By JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports
Loyola coach John Sella has got something with this 2024 Flyer football team. He’s just not exactly sure what it is.
But this much he does know – he’s about to find out.
The Flyers, who are 3-1 and off to their best start in five years, will travel to Minden tonight to take on the undefeated Crimson Tide.
This will be the second game in District 1-4A — who jumped from Class 2A this year. Ten years ago, the Flyers also played in Class 4A for two years and won only three district games.
“Last time we weren’t too successful (in 4A),” said Sella, who is in his first year as head coach. “This time, I think we have a really good team but I want to believe what I’m seeing and that we are pretty good.”
Take a look at the numbers and it’s easy to see there’s plenty to like about the Flyers. The offense is averaging 316.2 yards per game and has scored 126 points in the last three games. There’s a good balance in running (4.8 yards per carry) and passing (196 yards per game).
The defense has been outstanding, allowing only four touchdowns all year and particularly adept and getting turnovers (six fumbles recoveries and seven interceptions).
But there is also this: Minden has won as many games as all of Loyola’s opponents combined.
That’s why Sella sees this as a measuring stick game for the Flyers. Just don’t try to tell his players that.
“I definitely see it that way, but I’m not sure the kids do,” Sella said. “We aren’t going to bring attention to it. I’m hoping they are just locked in.”
He also probably doesn’t want to bring attention to the fact that they’ll be up against a team that has defeated them in the last seven meetings and 11 of the last 12.
The two teams haven’t met since 2015, so history isn’t as likely to play as big of a role as what goes on between the offensive and defensive lines. Minden’s ball-control offense is unlike any Loyola has faced this year.
“They are bigger than us up front and some of our guys who go both ways are going to be up against that the entire time,” Sella said. “We are going to have to find a way to manage their time on defense because we are going to need them on offense.”
While Minden is ground-oriented (only 27 pass attempts all year), the Flyers do have more balance with 100 rushes and 87 passes this year. That’s a formula Sella would like to see continue, but keeping the Crimson Tide offense off the field will be crucial. Minden has converted 47 percent of its third down conversions this year.
“I’d like to see us balanced, but we really need to establish the run,” Sella said. “They are going to grind it out, so we are going to have to start fast and try to get ahead and make them throw the ball.”
Junior running back Mason Drake (359 yards) has had back-to-back games with three touchdowns for the Flyers and has eight total scores for the year.
Minden has three running backs – Denarius Crowe, Caylien Aubrey and Porter Neal – who all average at least 5.5 yards per carry.
On defense, cornerback Carter Ward has five interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Loyola averages twice as many yards per play (6.8) and their opponents (3.4).
“All three of their defensive linemen are very good and that allows them to do some things on the back end in coverage,” Sella said. “We just have to stay physical, which we have been doing so far. But just not against this kind of size. We are just going to have to toughen up.”