Wildcats to Face Thibodaux Friday

Wildcats Ready For Competition This Friday Night

by Woody Jenkins

CENTRAL — Central High head coach Doug Dotson believes he will know a lot more about his 2011 Wildcat team after this Friday night’s scrimmage against Thibodaux High School.

The scrimmage will begin at 6 p.m. Friday at Wildcat Stadium, and will have a game atmosphere.

“I feel we’re going to have a very good team this year, but you find that out on Friday nights,” he said.

The Advocate’s Football Edition came out Tuesday and picked Central No. 3 behind Zachary and Denham Springs in district standings.  Based on the small number of returning starters at Central, that may make sense, but we disagree.

Based on the talent in Central’s arsenal, the Central City News is picking Central to repeat as District Champion for the 4th straight year.  On paper at least, this could be one of the best Wildcat teams ever.

Central’s talent may be largely untested, but it is real, and Central boys seem to rise to the challenge, regardless of starting experience.

Central is a young team, but we expect them to make their mark, both this year and next year.

Central will play in the jamboree on Aug. 26 and begin the regular season Sept. 2 against Istrouma.

The Wildcats will compete in District 4-5A without traditional rival Catholic High, which will compete in District 5-5A against mostly River Parishes schools.

District 4-5A will include Zachary, Denham Springs, Scotlandville, Live Oak, Walker, and Central.

The scrimmage Friday night will go like this:

• Central 1st team offense vs. Thibodaux 1st team defense for 15 plays.

• Central 2nd team offense vs. Thibodaux 2nd team defense for 12 plays.

• Central 3rd team offense vs. Thibodaux 3rd team defense for eight plays.

• Thibodaux 1st team offense vs. Central 1st team defense, 15 plays

• Thibodaux 2nd team offense vs. Central 2nd team defense, 12 plays

• Thibodaux 3rd team offense vs. Central 3rd team defense, 8 plays

• Then the same rotation will be repeated.

• Red Zone.  Central’s 1st team offense will try to score from the 25, followed by Thibodaux’s 1st team offense.  This will be repeated, followed by the 2nd teams.

• One 10-minute quarter.

Coach Doug Dotson said, “Man, we’re ready for this scrimmage against Thibodaux?”

Why, coach?  “Because we’re tired of pounding on each other.  We’re ready to hit someone else!”

Hmmm.  Maybe that’s why Central will do well again this year.

Despite all the fancy talk, analysis of offense and defense, comparison of heights, weights, and speed, and all the talk about district and state championships, football is mostly about hitting your opponent.

Those who hit the hardest usually win.  Combine brains with that brawn, and you’re difficult to stop.

We believe Central has all the raw material necessary to have a great season this year.  Now we’ll see if they can put it all together.

•••

Coach Mike Gardner on the mend. Central High assistant football coach Mike Gardner was seriously burned several weeks ago during a freak flash fire which occurred while polishing the freshman locker room.

Coach Gardner suffered 3rd degree burns and has been in a lot of pain.  Please remember him in your prayers.  He hopes to be back to school soon.

PHOTO: John Davis

by Woody Jenkins