Week nine of the prep football season sees one rivalry renewed, one team fighting for its playoff life and one team trying to make sure an upset doesn’t knock out its chance for a district title.

Carencro at Westgate

The Westgate Tigers (2-4 overall, 1-2 District 3-5A) close out the district part of the schedule tonight by playing host to Carencro High, with coach Brian Fine likely missing this week’s game because of a family medical emergency.

The Westgate Tigers open this week’s football action against Carencro when they play host to the Bears at Lloyd G. Porter Stadium tonight. NISH defensive player Michael Lamothe misses Westgate quarterback Deon Anthony by inches on a pass play in a game on Oct. 10 in the action shown. - Bill Smith / The Daily Iberian Advertisement

Fine was called away during last week’s game against Lafayette High because of the emergency. WHS had its chances against the Lions but fell 35-27.

If Fine cannot coach tonight’s game he will turn over play-calling duties to assistant coach Ryan Antoine.

The Tigers probably need to win tonight and next week against Barbe to have a chance to reach the playoffs.

Carencro (1-5, 1-1) another traditional playoff power, also has struggled this year but a win this week and another next week against Pineville, combined with a Lafayette High upset of New Iberia Senior High next week, would give the Bears a share of the district title and an automatic bid into the playoffs.

St. Martinville at New Iberia

The Jackets (5-2, 3-0 District 3-5A) clinched a share of the District 3-5A title last week with a 48-13 win over Pineville. NISH steps out of district play Friday to play host to long-time rival St. Martinville for homecoming.

The visiting Tigers (3-4, 2-3 District 5-4A) probably need to win this week and next week against Opelousas High to secure a chance to get into the Class 4A playoffs.

Church Point at Catholic High

The Panthers (2-5, 1-2 District 6-3A) step out of district play this week to play host to Church Point’s Bears (5-2, 2-1 District 5-3A).

Catholic High’s playoff chances took a big hit last week with a 51-35 loss to Kaplan. CHS quarterback Taylor Bullock has a chance to become a 1,000 yard passer this year in the game. He currently has 964 yards passing through seven games and has completed 91 of 159 aerials this year. His main target is Thomas Theriot, who has caught 26 passes for 240 yards. Theriot has the most receptions on team and trails only Devin Boutte (21-261) for most yards.

Church Point enters the game off of a 40-0 shutout loss against Crowley.

Erath at Kaplan

The Bobcats (3-4, 0-3 District 6-3A) finish out the district portion of their schedule this week on the road at Kaplan (4-3, 1-1).

Since opening the season with three consecutive wins, Erath has lost four straight games and probably needs to win this week and next week to still have a chance at the playoffs.

Kaplan, coming off its first district win since 2002 last week at Catholic High, looks to make it two district wins in a row.

Franklin vs. West St. Mary

It’s “Fire on the Bayou” week as Franklin and West St. Mary renew acquaintances this week in the annual battle between the two schools that are about five miles apart.

The game is a little different this year as West St. Mary, the home team, will play the game at Franklin’s J.C. Dry Stadium because of damage to WSM’s home field from Hurricane Gustav.

The Wolfpack (1-6, 0-2 District 7-3A) can effectively knock Franklin out of the playoffs with a win while the Hornets (3-4, 1-1 District 7-3A) can win the mythical Louisiana Highway 182 title with a victory, having beaten Jeanerette earlier this year. FSH must win this week and next week against Patterson to force a tie for the district title and the automatic bid into the playoffs.

Jeanerette at Livonia

The Tigers (1-7, 0-2 District 7-2A) travel to Livonia to battle the Wildcats (5-2, 1-2) in a district matchup.

Jeanerette dropped a 42-18 decision to St. John last week while Livonia lost to Donaldsonville 27-15.

St. John at Loreauville

The St. John Eagles (5-2, 2-0 District 7-2A) need to win to set up a battle with Donaldsonville next week for the District 7-2A title. Loreauville (3-4, 0-2 district) needs to win this week and next week against Jeanerette to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Vermilion Catholic at Delcambre

Two long-time district rivals collide this week as the Eagles (0-8, 0-2 District 8-A) look to spoil Delcambre’s chance at a district title. A VC win Friday would give the Panthers (5-2, 2-0) their first district loss of the year and force DHS to beat Gueydan in week 10 for a share of the district title.

A Delcambre win, coupled with a Gueydan win over Central Catholic, would set the table for the district title next week. If Gueydan loses and Delcambre wins, the Panthers would clinch a share of the district title and could win it outright against Gueydan next week.

East Iberville at Hanson

The Tigers (0-7, 0-3 District 8-A) step out of district play Friday to play host to East Iberville (0-5) for homecoming.

A win over the visiting Tigers from St. Gabriel would be Hanson’s first win of the year.