Games take on new meaning in district
In this edition of the Three Point Stance, staff writers Rodrick Anderson and Warren Arceneaux discuss Week 4 games involving area large schools.
What is the most interesting game?
RA: Sulphur at Sam Houston. Sam Houston is looking to open District 3-5A with a win and improve to 4-0 for the first time since 2014. Coincidentally, the team that ended that streak was Sulphur. Sulphur is trying to right the ship after losing backto-back games. With its run game a work in progress, the Tors will have to rely on quarterback Morgan Clark and a solid receiver group which could create problems for the Broncos, who gave up 328 passing yards to Cecilia in Week 3 and 198 to Iowa last week.
WA: Northwest at Iota. Both teams are undefeated and building off a breakout season. Northwest reached the quarterfinals last season while Iota won a playoff game for the first time in more than a decade. The Raiders have been lighting up scoreboards while Iota has been strong defensively. The Bulldogs can also move the ball, with a pair of good backs in Luke Doucet and Kollin Guillory and senior quarterback Trae Rambin.
What is the best in-game matchup?
RA: Iota defense vs. Northwest offense. Iota’s defense is giving up 12.67 points per game and has recorded a safety in two consecutive games. The Bulldogs will be faced with stopping a Raiders offense that is putting up 35 ppg led by dualthreat quarterback Montaz Sam, who scored four rushing touchdowns in Week 1.
WA: Sam Houston RB Gerron Duhon vs. Sulphur linebacker Jake LaFleur. Duhon has taken well to running back, combining surprising power between the tackles with speed to get outside. LaFleur is a prolific tackler who can make plays from sideline to sideline. He and the Tors linebackers and defensive backs will have to keep all eyes on Duhon, who also had a long touchdown reception last week.
Who is a player to watch?
RA: Leesville RB Jalen Shepherd. The junior only had a handful of carries last year, but moved right into a starting role this season without missing a beat. Shepherd is averaging more than 10 yards a carry with 287 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries, plus a receiving touchdown while leading the Wampus Cats to a 3-0 start. Leesville is one of eight undefeated teams left in Southwest Louisiana.
WA: Westlake RB J.J. Ross. After running for 256 yards and four touchdowns over the first two weeks, Ross was kept out of the end zone last week in a loss to Leesville. For Westlake to beat a streaking Lake Charles College Prep team, Ross will need to help the Rams control possession and wear down a big and talented Trail Blazers defensive line. Long drives will also keep the explosive Prep offense on the sidelines. The fewer points scored, the better chance the Rams have to win.