Lake Area New Tech, Helen Cox meet Thursday seeking firmer ground

A pair of teams seeking to firmly set their seasons on the right track square off tonight at Hoss Memtsas Stadium as Helen Cox hosts Lake Area New Tech. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

The Cougars of Skip Lamothe have improved significantly since the start of the season.

After a 1-3 start, including a forfeit loss, the Cougars have won two straight games, including an impressive 38-26 win over talented Carver and a 41-0 shutout of McMain to open District 9-4A play a week ago.

The Cougars are getting it done with youth.

Sophomore quarterback Jordan George has played well of late while Isiah Lewis is the top receiver. Weakside linebacker Kelin Burrle is a top defender for Helen Cox. Junior Davon Ward has emerged as an outstanding running back for the Cougars with 10 touchdowns. Sophomore cornerback Rae’kwon Starks has been superb as well.

“Defensively, we’ve been playing pretty solid,” said Lamothe. “Our defense has scored a touchdown in each of the last four games. We have to pick it up on special teams. We’re running a ball control offense. Field position is important for us. We are a young team. The kids are buying in to what we are doing. Ward and Burrle are outstanding. Burrle is a sophomore who has a great future. Starks has been very good for us. Basically, our whole defense is sophomores and juniors with just two seniors.”

The Jaguars of Derek Lewis simply have not been able to get it going, remaining winless through six games. The record may be a bit deceiving.

The problem for Lake Area is that the Jags have played a very difficult schedule, falling to unbeaten Lakeshore and St. Amant, always tough Niceville, FL, a solid Slidell squad, Woodlawn of Baton Rouge and to defending 4A state champion Karr. The combined record of Lake Area’s opponents is 31-6.

“It turned out to be one of those years,” Lewis said. “It certainly helps our power points. We are not out of playoff picture as a result. I knew we were playing good teams but I did not think we would be playing top 10 teams like this, including Niceville. We just lost out to Woodlawn for the final playoff spot in our class last year but they are better. It will make us better.”

Senior wide receiver Stephen Brumfield is outstanding. Kelvin Russell is a solid receiver and senior Eric Johnson is the top running back. Junior linebacker Lamont Pepp is a standout defender. Quarterback Darius Lewis is out for the season after breaking his foot and Myron Junior has taken over. Senior defensive ends Ronnell Allen and Ernest Jackson have been superb.

The Jaguars will be bolstered by a pair of starters who will return this week who have out since week two. Corner Rickeem Jones while senior Antoine Adams is back at running back and could see some action at quarterback.

“We are better than we were a year ago,” Lewis said. “We are simply playing better teams. Our coaches are better, our players are better, I think we are going to win in 9-4A play. It is a matter of time. I hope that time starts tonight. Allen is perhaps a top three defensive end in the state. LSU loved him at their camp. Jackson is another outstanding defensive end. Our defensive front is solid.”

Despite facing a winless team, it will not be easy for Helen Cox against the Jaguars.

“Lake Area has not won a game but they have played a very tough schedule,” Lamothe said. “They are big. They have lost to elite teams. This is what I call a trap game. No one we have played has played a tougher schedule than them. We respect them and know we have to play well to come up with a victory.”

Louisiana Prep Football Schedule for Thurday, Oct. 12
New Orleans Area
Lake Area New Tech at Helen Cox, 6:30 p.m. at Hoss Memtsas Stadium
West Jefferson vs. Bonnabel, 6:30 p.m. at Joe Yenni Stadium

Around the State
Basile at Elton
Benton at North DeSoto
Capitol at Dunham
Walker at Belaire
Haughton at Captain Shreve
Lakeside at Calvary Baptist
Northwood at Huntington
Ringgold at Mansfield
Vandebilt Catholic at Central Catholic