By MATT VINES, Journal Sports
The tried and true football adage to take “one game at a time” prevails in locker rooms across America, and for good reason.
But that phrase doesn’t entirely sum up the importance of Natchitoches Central’s visit to Haughton tonight.
The Chiefs (1-3, 0-2 District 1-5A) and the Bucs (1-3, 0-3) have struggled in the incredibly deep district with both teams having lost each district game by at least 20 points (Haughton by 25).
NCHS and Haughton are two of three teams that don’t have a district win yet (joining Benton), and if the Chiefs aren’t able to claim a road victory this week, the upcoming schedule of Opelousas (Division II Non-Select state champions), Byrd, Airline and Huntington (latter three all undefeated in district play) is arguably the most difficult stretch.
But first-year coach Brad Laird said that’s not the lens in which he views the Haughton matchup.
For the Chiefs’ chief, it’s another opportunity to develop a young team.
“What increases the importance of this game is that it’s the next opportunity to continue to get better,” Laird said. “Week in and week out, there are tough football games in this district.
“We are doing some good things as a team, and we are moving forward and correcting mistakes we made so we can be the best team we can be on Friday.”
Most recently, NCHS couldn’t slow down Parkway despite starting quarterback Kaleb Williams getting hurt on the third play of the game in a 40-12 Panther win. A versatile Parkway squad rolled up 437 rushing yards and stopped NCHS’s ground game, which forced quarterback Owen Smith into three interceptions.
Haughton knows the feeling of a close season-opening win after they won a slugfest with Class 2A power Homer in a 48-46 victory.
But the Bucs’ defense has continued to struggle while the offense hasn’t been able to match the high-octane attacks of Byrd (49-14), Parkway (48-7) and Huntington (56-27).
Tonight’s contest represents more than just a chance to get a district win for either team, it’s a chance to rekindle the positivity that both NCHS and Haughton had after hard-fought season-opening victories.
A win against Haughton can lift spirits, something to push the Chiefs in practice as they prepare for the daunting slate ahead.
Of course, the Chiefs must focus on themselves and find ways to improve regardless of the opponent lining up on the other side.
NCHS is diversifying its passing attack as Smith completed passes to seven different Chiefs with six hauling in multiple passes against Parkway.
On the season, 11 different Chiefs have caught passes with four Chiefs catching at least eight passes through four games.
Dillon Braxton had his streak of three 100-yard receiving games broken against Parkway, but Braxton has caught a touchdown in all four games and leads the way with 16 catches for 360 yards.
Braxton was the only receiver returning with varsity experience, but KJ Newton (13-234 yards and two TDs) has emerged as a viable second option.
Running back Kelton Howard has surfaced in the passing game with all of his 11 catches for 79 yards occurring in the last two games.
But without a successful running game, defenses as good as Parkway’s can anticipate Smith’s passing lanes, which led to Friday’s three interceptions including one returned for a touchdown.
Haughton’s defense hasn’t proved it can string together stops, which could create chances for the Chiefs.
But the Bucs certainly aren’t void of weapons either. Quarterback Taylor Weathersby and running back Ethan Johnson are more than capable, and the game could feature offensive fireworks.
Whoever can force turnovers and create short fields for its offense will have a leg up in a matchup of teams angling for their first district win.
Contact Matt at sports@journalservicesllc.com