RESERVE — The Riverside Academy Rebels (2-1) will face off Friday against the Plaquemine Green Devils (1-2).

The Green Devils have scored at least 34 points in each game, and their two losses came against undefeated teams. In their lone win of the season, the Green Devils racked up 49 points against Port Allen.

Riverside Academy head coach Bill Stubbs said Plaquemine’s losing record is deceptive.

In particular, Stubbs pointed out the play of Green Devils quarterback Austin Mitchell, who scored 20 touchdowns and rushed 946 yards as a running back last year before going under center this season.

“There is nothing shabby about them,” Stubbs said. “They were in the final game in 4A last year. They have a good quarterback, a good running quarterback. It is going to be a little different because you don’t see it that much.”

The Green Devils run a throwback offense in the Wing T, featuring two tight ends on the line and a bevy of backs spread across the backfield.

Stubbs said the rarity of the Wing T, especially in the era of spread offenses, can make it difficult for defenses to stop.

“It is going to be a little different because you don’t see it that much,” Stubbs said. “It is not something you see a lot of. It is just good hard-nosed football.”

Stubbs said Plaquemine’s offense is designed to confuse defenses. Their success in scoring over the first three weeks of the season would back that assertion up.

“It is all misdirection, so if you get caught, they will hit you over the top,” Stubbs said. “They will hit you with some things if you are not real careful. They can score and score real quick.”

On defense, the Green Devils feature good players, as well.

“They have two big guys up front — two down lineman who are great athletes,” Stubbs said. “Their linebackers are active. They are athletes all across the board.”

Stubbs said the most his team can hope for is to continue to grow as a group.

“Each week, our only goal is to get better,” Stubbs said. “These first few ball games, it is important for us to play good competition, learn and get better. So far I have been pleased and I think that has taken place in all three areas of our team.”

The Rebels take on the Green Devils at 7 p.m. Friday in Reserve.

East St. John at H.L. Bourgeois

RESERVE — The East St. John Wildcats (0-3) are searching for their first win as they enter district play this week on the road versus the undefeated H.L. Bourgeois Braves (3-0).

The Wildcats are in one of the toughest districts in the state, which includes perennial contenders in Destrehan, Hahnville and Thibodaux. Now H.L. Bourgeois, who in past years has had a difficult time fielding competitive teams — the team went 2-8 in 2014 and appears to be ascending in the ranks.

The Braves are led on offense by quarterback Jude Lecompte.

“(Lecompte) runs the show, he makes the offense go,” East St. John head coach Alden Foster said.

“He can run it too. They will lull you to sleep and hit you over the top with a big play.”

On defense, the Braves are also tough.

“They are big and physical and all of that,” Foster said. “The defense has two big studs in the middle. They are going to try to confuse you and blitz you at times.”

To be successful, the Wildcats have to overcome their tendency toward making mistakes. East St. John led much of the first half of their home opener last week but back-to-back fumbles deep in their own territory led to scores by their opponent.

With a high quality opponent in H.L. Bourgeois, Foster said his team’s task with be all that much more difficult.

“They are playing good ball,” Foster said.  “They are playing with a lot of confidence. The coach is doing a great job with them. So we have our work cut out for us.”

Through the first three weeks of the season, the Wildcats have featured a merry go-round at the quarterback position, starting a different player each week, a situation that is likely to be settled when junior quarterback Marquise Darensbourg is eligible to play in week 5.  This week, sophomore Adarius Duhe is expected to get his second start.

“(Duhe) took us down for the first scoring drive and took us down for the last spring drive last week, but he hurt his back and couldn’t go until late into the game,” Foster said.

Foster said the Wildcats are entering district play as if it were a new season.

“We are 0-0 in district,” Foster said. “Hopefully we will win our games in district, then hopefully get to the playoffs. We are not giving up on that plan. We have an opportunity against a quality football team. If we can clean up our mistakes, we have the chance to be successful.”

East St. John will take on H.L. Bourgeois at 7 p.m. Friday at Thomas B. Smith Stadium in Houma.