Berwick hosts Varnado Friday looking for 3-0 start

Unbeaten Berwick braces for hard-nosed Varnado Friday at home.
First-year Berwick coach Eric Holden is familiar with the 1A team from his time as an assistant coach at 1A Southern Lab in Baton Rouge.
“They are always prepared to play, and they will battle you the entire game,” Holden said.
Berwick (2-0) comes into the game after exploding for 21 unanswered second-half points to upend Class 4A Abbeville, 35-14, last week.
The Panthers took the lead for good on their opening drive of the third quarter when quarterback Mitchell Sanford connected with wide receiver Kenan Jones on a 13-yard touchdown pass with 8:42 remaining in the third quarter. Tysin Meads added the two-point conversion from Sanford for a 22-14 lead.
Berwick added another third-quarter score when quarterback Collin Louviere hooked up with Josh Carver for a 30-yard touchdown reception. Louviere with Carver connected for the game’s final score, a 3-yard pass play on a fourth-and-goal with 52 seconds remaining in the game.
Louviere was 2 of 7 passing for 33 yards with two scores and one interception, while Sanford was 6 of 16 passing for 173 yards and three touchdowns.
This season, Louviere has completed 11 of 31 passes for 214 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions, while Sanford has connected on 8 of 20 passes for 213 yards and three scores.
The top receivers Friday for the quarterback duo were Carver with four receptions for 127 yards and four touchdowns, Jones with three catches for 48 yards and a score and Cody Roberie with a catch for 28 yards.
Carver leads Berwick with five catches for 215 yards and five touchdowns this season, while Jones has nine catches for 163 yards and two scores. Carver’s season receiving total ranks first among Tri-City area pass-catchers and 10th among those in all classes statewide. His total touchdowns are tied for first locally and ninth among all classes statewide.
The leading rushers Friday were Josh Jones with 68 yards on 13 carries and Louviere with 26 yards on seven totes. Josh Jones leads the area with 167 yards on 31 carries with a touchdown.
Varnado (1-1) comes into Friday’s game after suffering a 14-13 loss to Pine a week ago.
“They run a double-wing veer but can spread it out, too,” Holden said. “They also have a 6-foot-6 receiver who can make plays in the passing game. Defensively, they will send pressure at you on passing downs, just a solid, well-coached football team.”
The Wildcats’ stud receiver is senior Andre Jones, who holds a University of Louisiana at Lafayette offer.