Like most coaches, South Pike’s Michael Andrews is treating the Eagles’ pre-district schedule as a time to improve before the “real” season arrives.
But before the rigors of Region 7-4A play begins next week at McComb, South Pike must find a way to snap a three-game losing streak.
It doesn’t get any easier for the 1-3 Eagles Friday when they welcome unbeaten Jewel Sumner of Kentwood, La., to Colee Field on Friday.
South Pike enters Friday’s 7 p.m. match coming off a 28-22 loss at Franklin County.
Class 3A Sumner is 3-0 overall and owns an impressive 19-8 victory over cross-Tangipahoa Parish neighbor Kentwood two weeks ago. Kentwood routinely contends for Louisiana State 1A championships.
Sumner was a 53-0 winner over 0-3 Varnado, La. The Cowboys also trounced winless Mount Hermon, La., 50-0 in the season opener.
“Sumner is huge,” Andrews said. “They like to run and throw the football out of that spread.”
Andrews said Cowboys quarterback Travis Jalond reminded him of 6-foot-5, 241-pound Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
“(Jalond) has that kind of frame and throws the ball real well,” Andrews said.
Sumner running backs include seniors Marcus Moreno and Joe Jackson.
“We’re going to have to wrap them up,” Andrews said. “Defensively, that has been a problem for us finishing plays. If we had made a tackle or two, that would have made a difference in our record. We need the defense to step up and close out the game for us.”
Defensive back John Jones had two interceptions last week against Franklin County. Linebackers Khmmiha Brumfield and Corey Pittman are two of the team’s top tacklers. Andrews said Pittman and receiver Darreal Cook are battling flu-like symptoms and are questionable for the game.
For the Eagles offensively, quarterback QauVonte Adams leads the Eagles. Running back Jaxavian Holmes scored on a 72-yard run last week and running back Jamey McCray plunged in from 1-yard out.
Also, Jones returned the kickoff for the second half 70 yards for a score. Brumfield is also used in the backfield.
Irvin Washington is a target for Adams at wide receiver. Desmond Cook is the tight end.
“We need to run the football against Sumner,” Andrews said. “We want balance in the attack to run and pass. I’ve seen the development of the offense in the past few weeks. I feel good in that we have eliminated a lot of our mental errors. It’s been youthful minor things that has hurt us, but the kids are talented.”
Without a doubt, Andrews said 1-3 is not where the Eagles envisioned themselves at the beginning of the season.
“No, it’s not where we want to be,” Andrews said. “We are a young team. I see a big difference in how we began the season. I have seen improvement heading into district play.”
Andrews is confident the Eagles can contend in district.
“It doesn’t really matter how you start in district, but how you finish,” Andrews said.”
