By SCOTT JOINER

Central Catholic is coming off a tough loss to Vermilion Catholic last week that should serve as a wake up call for the Eagles.

The Eagles trailed by just a touchdown at halftime before the Screaming Eagles pulled away to seal the district title.

“We had a pretty good week of practice, we understand that we played a very good football team last Friday night and we didn’t play our best,” Fuhrer said. “You can’t do that against good teams. Obviously the result of the game was what it was. But, I think the kids are refocused. It’s a new season with the playoffs and we just have to go out and execute and play.”

Laterrius Crumedy is the main threat for Varnado at quarterback, running back and as a return specialist.

Crumedy has thrown for more than 1,000 yards with 12 touchdowns and just four interceptions while he’s carried the ball for 1,679 yards and 18 touchdowns on 189 carries.

“They’re primarily a running team, they have a quarterback that’s very elusive,” Fuhrer said. “We’ll have to contain him. He’s their primary runner.”

CCHS has allowed an average of 169 yards rushing per game, which could be a problem, if Varnado gets rolling early and gains confidence.

“We just have to make sure the kids play their assignments and we have to tackle,” Fuhrer said. “And that’s a big thing.”

The Eagles overcame the first round hump last season that had been a problem for several years. They reached the quarterfinals last season and lost to Oberlin, another run-heavy team.

Fuhrer was happy to have overcome the first round problem last season, but understands that it’s not easy or a given to advance.

“The playoffs, the first round — it’s not easy,” Fuhrer said. “They got in and I think their record is a little deceiving and where they’re ranked. They play with a lot of confidence and play sound football.”

Varnado isn’t all run. They have five wide receivers with more than 100 yards this season so focusing too much on Crumedy could backfire.

“Varnado is a very athletic football team,” Fuhrer said. “We’ll have our hands full, we’ve got to play well.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Tiger Stadium in Morgan City.