The Pearl River Rebels are on the road to night, taking on the Varnado Wildcats as both teams open their season.

Pearl River is coming off a 49-17 loss to Salmen in the Slidell Jamboree, while Varnado defeated Bogalusa 27-15.

Last season, both teams made the playoffs and lost to teams that got to the finals. Pearl River went 7-3 and lost in the bi-district round to Class 4A runner-up Archbishop Shaw 40-20. The Wildcats were a 7-5 team, advancing to the regional round before suffering a 50-0 loss to eventual Class 1A state champion South Plaquemines.

Pearl River's Doug Conravey looks to throw during last week's jamboree game against Salmen held at Slidell High. (File Photo by Chris Kinkaid)

The teams didn’t play last year due to Hurricane Gustav, but two years ago, Varnado defeated Pearl River 26-13.

Offensively, the Rebels run the wing-T. Doug Conravey is the quarterback. In an offense that doesn’t throw the ball very much, Conravey hit Craig Domingue for a 61-yard pass play early in the game.

He also rushed for a score on a quarterback sneak late in the first half.

The running backs are seniors James Gillum, Jeremiah Levy and Kendall Twillie.

Last week, Gillum ran for 64 yards on 15 carries, while Twillie finished with 35 yards on seven totes, including a 20-yard scoring run. The problem for the offense was three turnovers, two fumbles and an interception. Pearl River didn’t punt.

The Rebels had a 3-0 lead, but Salmen returned the kickoff back to PRHS’ 14 and scored. Pearl River fumbled on its next two possessions. One was returned for a touchdown and the other gave the Spartans the ball on PRHS’ seven.

Defensively, Varnado bases out of the 3-5. Varnado coach Paul Meyerchick said you have to read your keys to defend the wing-T.

Senior defensive back TaJah Pigott, a four-year starter, had a big game last week.

He picked off two passes and returned one 60 yards. He also forced a fumble. He said his other top players include sophomore end Skylar Moses (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) and senior nose guard Golden Ootsey.

Offensively, Varnado sophomore running back Laterrius Crumedy ran for 112 yards and a 32-yard score. He also took the opening kickoff back to Bogalusa’s 20-yard line, helping the Wildcats tally the first 13 points of the game.

They led 19-8 with 10 seconds left in the first half after a TD, but Bogalusa ran the kickoff all the way back, trimming the lead to 19-15 at halftime.

Despite the loss of momentum, Varnado was able to post another TD for the win. Senior Derrick Gibson had the second touchdown, a six-yard run for Varnado.

Junior Delvin Allen is the quarterback. Meyerchick said Allen is a good running threat.

Last week, he threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Javantue Bell.

Defensively, PRHS runs an odd stack.

The Rebels struggled last week, but Salmen scored their first 22 points on just 21 yards of offense.