By Trent Friedel
The Division IV playoff schedule has been released. Saint Mary’s will start post season play on the road against the Opelousas Catholic Vikings. The Vikings are the number seven seed and bring a season record of seven wins and two losses. Those two losses were to Northwest (first game) and Catholic of Pointe Coupee (last game). The Vikings make the move down from 2A this season.
They lost in the first round of the playoffs last season but return 10 starters this season and have been credited as having one of the best coaching staffs in the state. Coach Thomas David is in his first season leading the Vikings but is joined by three others with head coach experience. Junior Zach Mengarelli runs the offense and has a formidable running back in senior Ryan Lewis. Saint Mary’s lost in the first round of the playoffs last season to Saint Fredricks on the road. They hope to have better fortune this year and enter postseason play as the 10 seed.
The Tigers have plenty of seniors this year and plenty of playoff experience. Senior quarterback Aaron Howell has 1,387 yards passing and 23 touchdowns this season. Matt Nelson has over 1,000 all purpose yards and Slade Bienvenue and Bailey Shelton are a talented receiver tandem. The Tiger defense looks to slow down the Vikings and have plenty of weapons to accomplish the task. Wes Manuel and Zach Harrell shore up the middle and have a good group on the frontline including Clayton Jackson. Look for the Tigers to get off to a good fast start in this game.
They are sure to be motivated after a loss to Logansport last week where they had a chance till the last seconds of the game.
