The Presbyterian Christian Bobcats are in a slightly different position at this point in the season compared to last year. They’re 5-4 instead of 9-0, but only one loss was by more than 10 points. In fact, two of the four losses were by one possession.
PCS coach Joey Hawkins doesn’t care about his team’s record, though, because all six teams make the playoffs no matter how many wins or losses.
“We made some good plays, but we’re still a work in progress,” Hawkins said. “We’re doing some good things, but in this league, every game is going to come down to two or three plays, and if you don’t make them, you lose. The main thing we have to do is keep fighting, have a positive attitude and enjoy this process.”
PCS (5-4, 1-3 in conference) will take a break from the tough conference slate to play East Rankin Academy (4-5) at home this week. For Hawkins and his Bobcats, it’s another opportunity to get better before traveling to Madison-Ridgeland Academy in the season finale and the start of the postseason the following week.
“We can still improve so much,” Hawkins said. “We’re looking to go out Friday night, eliminate mistakes, play physical and we have to get ourselves to a caliber where we can beat these good teams in our league, and we have a shot at that.”
The Patriots began the season with four straight wins after the season-opening loss to Jackson Prep. They beat River Oaks (Monroe, La.), Washington School, Leake Academy and Winston Academy while averaging 47 points and holding opponents to the high number of 27.5.
Since the Sept. 15 win over Winston Academy, East Rankin Academy has lost the next four games by an average of 39.25 to 16.5. The PCS defense isn’t giving up as many points at ERA’s, but Hawkins said there is a similarity between the two units.
“Defensively, they’re a work in progress,” Hawkins said. “They move the front around a lot, they stunt, but like I said, we’re still trying to find their best 11 on defense and they’re still trying to find their best 11 on defense.”
The PCS offense has been hit with the injury bug lately with the loss of a few players on the side of the ball. Junior running back Alden Rhian left last week’s game and sophomore receiver Eric Robinson didn’t play last week after getting injured two weeks ago at Parklane Academy. Those are two players that highlight the injury list.
When those types of players get back on the field, Hawkins said his offense has proven all season it can move the ball. The Bobcats could only score 10 points against Jackson Academy last week, and Hawkins gave all of the credit to JA’s defense for playing lights out.
On the offensive side of the ball for ERA, injuries have hurt it, too.
“East Rankin’s offense is good,” Hawkins said. “They’ve had the injury bug a little bit. They have a big, tall receiver who can make big plays and they have a quarterback who can put it on the money and run. They have some good skill guys on offense, and they do a good job of moving the ball.”
ERA’s statistics were not available.
