Green Demons hungry for wins

MAMOU – The Mamou Green Demons have won just four games over the past three seasons including a 1-9 finish in 2014.
For second-year head coach Brian Brumfield, the challenges ahead aren’t getting any easier as eight of the teams on the Green Demons schedule made the playoffs last year including state runners-up Kinder.
Only Ville Platte (3-7) and Pine Prairie (3-7) did not earn playoff spots last season.
Mamou opens at Ville Platte and East Beauregard, who advanced to the 2-A state quarterfinals.
“It will be a fun game against Ville Platte as it helps build excitement in both communities,” Brumfield said. “We will see how well we can start the season.”
The Green Demons’ first home game on Sept. 18 is against Oberlin, who made it to the second round last season.
Trips to Pine Priaire and Oakdale close the non-district slate.
“Mamou and Pine Prairie have always been rivals,” the coach said. “We are looking for another good game with the Panthers.”
The District 4-2A battle includes a home game against Lake Arthur on Oct. 9 before trips to Kinder and Welsh.
Mamou closes the regular season with home games against DeQuincy and Vinton.
“We are in one of the toughest districts in the state with the 2013 state champion and last year’s runners-up with Kinder,” he said. “The other teams also have playoff tradition.”
Brumfield understands the challenges ahead especially early in the season as he had to rebuild his coaching staff and there are only five seniors on the team.
“The kids responded well at the summer workouts,” Brumfield said. “But we were limited because of our coaching situation.”
Former False River Academy coach ?? will take over as offensive corrindator, while Brumfield will lead the defense.
“Our senior class is small but they are good leaders,” the coach said of Lane Hudspeth, Kendrick Williams, Brennan Bertrand, Tyler Noble and Jude Fontenot.
“We lost a large senior group who played a lot, but this group of guys is giving it all they have.
“I am impressed with what the seniors are doing.
“We haven’t had much success here at Mamou lately but this class wants to be the group to turn things around.
After a 2-8 struggle in 2012, the Green Demons then had back-to-back one win seasons.
“We are so far behind every one else,” Brumfield said of a game plan. “But they are learning the offense and defense quickly.”
Brumfield said he tries to stay positive as the team works to compete and give themselves a chance each week.
“We are hopeful,” he said. “I see potential and we really want to be successful this year.”