Friday’s Class 4A semifinal tilt between Belle Chasse (10-1) and Bastrop (11-1) is a classic matchup of contrasting philosophies. Kickoff time is 7 p.m. at Ram Stadium.

The difference between the Cardinals of northern Plaquemines Parish and Bastrop can be broken down into simple geography. Like many south Louisiana schools, Belle Chasse is offensive minded. Bastrop, on the other hand, adheres to the old District 2-5A philosophy of defense first.

So far, both approaches have worked.

Putting up video game-like numbers, Belle Chasse (10-1) is one point away from being undefeated.

Though no slouch offensively, the three-time defending state champion Rams (11-1) are still built around defense.

With the Cardinals averaging 41.4 points per game, it should come as no surprise that the Rams worked overtime in the film room on Sunday afternoon.

During the film session, the Rams witnessed Belle Chasse quarterback Blake Matherne put on a clinic during a 40-31 quarterfinal victory over previously unbeaten Eunice.

Matherne accounted for 309 yards of total offense (175 rushing, 134 passing) and five touchdowns (3 rushing, 2 passing) last Friday night. Wide receiver James Wright finished the evening with five catches for 73 yards and a pair of scores.

“People have just not had an answer for them defensively,” Bastrop coach Brad Bradshaw said. “Eunice is a fine defensive football team, but it was like a track meet up and down the field.”

Bastrop was a 48-19 winner over the Cardinals in the first round of the 2006 state playoffs. Since then, the Cardinals have switched from the double wing to the spread.

“I thought they were pretty good offensively in ’06. They gave us some problems then,” Bradshaw said. “They do a real good job of calling plays. They just have a lot better skill people than they had back then.”

Bastrop advanced to the semifinals with a 40-7 road victory over Zachary.

Friday’s winner will play the Shaw-Salmen winner for the Class 4A state championship on Saturday, Dec. 13 in the Louisiana Superdome.