By Kyle Roberts
The ol’ adage says “throw the record books out when these two teams play.”
That’s certainly the message Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh is preaching to his program and fans as the Bearcats (8-0, 3-0 District 2-5A) prepare to host the Ouachita Lions (2-6, 1-2 District 2-5A) tonight at “The Hoss” for senior night.
“If you look at the teams that they’ve played and how good those teams are, you have to put their season in perspective,” Baugh said. “Look at the quality of opponents they have played, and how close those games are. I mean, if you look at our schedule, a two or three games could have gone the other way and maybe we’re 5-3 or 4-4. We’d be looked at differently.”
One of the primary differences between Ruston and Ouachita this year has been Ruston’s overall ability to find ways to win, specifically holding a lead over Lafayette Christian at the end of a furious Knight rally, coming back to win after trailing 10-0 with seven minutes, and keeping Alexandria Senior High at bay when the Bearcats lost a three-touchdown lead.
Ouachita opening with a shocking win over Rummel 21-20 before losing four in a row. The Lions had an early lead over Neville before the Tigers came back to win in Week 2, while the Lions rallied after railing 28-7 at halftime to West Monroe before the Rebels won 31-21.
With Ruston junior linebacker Zheric Hill out following an altercation last week at West Ouachita, Ruston will be looking to junior Zander Hayes at linebacker, who excelled filling in for Jadon Mayfiled two weeks ago against Pineville, who was out with an illness.
“Hayes had a really good game,” Baugh said. “He’s really diligent about making sure he knows what’s going on whenever he’s in there; he started out primarily as a safety, and then we’ve transitioned him more inside, which was a good move for him. This would be another opportunity.
“Anytime somebody is injured or is not going to play in a ballgame, most people focus on what a negative that is. And, while we really want them out them, it’s a great opportunity to get a look at some other guys and seeing what they can do. It’s an opportunity to evaluate the kids in a live situation.”
The Lions will likely be relying on a heavy run-offense after experiencing injuries early in the season to key skill position players, particularly at quarterback.
“Anytime you have to deal with a young quarterback or a position change, you’re going to have to rely on your running game,” Baugh said. “The guys they have running the ball have a good handle on the offense and they’re operating things really efficiently.”
Ruston and Ouachita will kickoff tonight at 7 p.m. The game will be streamed live on BearcatNationNetwork.com and can be heard on Z107.5 FM.
