Abbeville looks to finish the season with a win

This past football season for the 0-9 Abbeville High School has been less than ideal, but with the last game of the season tonight, it hopes to finish on a high note.

“It’s been rough,” Abbeville Head Coach Chris Towery said. “It’s because we are starting a new program here and we needed to start from scratch.  I think the kids have understood that. It has been rough, but I think it’s something that will make us stronger in the end.”

AHS will play host to West St. Mary (2-7)  tonight, and it’s the physical style of play from WSM that has coach Towery concerned. It is also homecoming. 

“They are an athletic team,” Towery said. “They are very physical as well, and even a little more physical than we are. If we are to win this game, we are going to have to do it the old-fashioned way and just out-work them. I know we can do that.”

One of the biggest troubles AHS has had all year is the lack of experience on the roster.

There are only five seniors in the starting lineup.

“We were up against it this year,” Towery said. “We had a young team and were starting with a brand-new coaching staff.”

Towery said he is very optimistic about the future of the program because of the young talent that is on the team.

One person he is particularly optimistic about is starting quarterback Bryce Melancon.

“Bryce in practice does well. He is just to focused on the pass rush during the games, but being able to go through your reads and not worrying about the pass rush just comes with experience,” Towery said. 

“If he continues to work during the off-season, I believe that he can be an outstanding quarterback.”

Towery is not only just excited about his quarterback but his entire team. 

“I’m really optimistic about next year’s squad,” Towery said. “As long as they learn that you win football games next season by starting the work next week, and I think our kids have picked up on that. So I’m excited to see next season.”

Before AHS can move on to the offseason, they have to finish the season off with a “physical” West St. Mary team.

Despite all the on and off the field issues WSM has had over the past week, coach Towery isn’t concerned that there will be a repeat offense.

“We don’t have to worry about that.  Our team is disciplined enough that I don’t think it’s going to be an issue,” Towery said.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 tonight at Abbeville.