Iota hosts Oberlin

IOTA – If the Iota Bulldogs were pleased at how things went at its scrimmage, it was the exact opposite after the jamboree.
The Bulldogs want to get back to how the team played in the scrimmage with offensive versatility and quick adjustments.
Offensively, Iota showed bright spots last week, but it was defensively that for two weeks that the Bulldogs have been left shaking their heads. The weather did Iota no favors at the scrimmage, but jamboree play has left Iota returning to the drawing board.
While allowing 141 and 120 yards, respectively, in its scrimmages against Kaplan and Eunice, it was the 344 it allowed to Crowley that was troublesome, particularly as the numbers tell a deeper story.
Crowley High had 34 plays, meaning the Gents averaged over 10 yards per offensive snap. The Gents completed seven of its 14 passes, three of them for touchdowns, for 243 yards – or 34.7 yards per reception. The touchdown passes were for 80, 63 and 25 yards, respectively. The Gents also had 20 carries for 101 yards – or 5.1 yards per carry.
That will need to be done quick as Oberlin heads to town Friday to kickoff the 2014 season.
The Oberlin Tigers finished last season 6-4, 5-2 in District 4-1A play, in the regular season; 7-5 overall with an exit in the regional round last year. And this year, they have only reloaded, returning 13 starters.
Oberlin also has maintained a strong running game central to its offensive success, and with as many as six potential ball carriers under the lights this fall, the Tigers do not appear to be slowing down that plan any time soon.
The run game, and all offensive play, will start with senior quarterback Tanner Hebert. Hebert was the Tigers’ leading rusher and receiver last year. Oberlin’s goal with the move under center is to maximize Hebert’s touches.
Then there are the other offensive weapons, like two returning receivers in Johnny Andress and Donovan Berry.
So while there is no doubt the Tigers are going to run the ball, Oberlin can lean on its receiving core for balance and for other opportunities.
Outside of Hebert, the bulk of Oberlin’s returning strength lies on defense. And of those 13 returners, seven are upperclassmen.
It’s an experience-laden team, that’s only regret was losing seven seniors from last year, including Lance Frank (117 tackles in 2013).
In last year’s contest, Iota struggled with consistency which led to its loss at Oberlin in Week One.
Eighteen penalties, five total turnovers and eight fumbles in a sloppy game by both sides; unfortunately for Iota, they were on losing side of a 22-12 game.
Oberlin jumped out to an early 16-0 lead and with offensive rhythm issues, Iota was playing catch-up early and often in 2013.
There was no questioning Oberlin’s effort level in 2013. There is no question that Iota will need to match Oberlin in 2014 if it wants to start the reason with a victory, something that has alluded the Bulldogs since Nov. 2, 2012 (Week 10).
The lack of offensive rhythm was also concerning last week, with miss-timed passes and missed opportunities both on the ground and in the air. Iota would take 33 offensive snaps against the Gents defense, and only had 153 yards to show for it. Tim Lunson and backup quarterback Tristan Miller combined to finish the night at 25 percent completion (3-12) for only 18 yards – or only 6 yards per catch. Iota’s typical bread and butter, the run game, netted 135 yards on 21 carries – or 6.4 yards per carry. However, 71 of those yards came from Adam Ardoin’s touchdown, meaning after the touchdown, which occurred early in the first half, the  Bulldogs only mustered 82 yards of total offense.
As was the case after the game, however, there were some positives mixed in and Iota must look to build on them fast.
The Iota Bulldogs’s clash with the Oberlin Tigers will kickoff the season Friday night (Sept. 5) at 7 p.m. in Bulldogs Stadium.