The squads began with each first-team offense running two sets of 12 plays against the opposing team’s top defense. Each drive began at the 30-yard line.
Following that, the second-team participants took the field for eight plays.
 Northshore High quarterback Jervious Epherson, who saw his first live game action since he suffered a season-ending injury last season, looks down field for a receiver during Friday'€™s scrimmage at NHS. (Staff Photo by Chris Kinkaid) |
“It feels good,” Epherson said. “I was ready to play since Monday.”
Belle Chasse, coached by Bob Becnel, made it to the regionals last season before falling to top seeded Archbishop Shaw, 34-6. Shaw finished runner-up in 4A with a 38-14 loss to Bastrop.
The scrimmage was capped off by a 15-minute quarter, which Belle Chasse won, 27-20.
The quarterbacks dominated with speed and arm strength. Northshore’s defense was playing without three starters.
There were no kickoffs, and extra points were kicked without a rush.
The scoring started early on as the Cardinals tallied first and took a 7-0 lead just 1:15 into the period.
NHS came right back as running back Channing Wise got in from 1 yard out, but the unsuccessful extra point kept the score 7-6.
The TD was set up when Epherson found wide receiver Andrew Cossé for a 29-yard connection.
On the ensuing drive, Cardinal quarterback Blake Matherne broke containment and ran 47 yards for a score, giving his team a 13-6 advantage after the PAT was no good with 8:21 left.
Epherson would not be outdone as he scored on a 19-yard run, and Tyler Foltz’s point after tied the game at 13-13.
Belle Chasse regained the lead with 2:06 left on a touchdown pass and was ahead, 20-13.
The action continued as Epherson and senior wide receiver Archie Ambo hooked up from 37 yards out and Daniel Flot’s extra point knotted the game at 20-20 with 30 seconds left.
It appeared the contest would probably end in a tie, but on the first play following NHS’ score, Matherne rolled to his left, nearly got sacked and then launched a pass up the right sideline for a 60-yard play down to the Panther 10. Matherne scored on the next play to cap the scoring with 12 seconds left.
On Northshore’s final drive, Epherson began with an incompletion. On second-and-10, the Cardinals were called for pass interference, moving the ball to the 45.
On the last play, Epherson could not find anybody open, so he bought time and tried to use his speed but was only able to get down to Belle Chasse’s 35-yard line where the quarter ended.
Epherson said he felt good about the way the Panthers performed in the game situation.
“I know we have some things to work on, but everybody has to step it up,” Epherson said. “We’re going to work hard in practice (this) week.”
Northshore coach Mike Bourg, who begins his third season at the helm of the Panthers, said he is excited about getting his signal caller back.
“He did a heck of a job,” Bourg said. “He made plays and there were times where if we have anybody else on the field, we don’t make those plays. He makes the plays he makes just based on being an athlete. Jervious battles. He’s a trooper and he’s smart. He made great decisions.”
Bourg also said he was happy with his receiving corps.
“Jervious stepped up and so did Archie Ambo, Andrew and Mitchell Cossé,” Bourg said. “They stepped it up and played a good game.”
Bourg added that his team has to improve defensively.
“We had three starters out,” Bourg said. “That team there has a pretty darn good offense, they’re the real deal. Bob told me that’s the best offensive team he’s ever had. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but offensively I was pleased. Defensively, I wasn’t.”
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