Kaplan's Roy carries Pirates to district title game against Erath
Sophomore back Jeremy Roy averaged 12.7 yards per carry this season, helping the Pirates defeat Abbeville 43-32 to secure a spot in the District 5-3A championship.
By John Ferrari ·
Kaplan Pirates head coach Vinnie Bullara expects the District 5-3A championship game against Erath on Thursday to come down to physicality, a trait his team has displayed all season. The Pirates enter the contest with a 7-2 record, including a 2-0 mark in district play, after a 43-32 victory over Abbeville last week.
The win at Abbeville was fueled by sophomore running back Jeremy "JJ" Roy, who rushed for more than 200 yards on 11 carries. That performance pushed his season totals to 761 yards on 60 carries and eight touchdowns. Roy also contributed on defense, breaking up a key pass by the Wildcats in the fourth quarter.
Bullara described Roy as shifty in the open field, noting that the player gained substantial yardage after contact during the Abbeville game. The coach said Roy had a talk with him at halftime when the Pirates trailed 26-14. Abbeville had gained nearly 140 yards and three passing touchdowns from Jacolby Campbell in the first half.
"He was frustrated and upset that we were losing," Bullara said. "I told him that if he stayed the course, things would be alright. He was a leader who made the most of his opportunities."
The Pirates feature a deep rushing corps. Fullback De'Maurion Cormier, listed at 130-1, has rushed for 1,022 yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking as the area's sixth-leading rusher. Mathiew Breaux averages 16.4 yards per carry with 361 yards on 22 attempts. Quarterback Jayden Hargrave has added 281 rushing yards and six scores on 59 carries.
Bullara is watching Erath senior quarterback Landen DeRouen, who leads the area in passing with 1,282 yards and 16 touchdowns. DeRouen stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 215 pounds. "He's the straw that stirs their drink," Bullara said. "He's competitive .. Just a leader that can do anything. You think you have a sack, and he ends up running for nine yards."
The Pirates are ranked No. 7 in the Division III non-select power ratings, while Erath sits at No. 18 in Division II non-select. Bullara noted that linebacker Aiden Hargrave played one of his best games against Abbeville, while Jacob Devoltz returned from injury. Grant Saltzman and Kane Hebert remain out with injuries, and the staff hopes to have them back this week.
