Staff Report

BERWICK — The Berwick Panthers hope to correct their early miscues when they host Hanson Memorial Thursday.

The Berwick-Hanson game holds some history for the Panthers. BHS hasn’t won since beating Hanson, 27-24, on Oct. 1 2010 in Franklin. It was one of two wins for Berwick in what turned out to be a 2-8 season. The other was against Morgan City.

Berwick’s victory was the last for then head-coach Mike Thomas in his final season as head football coach. He now serves as an assistant coach.

Ironically, Berwick’s losing streak began with a 70-67 loss to Franklin in Franklin a week after the Hanson win.

Hanson contributed to Berwick’s streak with a 42-6 victory in Franklin last year.

While it has lingered, the present Panthers haven’t mentioned the streak.

“I wasn’t aware of the streak, and I don’t think that’s something I want to know,” Berwick’s second year head coach Craig Brodie said. “Nothing changed with our preparation for this week’s game. We are focused on cleaning up our early mistakes that have taken us out of our game plan.”

Berwick’s struggles began early in last week’s 49-7 loss to North Vermilion. Riley Maturin picked off a pass just three plays into the game and ran it back for a 21-yard touchdown to set the game’s tone.

Berwick (0-5, 0-3 District 9-3A) turned the ball over on five of its eight first-half possessions. Two of the remaining possessions resulted in punts, and the final Berwick possession ended at halftime.

BHS junior quarterback Bobby Boudreaux scored the lone BHS touchdown on a fourth quarter run. Boudreaux also completed four of 10 attempts for 60 yards but tossed one interception.

Chaz Russo led the Berwick receivers with two catches for 44 yards, while Jeremy Boudreaux led the rushing attack with four carries for 43 yards.

Two weeks ago, Patterson converted three Panthers’ turnovers into touchdowns in the first quarter. Berwick also turned the ball over on three of its first four possessions in that contest.

The Panthers, however, played much better in the second half of both ball games.

“There’s no rhyme or reason to why we make so many mistakes early in games,” Brodie said. “We just keep working on being more consistent.”

Hanson (2-4, 0-1 District 8-1A) has had a tough road as well this season. The Tigers have been outscored 193-94 so far this season.

“They are having their struggles too,” Brodie said. “They lost a lot of seniors from last year’s team, and their quarterback has been hurt.”

Hanson lost 42-0 to Vermilion Catholic last week.

“We match up well with them, but we are going to just do what we do, and hopefully we can pull out a win,” Brodie said.

The game will be played Thursday because Berwick’s students start fall break Friday.

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.