Patterson heads to Marksville in 3A 1st round

Patterson has to regroup after a disappointing loss to area rival Franklin Friday and receiving a playoff berth Sunday.
“It’s the postseason now, the playoffs, and that’s the best time of year,” Patterson Coach Marvin Dantzler said. “We’re excited to be in the tournament, and you could feel the intensity pick up all week in practice. One thing for sure, Patterson will show up and play with pride. We will represent our school, our families and our community with all that we have.”
Patterson (3-7), out of District 8-3A, will travel to highly-regarded Marksville (9-1), out of District 3-3A, Friday. The Lumberjacks are the No. 28 seed, while the Tigers are the No. 5 seed in the field of 32.
Marksville is led by do-everything quarterback Laqaaron Mingo. Mingo has completed 99 of 168 passes for 1,409 yards with 19 touchdowns while rushing 152 times for 722 yards.
“They’re very explosive on offense,” Dantzler said. “The quarterback is a great athlete, and they have some good athletes in other positions, too.”
Running back Zee Ballard has carried 98 times for 600 yards, while Laryan Jones averages 12.8 yards per carry in five games this season.
Mingo’s top receivers are Jeremy Gilliam with 42 catches for 606 yards and Juan Jones with 18 catches for 331 yards.
Marksville beat Winnfield 32-7 in its regular season finale.
“We have to slow them on defense, because you can’t stop them,” Dantzler said. “And we need our offense to make some big plays to keep us in the game. It’s the playoffs. I don’t have to beat you 10 times, just take you out of your game once and move on.”
Patterson’s offense is led by the running back tandem of Dontre Nicholas and Dajon Richard. Nicholas has carried 166 times for 941 yards with six touchdowns, while Richard has carried 93 times for 594 yards with seven touchdowns.
Quarterback Hector Tolento has completed 69 of 140 passes for 985 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Jordan Butler is Tolento’s top receiver with 32 catches for 614 yards and five touchdowns, while Richard has 23 receptions for 369 yards and four touchdowns. Khyri Harris also has 17 catches for 215 yards.
“We have to have some quick scores to keep them off balance,” Dantzler said. “Nicholas and Richard have to turn a couple six-yarders into 56-yarders, and they can do that. They have to run with a sense of purpose, and the offensive line has to match their effort.”
While Patterson has a long playoff streak, many of the players will be getting their first playoff action.
“I’ve never missed the playoffs in my career, so we have reinforced what it takes to win in the playoffs, and by the way they practiced, they understand,” Dantzler said.
Friday’s kickoff is 7 p.m.