Ferriday ready for rivalry game

Published 12:03 am Friday, September 11, 2015

JONESVILLE — After escaping a Week 1 scare from Carroll High School, the Ferriday Trojans are aiming to continue a fast start to their 2015 campaign against rival Block High School (0-1).

Last week, the Trojans (1-0) had five turnovers early in the game and found themselves facing a 28-0 deficit. However, they were able to rally and take home a 30-28 win.

“It is obvious we have to cut down on our mistakes and have to control the ball,” Ferriday head coach Dwight Woods said. “We can’t keep putting it on the ground.”

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In last year’s matchup, Ferriday edged Block 28-26 in double overtime, and although the Bears enter the matchup with a new coach, many of the things they are doing on the field are the same.

“They are still running the double wing on offense,” Woods said. “The big thing is, we want to control the outside and control the guards when they pull. We want kids on top of them to squeeze and eliminate traps.”

Where Ferriday may find their advantage is the defensive front, which is one of the most talented in the area.

“It is always a big advantage and helps that we have that defensive line,” Woods said. “We aren’t just big, we are quick up front, too.”

On the offensive side of the ball for Ferriday, Woods said he saw a lot of things he could possibly do in the tape of Block’s last game against Ouachita Christian, a 33-13 loss.

“(Block) is playing a 4-2-5 with one high safety and a lot of man on the outside,” Woods said. “OCS lined up in a lot of the same sets that we do, so we think we can have some success.”

With just one high safety protecting against the pass, Woods said he would like to throw the ball Friday.

“A lot of it is going to depend on the weather, but hopefully we’ll get the opportunity. (J’Shon Foster) had 96 receiving yards last game, and we always love to target him.”

Woods said getting win No. 2 is extremely important, especially being in a district with some Louisiana powerhouses.

“A win gives the kids something to build on and helps motivate them having two wins under their belt,” Woods said. “It shows them that the things they are doing in practice are working, and maybe gives them that extra incentive to work harder and do more because they’ve had a taste of success.”

Block and Ferriday are slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff.