I am excited to watch the machine in Picayune in person. I have a little cousin on Gautier’s team so I’ve had a chance to watch them in every game this year. I’ll admit after that performance against Provine I didn’t think they would be in this position, but I guess that’s why they play the games week to week. There are a few things that worry me about this game from a non biased standpoint.
1. Coaching: against PRC, Gautier had a chance to get the ball back before halftime by getting 3 stops and calling 3 timeouts. They let so much time run off the clock and never called a timeout. You can’t be calling yourself all gas and no brakes and don’t press the gas. Need to maximize those chances for points this week. Also, stop passing on 4th and 3 or less when you got a QB who can fall forward for 3 yards. The inability to run the ball cost them an upset last year against West Jones.
2. mental mistakes/ dropsies: As talented as they are, sometimes Gautier still makes that bonehead head scratching penalty, usually in the form of taunting nature or extra curricular activity after the whistle. They’ve cut down on them a lot since about mid season but one is too many especially in a game like this. As good as the receiving core is, they get bad cases of the dropsies. Against Provine, I’ve never saw anything like it. Almost wanted to check the ball for crisco grease . Numbers are already great but they’d be astronomical if they cut down on the drops.
3. Defense particularly the run defense: The East Central game was one to circle because they gashed Gautier all night. Final score doesn’t indicate it but you would have to be there to see what I mean. 42-35 with 7 minutes in the game and EC fumbles on a toss play on the 1/2 inch yard line. Gautier scores after that and goes up two scores and that EC offense ain’t built for comebacks of course. Gautier got some timely stops when needed. However, If any of these backs from Picayune get daylight , you’re not catching them like you did those EC backs.
I can’t wait to head over to Picayune tomorrow. Praying for a safe trip and NO traffic on I-10