The Southside Sharks are 3-1 once again to start the 2023 season. The Sharks are fresh from their 49-26 win over New Iberia this past Friday night and are looking for the fortune to continue when they travel to Barbe this week.
For the Southside defense, Derrick Collins has been a steady force. A three-year starter as a junior, Collins has the experience at both cornerback and safety to make big plays as well as be a leader for the defense. Collins has been relied on even more so with the absence of Carson Goulas in the secondary and he’s taken it in stride to start the season.
Question: Derek, the Sharks are 3-1 to start the season. Can you just talk about the start, especially defensively for you guys?
Answer: You know, we always got to work hard. We’re 3-1, although we had a tough loss to Carencro and we really didn’t play very well against NISH Friday night, we still got to focus up. We all just got to lock in and do what we need to do every week to suffice for the rest of the season.
Q: How much has the production that your offense has been giving over the last couple of games really helped you guys out defensively?
A: It really does help us because it comes in clutch when we really need it. It gives us an opportunity to know that we don’t have to go over every down scared to make a mistake, wondering if we’re gonna lose or whatever. So we could go out there and play confidently and do what we need to do to be successful.
Q: What can you tell me about your defensive coaching staff, especially defensive coordinator Ben Mouton, and how helpful they’ve been?
A: They’ve been very helpful. Each and every one of them sees greatness in us or they wouldn’t have us in that facility if they didn’t see us succeed. I understand their anger, I understand everything that they’re going through right now. But we have to continue to trust in them and put all our faith in them.
Q: Now you’ve played both corner and safety during your high school career. Which one do you like more and why?
A: I like playing cornerback more because I like to be up in the opposing receivers’ face and make plays happen.
Q: Lastly, the Sharks are traveling to Barbe Friday night. What can you tell me about this district 3-5A matchup?
A: We just need to go and play our game, play hard like we always do and just be ready to be better and kick some butt.