Abbeville heads to Kaplan

The Abbeville Wildcats (0-8, 0-3 district) are traveling to Kaplan to face the Pirates (6-2, 2-1 district) for a Thursday night match-up. Not only is a district win on the line, but so is the Russo Memorial Trophy, up for grabs once again.

The long-standing rivalry between the schools is due in part to the trophy, which was dedicated in 1961 to commemorate a fallen war hero who was known in the parish for his athletic ability, and to honor other athletes in the area.

The trophy battle is a repeat match between the two, who met in the preseason for the jamboree held in Kaplan, which saw Kaplan run away with it then. Now, the dynamics are a little bit different.

The Abbeville Wildcats are currently without a win on the season. They are currently tied with West St. Mary in district at 0-3 and are looking for a district win, but the challenge this week is against a powerful, but beat-up, Kaplan squad.

The Pirates have been a little roughed up, but despite being down their starting quarterback and seeing some serious injuries during their bout against Erath last week, the Pirates still look tough.

A lot of depth gives them the ability to fill holes quickly, which they’ve done. DeVante Davis, for example, has been moved from wide receiver to quarterback, a position he held last year when he led his team into the playoffs.

Pirates’ coach Stephen Lotief, not one to worry about trophies or rankings, is still focused on making his team better. The team has gone through some major changes in the lineup, but that hasn’t changed the team’s mentality.

“We’re focused on us,” the coach has been known to say.

Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to watch out for. Abbeville has three talented running backs in Buck Morris, Keyshawn Bessard and Malik Small. Along with them is the offensive leader, Bryce Melancon, a sophomore quarterback coming into his own as the season progresses.

Abbeville, meanwhile, has a lot to compete against in this challenge. The Kaplan offense is led by Davis, who will be playing under center most of the time, but might also be seen at wide receiver positions if a play calls for it. At the running back positions are Tyson Broussard, Kaylon Rudd and others.

Both defenses have some talent, as well. A Kaplan defense was responsible for a major goal line stand against Erath last week while Abbeville’s defense has been able to stop drives against schools like Rayne and Loreauville.

Both teams will reignite their rivalry Thursday night at 7 p.m.

The Russo Memorial Trophy that’s on the line is currently held by Kaplan, where it’s been since 2006. The rivalry between the schools has become one of the most intense in the parish.