To say that the Pine Prairie Panthers have had a rough start to the 2019 season would definitely qualify as an understatement.
In their first two games of the year, both losses, the Panthers have failed to put up any points offensively. Granted, both teams that Pine Prairie has had to face this year are not slouches by any stretch of the imagination.
After dropping a 34-0 loss to the Oberlin Tigers in week one, the Panthers fell to the Oakdale Warriors by that same score this past Friday night.
So, when Pine Prairie takes the field tomorrow night on the road against the Beau Chene Gators (0-2), the Panthers will be looking to not only get their first win of the year, but to also get their offense on track. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
“When you look at the game film from the scrimmage to the jamboree to the first two games of the season, you can actually see some steady improvement,” stated Pine Prairie head coach Yves Prince. “I don’t think that people understand that we are having to start a whole lot of freshmen and sophomores this season. When you have young players, they are going to make mistakes. The key is to continually try to eliminate those mistakes. If we can do that, I think we will be all right.”
Compared to week one, the Panthers do seem to be improving, especially on the offensive side of the ball. This past Friday, Pine Prairie had a running back rush for over 100 yards when freshman Elijah George put up 112 yards on 24 carries.
All told the Panthers rushed for 150 yards on 38 carries against the Warriors.
“The offensive line is starting to get it going,” said Prince. “I feel that if we can begin to assert ourselves up front, the backs will take care of the rest. We do have some talented skill position guys. It is just a matter of giving them the chance to show their talents. We will continue to get better as the season progresses, no doubt about it.”
Beau Chene lost 36-28 to Avoyelles in week one and dropped a 28-7 game to Port Barre this past Friday night.
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TRACEY JAGNEAUX Sports Editor