Sports
CHS & CPS in Action Friday
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A Look Forward with Coach Sid & Coach Cupit
In the face of two of the toughest schedules in the state, Central High and Central Private coaches plan for success. Central Speaks interviewed both head coaches on four components of this season: team strengths, key opponents, strength of schedule, and keys to winning.
Wildcat Coach Sid Edwards looks to a close-knit senior class, a strong work ethic, and community support as keys to a successful season. Across town, Central Private Coach James Cupit will be relying on a strong senior class, a winning attitude, and experienced coaching to finish strong this year.
Team Strengths
The Wildcats will look to its seniors for success. Coach Sid shared “This is a close knit senior class. While we only have 65 players dressing out, these seniors have been playing together since little league.” Coach Sid will rely heavily on his strongest unit, the defensive line, led by Todd Lasseigne Jeff Campbell. Kaleb Batiste, Jovante Whiten, Trevis Rowley, and Brock Russel.
Coach Cupit of the Rebels commented, “We have two great strengths, our senior class and our coaching staff. We have 8 experienced Sr. players. Each one them is an important part of the success of our team. And I have three great football coaches and men working with me. They all have a knowledge of the game.” Offensive coordinator Coach Mullins and Head Coach Cupit are both experienced head coaches, and Special Teams Coach Scelfo played college football for four years.
Key Opponents
Coach Edwards, enumerating a tough schedule, says, “Zachary and Scotlandville both have been in Dome last two years. Denham, Walker, and Live Oak are all top 20 teams in state. Dunham has five college commits, including two for LSU. Jesuit dresses well over 120 and size-wise is huge. Brusly is stellar at skill positions. Dutchtown is loaded with college talent. Belaire is a question mark and unknown, but scored over 30 points in last week’s jamboree.”
Already two games into the season with a 1-1 record, Coach Cupit analyzed “I thought we played well at times, on both sides of the ball, however, we made some mistakes that hurt us against Cathedral Catholic. That’s to be expected with a young team and installing a new offense and defense. The kids are working hard and buying into the program and we are getting better everyday.”
Strength of Schedule
Coach Sid: “This is Central’s toughest schedule in 10 years and ours is the strongest district in 5A football in the state. Zachary is favored to win 5A state title and Scotlandville favorite to win the Division 1 state title. Denham Springs has the top running back in state. Walker is led by division 1 recruit Darius Hampton. Live Oak is running the veer under ex-college coach and veer guru coach bob Howell.”
Coach Cupit: “Our schedule is as tough as any in class AAA. Our three district teams have each won a state title in the last 4 years, and we play Centreville, who has won many state titles. Our district is by far the best in the state in class AAA. We look at each opponent as being the big game. We focus on CP and what we can do to get better each week.”
Keys to Winning
Coach Sid: “The Wildcats have no room for error. Most people we play will have 40 players bigger than our biggest player. We dress 65 but currently have 10 injured, three with season ending injuries. We cannot afford to lose any more because depth is a big issue. With QB Sam Kennerson injured we are looking for someone to fill that void. The O-line has to develop because they are undersized and we have to play above our heads with Central fight to have a chance. In closing, these young men need community support and encouragement. We are truly an underdog in every game this year, but the team continues to work hard every day to improve.”
Coach Cupit: “To win ball games against the quality teams we have remaining, we have to be very sound on both sides of the ball. We need to come to practice each day with the attitude that we will win today. By that I mean we will leave the practice field a better player than we were the day before. And our kids have bought into that. Focus on doing the little things right and the big things will come easy.”
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