Ferriday — Block versus Ferriday has an extra-added flair to it in 2014.

Traditionally known for its physicality, Block and Ferriday have created a rivalry full of hard-hitting contests, and in tonight’s game of the week, the Bears and Trojans will feature two of the better running backs in the area.

Block’s Raymond Plummer is coming off of a 237-yard rushing performance against Ouachita Christian School in a 48-40 loss. Performances like that had Block head coach Benny Vault saying Plummer was a standout on one of the most athletic teams he’s ever had.

“He really is something special to see,” said Vault, acknowledging his running back has drawn attention from large Louisiana schools, not excluding LSU, in recruiting. “One man can’t tackle him. It takes a group effort.”

Cummings’ respect for Plummer’s running style led to him adding some wrinkles to his base defense, adding bulk and preparing to load the box against a stout rushing offense.

In his own words, giving up 200 yards to Plummer isn’t an option.

“Just because the guy rushed for 200 yards doesn’t mean he will rush for that many against us,” Cummings said. “We take a lot of pride in playing defense.”

Equally as impressive as Plummer in the early goings of the season is Ferriday’s Dontrell Domino. The senior running back rushed for 143 yards and four scores in Ferriday’s 40-24 loss to Natchez in the season opener.

“Domino can cut on a dime,” Vault said. “I told the kids they have to keep their heads up when they’re about to hit him. We’re confident we have a game plan to stop what they do offensively.”

Ferriday’s speed on the perimeter worries Vault, especially having 6-foot-5 J’Shon Foster at receiver.

Vault said his team will benefit from playing a talented Rayville team in the preseason and not allowing them to pass the 50-yard line.

“We’ve played some good teams, and we’ve played well so far,” Vault said. “I told the kids the other day that they can compete with anybody. That’s been our mentality since the beginning, though.”

One team will get its first win of the season at 7 p.m. at Melz Field.