Bearcats and Blue Jays meet as old rivals

By: LANCE REED
Sports Editor

They used to be in the same district. They used to fight some of the toughest battles on the gridiron in Class 1A. The Bearcats (0-3) and the Blue Jays (3-0) are both preparing for their district schedule to begin.

The Bearcats are struggling to gain some form of identity. They began the year with what was supposed to be a high-powered running attack. The injury bug hit and since then, the Cats have struggled. Super running back Derrick Thomas has been seeing limited to no action with an injury. Quarterback Fabien Bellard also had to miss time because of an injury. John Fournerat had to go from fullback to quarterback, a position he played a few years ago.

The Bearcats did manage to put up three scores last week against the Trojans. Jacob Bergeaux did a great job when Basile was in close range. The senior, also a linebacker, scored a touchdown last week. Bellard, who moved to tailback, was the team leading rusher. He moved to tailback and carried the ball for 81 yards and a score. Fournerat also ran the ball well from the quarterback spot. He put the ball in receiver’s hands five times for 48 yards.

The Bearcats will have to contend with the strong and powerful running attack of the Blue Jays. The offense returns five starters this year. The most important thing to note is the return of receivers Trevor Hargroder and Tyler McGee.

Dylan Gaspard, a sophomore, and Zack Fusilier, a senior, are two of the best O-linemen in Class 1A. First-year center, Taylor Eval, is the largest of the O-lineman. He stands at six feet and weighs 215 pounds.

The SEH defense runs in a 4-4 front and has eight starters back this year. The most notable are the linebackers. Seniors Edward Turk and Jerod Fontenot are phenomenal at finding the ball. They are also good when dropping back into pass coverage.

The SEH D-line has three starters back from last year. The only new starter is a freshman. Brandon Leger is the rookie that joins three seniors. McGee, Eval and Alex Rozas played havoc in the jamboree for the Blue Jays.

The two squads are poised to collide tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at the Basile High School Football Stadium.