Boudoin sees 4A playoffs still within PN-G’s reach

By TOM HALLIBURTON

Port Arthur News Sports Writer

PORT NECHES — Trayce Boudoin’s spine-tingling plays of last November and December remain fresh and vivid in the minds and memories of Port Neches-Groves football fans everywhere.

But it’s a new year — a completely different season — and PN-G’s 1999 glory is history.

Before you close the book on 2000, Boudoin has a bit of somewhat shocking news. Stop the presses, pause the videotape and VCR machines, PN-G football is still intent on making more special memories this season. They may yet recapture a small share of glory.

What?

At 3-4 and 0-2, PN-G is still thinking playoffs? Absolutely.

How does that figure? It starts with a positive thinker such as Boudoin, leading a defense that can rank among this region’s finest. The 7-0 loss to West Orange-Stark proved how capable PN-G’s defense can still be.

It also starts with a positive thinker such as Boudoin, improving his assignments and technique in an offense that still appears to show improvement and progress. The Thomas Jefferson game proved how much PN-G’s offense is still on the rise.

The Indians have to be united and convinced that they have the opportunity to turn around their season at week eight. Are they sufficiently united and convinced? (Well, here’s a hint for purple and white fans — PN-G has had its best week of practice so far this season).

“I think so,” Boudoin said. “We’re usually not going out and hitting during regular practice. But this week it’s do or die so we’re going at it 100 percent. We have to win the next three games so we know we’ve got to do something.

“Nothing’s changed. Nobody’s giving up. Nobody’s going to give up here.”

PN-G hosts Lincoln Friday, goes to Little Cypress-Mauriceville Nov. 3 and hosts Nederland Nov. 10. Three straight wins probably would insure the Indians another playoff berth.

PN-G’s coaching staff knew this was a young team. Matt Burnett and his staff did not expect an immediate finished product. But Burnett and his staff have seen a team that’s determined to keep improving.

That’s a tribute largely to players such as Boudoin, who has 38 unassisted tackles and 47 assists from his inside linebacker spot. Adding fullback to his chores only makes Trayce generally leave the playing field with the dirtiest jersey on the team.

What makes Boudoin’s senior year different from the last two? Mainly, he’s a recognized leader now.

“It’s different because we were playing with older guys — like Chris Gohlke, Dustin Long, Jared Hanks. But it’s the same thing. I’d like to say I was a leader then too. We had a lot of people who stepped up.

“I have been more consistent (as a senior) because our defensive tackles and defensive ends are so much more experienced than last year. Being at linebacker comes more natural to me because I’ve been here for so long.”

While he’s contributed to the Indians for three seasons, Boudoin has never started both ways before this senior campaign. Becoming a steady enough fullback has been Trayce’s bigger senior challenge.

“I like it,” he said. “It was kinda tough getting used to. While defense comes natural, playing offense I’ve had to study a lot more. I think I can keep getting better each week.”

Boudoin can say the same about PN-G’s offense. It understandably has needed time to blossom, but the hard work has produced improvement.

“We’re more consistent,” he said. “We’re going to score more points. The line’s playing a lot better and (quarterback Kirk) Hallmark is looking better. We’re backing him and we’re relying on him and he’s going to come through for us.

“Dustin Long didn’t have it jell that much at the start of his sophomore year. We had the same quarterback for three years and it just takes time.”

Indians’ chief Burnett has witnessed the same fiery Boudoin this year as in previous seasons. Matt gladly will take a few more Trayce Boudoins any time.

“When he finishes playing here, I’m going to miss him tremendously,” Burnett said. “He’s been a pleasure to coach for three years. Trayce is a constant that you can count on. You don’t have to worry about whether Trayce is mentally ready to compete.

“He’s a real mature kid. He’s involved in a lot of things with church and different organizations. He still finds time to be a good student and an outstanding leader out here.”

Boudoin and Burnett see eye to eye on one critical matter, too. They’re not ready to shut down the 2000 season in a couple of weeks. They want for it to continue in the playoffs. They still see that within their reach.

INDIAN INKLINGS

Outside linebacker Adam LeDoux (shoulder bruise) did not suit out last week at Thomas Jefferson but was considered probable for Friday night’s game against Lincoln. Two more defensive starters — DT Jeremy Davis (neck) and OLB Jeff LeBlanc (ankle) — have been hobbled by injuries but both are expected to play. Head coach Matt Burnett also expects to receive increased playing time from senior tackle Michael Thibodeaux this week….. Leading tacklers at TJ were ILB Cody Clark (11 first contacts and two assists), DT Michael Brignac (7 and 1), FS Troy Cooley (6 and 6), ILB Trayce Boudoin (5 and 7)….. Friday night’s Lincoln at PN-G game will be replayed on The Port Arthur News Friday Night Experience on Cable 7 at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and Wednesday nights.