Southern injuries piling up

 
Southern interim head coach Dawson Odums evidently believes the best players should play. He also believes he has players that haven’t given up on the season- seven games in.
Three days ago, the Southwestern Athletic Conference named linebacker Bill Ross of Arkansas Pine Bluff defensive player of the week for his performance against the Jaguars in a 50-21 win for the Golden Lions. But according to Odums, the Jaguars (3-4, 2-3) are preparing for the Shreveport Classic with thoughts of last Saturday behind him.
“Whether we win or lose we only worry about it for 24 hours,” Odums said. “We put it behind us and focus on the next game.”
The Jaguars based this week on getting better and practicing the way they did when they were winning.
SU’s biggest challenge, however, is Prairie View (2-5,2-3). The Panthers won the last four games between the schools, including a 30-16 win in Shreveport against a Jaguar team plagued by losses and injuries.
“Two years ago, first play of the game I tore my MCL,” defensive tackle Casey Narcisse said, who has two sacks and a fumble recovery this season. “So this game is real personal. I never PV and beating them would mean a great amount to me and these guys.”
Even more troubling was the injury to starting defensive back Mychal Bell, who suffered a knee injury in practice last Wednesday. Odums ruled Bell out for the season after an MRI revealed two torn ligaments in his knee. 
SU didn’t escape last week without a few players getting dinged up. Offensive lineman Aaron Hall had a scare late in the game, injuring his knee. Hall had to be helped off the field and is out for the remainder of the season. Ultimately, the offense expects freshman Terrell Lee to replace Hall.
“Aaron knew everything,” senior offensive lineman Chris Browne said. “He was making all the calls so I think I have to step in and take over the role of making the calls. That was his third year in the offense, and Terrell doesn’t know the calls as well.”
Odums confirmed that safety Levi Jackson (arm) is expected to return Saturday, defensive back D’Mekus Cook (shoulder) will be re-evaluated and Franchot West (shoulder) is day-to-day.
SU is facing a team Saturday that is averaging 361.8 in total defense, which is seventh in the conference. Prairie View quarterback De’Auntre Smiley was named offensive player of the week after throwing for 251 yards and four touchdown passes in their 52-37 win over Alcorn State.
The Panthers played to its defense against the Jaguars last season, the approach preserving a three-point victory over SU, 23-20.
PV head coach Heishma Northern understands that a win Saturday will keep the Panthers in the hunt for a West title.
“We tell our guys that the next game is always the biggest game of the season,” Northern said. “If you drop this one then all of the other one’s don’t matter.”