Schedules map out playoff path
<p class="p1">In the season debut of the Three Point Stance, staff writers Rodrick Anderson and Warren Arceneaux discuss the schedules of area Class 5A and 4A high school football teams.</p><p class="p2"><strong>What is the best nondistrict game?</strong></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>WA:</strong></span> Leesville at Rayne. Leesville lost twice last season, both times to Rayne. The Wampus Cats were hit hard by graduation but this game will provide a good litmus test. </p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>RA:</strong></span> Jennings at DeRidder. With several key offensive players back, including quarterback Lane Armer, receivers Greg Woodard and Chris Grant and running back Torrin Bouvia, the Dragons have a good chance to improve on last year’s 6-4 record. Their first real test will come in Week 3 when they host perennial 3A power Jennings. Get past the Bulldogs and the Dragons could be considered the team to beat in District 3-4A.</p><p class="p3"> </p><p class="p2"><strong>What is the biggest district game?</strong></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>WA:</strong></span> Barbe vs. Acadiana is the area’s best big schools rivalry, in my opinion. The game usually has a big impact on the district title, and the two were part of a three-way tie for first place last season.</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>RA:</strong></span> Sulphur vs. Barbe. I know a lot of people say this game is no longer a rivalry with Barbe winning the last nine, but there has been a lot on the line the last two seasons when these two met. Sulphur tied with Barbe and Acadiana for the district title the last two seasons. If the Tors want to win an outright title, the key is to beat the Bucs, which coincidentally happened the last time they beat the Bucs in 2008.</p><p class="p3"> </p><p class="p2"><strong>Who has the most and least favorable schedule?</strong></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>WA:</strong></span> The Tors get each of the two other co-champions from last year, Barbe and Acadiana, at home. Sulphur was unbeaten at home in the regular season last year. LaGrange has six road games, including the final five of the season.</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>RA:</strong></span> Sam Houston got a bit of a raw deal last year when its homecoming game turned into a forfeit win after Lafayette had to forfeit after an altercation with LaGrange in Week 7. But on the plus side, Sam Houston will get six home games this year with all six coming in the final seven games, giving the Broncos a big boost as the try to secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2015.</p>