respectively.
“Our offensive line has really been good most of the year,” said Prince. “They are able to sustain their blocks long enough to give JJ a chance to find some space to operate in. Once he has a crease, he is tough to bring down.”
The Mamou Demons, on the other hand, have struggled to mount the offense necessary to produce a win. Last week, in a 37-0 loss to Iota, the Demons were only able to produce a total of 21 yards in 31 plays.
“I say this every week, but it holds true,” stated Collins. “We still are making the same mistakes week in and week out. It seems like we put out one fire here and another pops up somewhere else. Because we are unable to convert on third down, our defense has had to play a whole lot this season. I think right now on offense, it is more of an effort thing.”
This game may well hinge on the defensive effort of both teams. Pine Prairie gives up 28.8 points per game, but in their two wins this year, they have held their opponents to a total of seven points. Mamou allows 27.2 points per game.
“When our defense plays well, our entire team plays well,” commented Prince. “Mamou has some talented players on offense. We just can’t let them get things going this week.”
“Pine Prairie runs the ball so well, and that is because of the effort of their offensive line,” said Collins. “Their combo blocking is extremely effective. They get to the next level with great effectiveness. We are going to have to play some great run defense this week.”