Arceneaux, Ike defense await Guthrie challenge

Eisenhower has used some solid play by its defense to stay in most of the games the Eagles have played, however, tonight when Guthrie comes to Cameron Stadium to face Ike it will be the visitors who come in with impressive defensive credentials.

Guthrie has allowed only 24 points in eight games, with 21 of those coming last week in a tough 24-21 loss to No. 1-ranked Carl Albert.

The praise that the Guthrie defense has been receiving is not going unnoticed around the Ike fieldhouse as linebacker Daveon Arceneaux and his mates are eager to play their best and give the Eagles a chance to win.

“I love playing linebacker and when I first came to Lawton we called Coach (Javon) Harris and he told me he was glad to get another linebacker and they would make me better,” the 5-9, 210-pound senior said. “I think I have had a pretty good season and I try to grade myself on each game. I gave myself a B in the Mac game which I think was my best.”

In the Ike scheme, Arceneaux is the “Will” linebacker and he explained his role.

“I mostly am involved in playing the run,” he said. “I read the guards and see where they are going and then react and make plays. I’ve been here two seasons and the coaches have all helped me become a better player.”

He gives special credit to Harris for his growth.

“Coach Harris is driven by fundamentals and the ability to focus on the field,” he said. “He also stresses communication, both on and off the field. We all strive to play hard for each other.”

Off the field Arceneaux loves to play video games, especially the favorites of most young athletes, 2K and Madden. His family offers the competition most of the time with a sister who plays softball and a younger brother who is playing football.

When it comes to eating, Arceneaux is a fan of comfort food, the type mom Colecka makes for him.

“I think the thing I love the most is her rice and gravy,” the senior said. “It’s just plain comfort food that tastes great.”

When it comes to the classroom, Arceneaux loves all his courses and is focused on getting prepared for college.

“I have heard from a few colleges about playing football but I hope to go regardless,” he said. “I’m thinking about going to college and then thinking about what major to enter.”

Tonight, he will be locked in on Guthrie and stopping the Bluejays’ offense.

“Guthrie is a good team that is disciplined and well coached but they are beatable,” he said. “They are going to run the football most of the time with a good quarterback and a couple of good backs. They run out of a power set and won’t throw the ball very often.”

That means Ike’s front seven needs a big effort.

“Our defense is outstanding and will fight as hard as we can,” Arceneaux said. “Everyone on our defense needs to play their best game but we have that ability. We just need to put it all together.”

He also is counting on the offense to play well.

“It will take a good effort by our offense as well but they have been playing pretty well,” he added. “This is a game we’ve all be looking for all season and we want to show up and play our best.”

If the Eagles can do that and upset the No. 3 Bluejays, they could move back into the playoff picture.