Youth leads the way for Bears

CHURCH POINT – Some programs would be happy with an 8-4 finish and earning a playoff spot.
But Church Point finished third in District 5-3A behind Eunice and Northwest and head coach J. C. Arcenaux is hoping to battle the Bobcats for the district title this season.
The Bears beat North Vermilion (25-16) in the opening round of the playoffs before falling in a rematch with Iowa (41-20).
While to some the Bears are in a rebuilding mode, Church Point could still have a strong run through district competition.
“We are going to be very young and inexperienced,” Arceneaux said. “We know some of those young guys are very talented but it is always scary when you have to put a freshman or a sophomore on the field against a senior-ladened team.”
Church Point has five returners on offense with Logan Marks (5-10,170, Sr.) taking over at quarterback.
Deshawn Wheeler (5-10, 150, Sr.) will have a chance to show off his talents after playing in the shadow of Frederick Williams who had 1,238 yards with 18 touchdowns last season.
“Our seniors are doing a great job as leaders,” Arceneaux said. “Their effort is great every day at practice and the younger guys are following.”
Trey Babineaux (5-11, 190, Jr.) is moving to full back after rushing for 345 yards and four touchdowns in limited action last season.
The offensive line will be led by tight end JC Arceneaux (6-0, 195), center Kane Bergeron (6-0, 230), left tackle Gage Higginbotham (6-2, 350, Jr.) and Scott Michael Richardson (5-9, 275, Sr.).
Hunter Nichol (5-10, 175, Jr.) and Darenion Gobert (5-9. 190, Soph.) are expected to help shore up the offensive line.
Karson Matte (5-8, 150, Jr.) is a new starter at wide receiver in the Bears’ Wing-T offense.
On defense, the Bears have four returning starters, including senior lineman Joel Briceno (6-0, 2-5), who has the ability to both rush the passer and stop the running game.
Tharone Gray (6-3, 255, Sr.) is also expect to be a force on the defensive line for the Bears along with Pat Boast (5-9, 235, Jr.).
The linebackers are expected to be a vital part of the Bears’ defense including Eduardo Briceno (5-9, 165, Soph.), Ethan Daigle (5-10, 175, Jr.), Ian Meche (6-1, 195, Soph.) and Ronnie Meche (5-10, 165, Jr.).
The secondary will be led by All-District safety Babineaux and cornerback Breelyn Jones (5-5, 125, Soph.), along with sophomore Tyrin McDade (5-8, 145), Wheeler and sophomore Tyrin McDade (5-8, 145).
“We are excited because we know we have a very talented group,” the coach said. “We feel the sky is the limit, but we are worried about the inexperience especially early in the season.”
Church Point opens the season with three straight home games against Rayne (2-8), Iowa (7-6) and Kaplan (9-4).
The Bears then hit the road for contests at Jennings (5-6) and Franklinton (10-4).
“You only move the program forward by playing a tough schedule,” Arceneaux said. “These teams will test us so we won’t be suprised by the time we get to district.
“The negative side to that is we could pile up some losses really quick and then we see the character of our team as they handle the adversity.”
Church Point opens district play at Port Barre (5-6) as the Bears fight to move up in the power rankings.
Church Point will celebrate homecoming Oct. 14 against Pine Prairie (3-7) before a showdown at Eunice (10-2).
“We want our program to be what the Eunice program is,” Arceneaux said of the Bobcats. “We have a lot of respect for the Eunice team, coach Paul Trosclair and his coaching staff.”
The Bears will honor their seniors on Oct. 27 against Northwest (10-3) before closing the regular season at Ville Platte (5-6).
“Our goal every year is to be a quarterfinal football team,” the coach said. “We feel that once you become a quarterfinal team, it is an easy jump to get to the state finals.
“We are not going to lower our expectations just because we are a young team.”
The Bears play Crowley in the Acadia Parish jamboree held at Iota.