Just about every coach in the district expects Patterson to repeat their dominant performance from last year. And, in keeping with the tough schedule they’ve had so far this year, North Vermilion (1-2) will open up district play against them.

The Patriots have had three tough games already, and the fourth is not any easier for them. “We’ve played a top 1A team. We played a top 2A team,” head coach Tommy Byler said. “Now we take on a 3A team that has been good year in and year out.”

As will happen when playing tough teams, injuries are creating some concern for the Patriots.

Joe Duhon did not practice last week because of some soreness, and while Byler says he’s looking better this week, he also said that there is a “big ‘if’” on Taylor Abshire’s health.

Patterson is coming off a win against St. James last week, which puts them at 2-1 for the season. According to Byler, this is a team that is returning a tremendous number of the starters it had last year that led them to such a dominant year.

For Byler and the Patriots, a win would be the best way to kick off district play.

Both Duhon and Christian Fauntleroy are expected to lead the Patriots ground game, while Dade Dieterich and Seth Petin will pull Duhon’s passes out of the air.