The last few years have been lean when it comes to success for the Vinton Lions.

They won a single game each in 2022 and ’23 and no more than two in a season since 2019.

This season has brought a renewed confidence to the program. The Lions are 2-0 for the first time since 2018.

Limiting turnovers has been key for the Lions who have no fumbles through two games after averaging two a game last season. Their 62 points are half of what they scored last year (122) and more than all of 2022 (58).

“I feel that we’ve just taken care of the football and we’ve executed under pressure,” head coach Tyler Lavergne said. “Sometimes we would cover our own fumble and other times we did not. But we put the ball on the ground much more last year.”

 Everything has been on the ground for the Lions, who have not completed a pass. They average 258 rushing yards a game, led by running backs Jaidon Briggs (247 yds., 3 TDs) and Connor Courmier (108 yds., 2 TDs).

“We’re more majority under center this year, and we feel more comfortable with just repetitions over and over and over,” Lavergne said. “We are just really prioritizing keeping ball security is our top goal on offense.

“We’re sharing the ball a lot, and that’s what’s making it challenging to stop us defensively. We have multiple weapons that are ready to get the ball down.”

Lavergne spoke highly of senior wide receiver Landon Harbert and his blocking that has assisted the run game’s success.

“It’s kind of odd that we have zero completed passes on the year, and the guy that surprised me the most is the senior receiver,” Lavergne said. “He’s blocking his butt off every play. 

“It’s encouraging as a coach to watch film on Saturday mornings to see how well he’s blocking and his efforts is there. His time will come whenever we start passing the ball a little bit in passing situations.”

Vinton will travel today to Cougar Stadium in Lake Charles to take on Hamilton Christian (1-1) at 7 p.m.

Corralling quarterback Javon Vital will be the top priority, and defensive lineman Shannon Milburn (10 tackles) is expected to lead the way. Vital has accounted for eight touchdowns with 197 rushing yards and 248 passing.

“He’s only been playing football for two years, but he’s extremely physical, and there’s just a big body that’s hard to block,” Lavergne said of Milburn. “He gets off blockers pretty easily and he’s making a big impact on the defensive line this year. 

“It’ll be a lot of contain, contain pressure and contain and just playing slow. If we kind of try to match (Vital’s) speed, we’re going to lose that battle.”

Elsewhere

Lake Charles College Prep will try to get its first win and will face a top-10 opponent for the second time this season.

LCCP (0-2) travels to Class 4A No. 3 and defending Non-select Division III state champion Opelousas.

The Trailblazers are looking to finish the job this week after having a chance with the lead in the fourth quarter in both of their games.

Sophomore quarterback Dylan Vital has completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 432 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Iowa (1-1) will hit the road to take a Parkview Baptist team that has reached the quarterfinals in back-to-back seasons. The Eagles are coming off a 53-13 win over first-year Class 5A school Prairieville.

Welsh (1-1) will travel to play Jefferson Davis Parish rival Jennings (1-1) in the first meeting between the schools since the Greyhound won 33-28 in 2018.

Each has a big-time playmaker on offense in Jennings running back ReJohn Zeno (251 yds., 3 TDs) and Welsh quarterback Jonavon Begnaud (301 yds. offense, 5 TDs).