By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

The LaPlace Power semi pro football team played the first game in franchise history on Saturday night in Gulfport. And as a first year team, plenty of growing pains were to be expected.

There were plenty of those in a 35-0 loss to the Gulfcoast Pirates. But Coach Wayne Thompson said there is no panic within his team — with so many first year players, the jump in competition level isn’t generally a seamless one.

“We’ve got new guys stepping up from high school to the pro level. You see a full line of 340 pound men going against you…it’s not something these guys are accustomed to,” Thompson said.

Gulfcoast led 21-0 at halftime.

The Power (0-1) traveled with only five lineman — offensive and defensive combined — meaning that each player had to play two ways. It meant that as time wore on, Gulfcoast (1-0) knew it could wear the LaPlace players down.

“In the second half, they knew they had us,” said Thompson.

There were highlights though. Rene Bordelon and Garland Theriot each recovered fumbles. And Quarterback Herbert Derkins showed that his legs are viable weapons, rushing for 70 yards.

“We moved it pretty well on offense,” Thompson said.

“But at the same time, our line just couldn’t get in rhythm. We stalled.”

Thompson hopes to have a good crowd at St. Charles Catholic this weekend, where LaPlace will play its home opener against the Satsuma Sharks. The Sharks captured a 39-6 win on Saturday night to open its season.

“I hope we’ll be able to feed off the crowd’s energy. I think it’ll be a very good game,” said Thompson.