District Race: Roy's 200-yard run sets stage for Pirates' title shot

Jeremy Roy carried the ball 11 times for more than 200 yards and multiple touchdowns in Kaplan's 43-32 win over Abbeville last week. The sophomore's performance propelled the Pirates into the District 5-3A championship game, where they host Erath on Thursday. Roy's season totals now stand at 761 yards on 60 carries and eight scores. The team enters the game with a 7-2 record, including a perfect 2-0 mark in district play.

Coach Vinnie Bullara credited Roy with shifting the momentum during a difficult first half. Abbeville’s Jacolby Campbell threw three passing touchdowns and gained nearly 140 yards before halftime, putting the Wildcats up 26-14. Bullara said Roy spoke with him at the break while the coach was frustrated by the deficit. Bullara told Roy to stay the course, and the running back responded by gaining substantial yardage after contact in the second half.

The Pirates feature the sixth-leading rusher in the area in fullback De'Maurion Cormier. Cormier, who is 130-1, has accumulated 1,022 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Mathiew Breaux adds another dimension to the backfield, averaging 16.4 yards per carry on 22 attempts for 361 total yards. Quarterback Jayden Hargrave contributes on the ground as well, with 281 rushing yards and six scores on 59 carries.

Bullara noted that Roy also plays defensive back and broke up a key Abbeville pass in the fourth quarter. The coach described Roy as a leader who made the most of his opportunities. Roy’s physical style allows him to either make defenders miss or run through them, a trait Bullara said was evident in the burst displayed against Abbeville.

Erath brings its own offensive threat in senior quarterback Landen DeRouen. DeRouen ranks fifth among area passers with 1,282 yards and 16 touchdowns. He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 215 pounds, and Bullara compares his running ability to that of a fullback. Bullara called DeRouen competitive and a leader who can do anything, noting that the quarterback often turns sacks into nine-yard gains.

The Bobcats enter the contest with a 5-4 record and a 2-0 district mark. Erath is ranked No. 18 in Division II non-select power ratings, while Kaplan sits at No. 7 in Division III non-select. The Pirates will rely on Roy on both sides of the football to match Erath’s physicality.

Injury updates affect the Pirates' defensive lineup. Aiden Hargrave had one of his best games at linebacker in the previous contest. Jacob Devoltz returned from injury to play linebacker. Grant Saltzman and Kane Hebert remain out with injuries, though the coaching staff hopes to have them back this week.