JONESVILLE — Block High School will finally play some competition closer to its level this week when it hosts LaSalle High School.

The Tigers (2-4, 0-1) from Olla, La., will be the first LHSAA Class 1A opponent the Bears have faced all season. But at 4-2 on the season, head coach Benny Vault Jr. said he’s pleased with how non-district play has gone for the Bears.

“I call schools and try to find a tougher schedule to get ready for a playoff run,” Vault said. “I always thinking of the saying, ‘Looking for respect.’ Coming out of our (non-district) swing 4-2 is pretty good considering the youth of my squad.”

But Vault also said he’s ready for competition that’s more evenly matched in terms of roster sizes.

“We’ve been playing 3A opponents for the last four weeks, so I’m pretty excited now that we’re down to district,” Vault said.

Scheduling bigger schools in the first half of the season is something Vault does to help his team get better each week, he said.

“It teaches my kids to play four quarters,” Vault said. “You take a break against the big guys, and you’ll get blown out. I always play up the big schools, so it helps keep them focused and builds leadership.”

Though he means no disrespect to the schools in his district, Vault said things are definitely less stressful now that he’s playing 1A competition.

“It’s a blessing for us to be back down in 1A,” Vault said. “Not saying it’s a cakewalk through district, but now we’re playing opponents who play kids both ways like we do.”

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday at Block.