Slidell’s Tigers celebrate homecoming tonight with a game against the Ponchatoula Green Wave at L.V. McGinty Stadium.

Both teams enter tonight’s match up with 1-2 marks in District 6-5A. Slidell is 2-3 overall, while Ponchatoula is 3-2.

Both teams are coming off of setbacks. Last week, the Tigers suffered a 45-24 loss to St. Paul’s, while the Green Wave fell to Mandeville, 34-0. Slidell won last year’s game, 38-13.

Williams

Ponchatoula coach Mike Baiamonte said this is a big contest.

“It’s a very important game,” Baiamonte said. “We have to find a way to get a win and it doesn’t get any easier. We’ve got to find a way to beat some of the better programs if we want to compete in this district.”

Offensively, Slidell runs the spread offense with senior quarterback Blake Forbis taking the snaps. Last week, Forbis completed 18-of-35 passes for 222 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. His main target is wide receiver Armand Williams, who had eight receptions for 111 yards and both scores (41 and 15 yards).

The running backs are juniors Jaron Wiggins and Zachary Johnson. Against St. Paul’s, Wiggins had a three-yard run to pay dirt and he also ran in a two-point conversion, following Williams’ 41-yard TD catch.

Coach Baiamonte said Slidell’s offense is tough to defend because the Tigers can run and throw the ball.

“They’re very balanced at what they do,” Baiamon-te said. “You can’t ever put all your eggs in one basket.”

Defensively, Ponchatoula runs a 4-3. Baiamonte said he has gotten solid linebacker play. He said his standout players are middle linebacker Kaleb Muse and outside linebacker Cory Morse.

Offensively, the Green Wave runs the double-slot-option.

Slidell coach Artie Liuzza said it’s an offense that is not run by many teams.

“It’s a different style of play. You don’t really see a style like that. You try to make adjustments (for it) once a year and you have three days to do it,” Liuzza said.

The quarterback is Eldrid Palmer. This season, he has thrown for 82 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also rushed for 263 yards, while adding two scores.

The main running back is Joseph Green. He has chewed up 770-rushing yards with 11 touchdowns. Last week, Green had 18 carries for 60 yards.

Slidell’s defense bases out of the 4-3. Last week, defensive back Chris Tranchina intercepted a pass, which set up a Tiger touchdown near the end of the first half.