Bearcats take new road to playoffs

BASILE – The Basile Bearcats (10-2, 6-1) advanced to the state quarterfinals for the third straight season last year. Hamilton Christian captured the District 4-1 title followed by East Beauregard, Elton, Oberlin, Merryville, Grand Lake and South Cameron.
The Bearcats could face Kentwood again in the quarterfinals, but Basile will have to tavel through a new district slate that includes long-time rival St. Edmund.
Basile will open District 5-1A action at North Central before home games against Westminster Christiian Academy, False River Academy and Catholic High of Pointe Coupee.
The Bearcats close the regular season at the defending district champion Blue Jays.
Kevin Betrand enters his second season at Basile and he is excited about the new route for his Bearcats.
“It is different,” Bertrand said of the district. “Aside from St. Ed’s, it is teams we are not really familiar with like we were in the old district.
“It will be a challenge for us to prepare against them but that will be exciting and we will be ready.”
Quarterback Mark Ivory and running back Kendrick Ceaser are gone, but the Bearcats have Gabe Fontenot running the ball after gaining 1,400 yards in 2014.
“We are going with a one-back set this season,” Bertrand said. “I think we will move the ball very well.
“Our quarterback (senior Trae David) is a really good runner and thrower and Fontentot will help lead the offense.”
Bertrand said the Bearcat defense will lead the way, especially early in the season.
“We have so many returning starters on defense (8) who have plenty of experience,” he said. “I think they will lead us.”
“We had great participation,’ Bertrand said of the off-season workouts. “I think the kids worked really, realy hard this summer and we will be able to tell when the season starts.
“They really love football and they want to be here all the time.”
Former head coach and present Basile prinicipal Tony Bertrand returns to the sidelines to join his brother.
“I love it,” Kevin said. “I have been begging Tony to help me.
“After a few years of coaching against him when I was at Elton, it will be fun to be coaching with him.”
Basile is the host team for the Evangeline Parish jamboree this season on Aug. 28.
Pine Prairie will face Ville Platte, followed by Mamou-Basile in the finale.