Bears ready to make history

CHURCH POINT –With six victories this upcoming season, the Church Point seniors will be the winningest class in the history of Fighting Bears football.
Only six returning starters will lead the way, but head coach John Craig Arceneaux is confident the rest of the team will follow.
“This group of seniors have been part of some big games,” the coach said. “I think they understand how to win and they have something to play for.”
Arceneaux is heading into his ninth season as head football coach after winning 21 football games the past two seasons inlcuding a 10-2 run in 2014.
“We had a great summer as they have all been here which means they have learned what it takes for them to get better.”
Church Point will compete in District 5-3A as the Bears renew the rivalry with Eunice High as Livonia leaves the district.
“Eunice is dropping down and will be the biggest 3-A team in the state,” Arceneaux said. “The Bobcats have a lot of tradition and those kids over there expect to win.
“It will be a great night to face them again,” the coach said of the Oct. 23 showdown with the Bobcats in Church Point.
“Two of the last three game against them went into overtime,” he said. “We beat them three years ago for a share of the district championship.”
Senior quarterback Troy Matte (6-2, 185) and offensive tackle Tyler Elliott (6-2, 235) are the only returning starters on offense.
Senior defensive back Frederick Williams (5-9, 175), sophomore Trey Babineaux (5-11, 185), senior linebacker Logan Lavergne (5-9, 170) and senior linebacker Alex Higginbotham (5-9, 195) are the returning starters on defense.
Church Point will scrimmage at Welsh before facing Iota in the Acadia Parish jamboree to held at Crowley High.
Church Point will open the regular season on the road for three straight games against Rayne, Iowa and Kaplan before their first home game against Jennings on Sept. 25.