Natchitoches Central was not able to end their losing streak by losing to Captain Shreve 23-3 at home. The Chiefs held Captain Shreve to a total of 171 yards of offense but a few mistakes throughout the game caused Shreve to get on the scoreboard. Natchitoches Central started the game strong but fatigue and lack of depth were factors in the lost because they were not able to keep the same level of intensity all game. Coach Matt Anding, defensive coordinator, knows the key is to zone in on what the opposing team does well and try to take that away from them.
“Week to week, we find one or two things to zone in on to help the kids, so they know what is coming. Last week Captain Shreve did a few things that they like but we played well and we adjusted well. At the end, our lack of depth got to us and we got a little tired,”
Anding said. “We made a few mistakes here and there but overall, we played well. We held them to 171 yards in total offense. We are happy we did that, but we gave up 23 points so we are not happy. Those kids played very hard and there is no quitting in them. They will play ’till the end no matter the score.”
To turn their season around, Natchitoches Central must rely on some of their top players. Dealing with the injury bug has caused them to be without some of their key players but a lot of players are stepping up. The defense has played a big role in keeping them in games so far this season. When the coaching staff goes back to watch the film, they notice some amazing plays from some key players. “Defensively, we have been watching film and seem like we are talking about James Jackson, our junior nose guard. He is a first-year starter and since game one, he has been tremendous.
Photos by LeRon Massey, Freelance Photographer
He is not the biggest guy, but he is strong, has great technique, is a great kid and he gives you 100 percent on ever play. “There have been multiple times that we are watching the film and we are like ‘how did he do that?’”Anding said. “We have a young linebacker sophomore Logan Saucier. He has been a steady for us and he is averaging 11 tackles a game and that is very impressive.
Demarion Sowell and Justin Aaron have been playing well, great communication and covering up the run. Lastly, Gabrieolle Vaughn has been tremendous for us. He has been great this year.” Natchitoches Central will travel to Bossier City to take on Parkway this week as they look to snap their losing streak.
James Wilkerson III is the NCHS head coach. “The head coach at Parkway, Coy Brotherton, calls their offense and he was the former offensive coordinator at Captain Shreve, so we are expecting a lot of the same stuff with a few more wrinkles, “said Anding. “We just have to execute a little bit better and we will have a little more depth this week because we have some kids back from injury.”