BOSSIER – The Minden Crimson Tide got a total team effort Friday night, scoring on offense, defense and special teams on their way to a convincing 35-10 win over the Bossier Bearkats.
The Tide (5-2, 3-1) were methodical in dismantling the Kats, starting the game with a scoop and score for Kenneth Francis off a Bossier fumble. After a quick stop Minden got back to work quickly, handing the ball to Rodtravion Rogers who sliced through the Bossier defense and finished the Tide’s first offensive possession with a two-yard touchdown.
Bossier answered with a Rene Alverado 20-yard field goal to make it 14-3.
On the ensuing kickoff, Dekeltric Freelon fielded the ball at the 25 yard line, darted around the wall set up to his right and sped untouched to the end zone for his third kick return touchdown of the season.
From there, the rout was on.
“I thought our guys were very focused,” Minden head coach Spencer Heard said. “They were ready to play. We wanted to establish the run and take a few deep shots. Defensively, we had a big fullback to stop and I’m proud of the defense for doing that. I thought special teams really brought it too, with the kickoff return for a touchdown; just a good team effort.”
The Crimson Swarm defense was smothering, forcing Bossier into three turnovers on the night and coming up with three several sacks and tackles for loss in a bounce back performance.
“Going into the game we had to be prepared for a lot of formation and shifting,” Heard said. “I thought the defensive staff did a great job and our kids were really prepared for them. We didn’t have a very complex scheme coming in, but we flew around and made tackles and were able to scoop and score to get the ball rolling.”
The Tide didn’t pass much on the night, but Antonio Rivette and L’Jarius Sneed did manage to hook up for a 43-yard pitch and catch in the second quarter. That completion loosened up the Bearkat defense which created running room for Kolby Jackson.
Jackson carried for 18 yards on the next play before getting into the end zone on a three-yard run to make the halftime score 28-3.
Minden stuck to the run for most of the second half in an effort to run out the clock and help establish their running game. Sophomore D.J. Elkins scored from one yard out to complete the Tide’s big night on the ground and make the score 35-3 in the fourth quarter.
“That’s what we wanted to do,” Heard said. “It was a chance for those guys to get touches and get back on track. Our offensive line did a great job of opening up holes for those guys to run through. It was a great effort for those guys.”
Bossier would add a late touchdown to make the score 35-10, but Minden ran out the clock to secure the victory.
The Tide were outgained by Bossier, 222 yards to 193.
Leading the way offensively was Jackson with 61 yards and a touchdown. Jackson got help from Rogers (34 yards and a touchdown) and Elkins (29 yards and a touchdown).
Antonio Rivette finished two of four passing with 45 yards, 43 of which were on one play by L’Jarius Sneed.
Heard said he believes the Tide still have room to improve with three games remaining on the regular season schedule.
“I think we’re in a good place right now,” Heard said. “I don’t think we ever got off track, we had great play even against Benton, just one too many mistakes. We eliminated some of that and I don’t think we’ve reached our cap as far as what we can do to hurt defenses and how good we can be defensively. We have some tough ball games coming up, so we just have to keep working and stay healthy.”