JONESVILLE, La. &045; When you try and emphasize a point to a handful of teenagers, preoccupied with typical adolescent intrigues, your message can get muddled.

However, when encouraging words and success gets underneath their skin and becomes contagious, then there is the recipe for limitless possibilities.

Block head coach Chad Harkins does not kid himself by believing his Bears were in the same league with Class 1A power Kentwood in last year’s second round playoff loss.

The atmosphere, the focus, the confidence &045; all traits Block lacked at the time and the Kangaroos exuded.

But a dominant 2003 season has made last November’s postseason disappointment a distant memory.

Thanks in large part to an explosive offense and a drill sergeant in Harkins, who preaches focus for four quarters, the Bears have earned their swagger.

&uot;I feel like we’re moving where I want us to be,&uot; said Harkins, who is 13-7 in nearly two seasons as Papa Bear. &uot;If they’re yet, I don’t know. The next two and three weeks will tell us. We’ve never been put into the situation where we’ll be in the next weeks.

&uot;We’re definitely more prepared than last year.&uot;

Block (6-3, 3-0) welcomes in Delhi (6-3, 3-0) to determine an outright district 4-1A champion today at 7 p.m.

On paper the Bears seem invincible and could feasibly yawn their way to their third consecutive 4-1A crown.

Through 144 minutes of district play Block has outscored its opponents by a combined 192-8. Tallulah, the only foe to not have a goose egg and whom Delhi squeaked by last Friday, was the victim of an 82-8 Bears mauling.

&uot;Delhi is a much improved team from last year,&uot; Harkins said. &uot;They’ve got the athletes there to be competitive every year. I look for them to come out fired up to play us. (Delhi) hasn’t had the opportunity to play for the district championship in some years. I expect their best game.&uot;

The visiting Bears from north Louisiana had to drop an 16-spot on Tallulah in the fourth quarter last week to escape with a 30-22 victory.

Quarterback Greg Smith hit one out of every two passes for 259 yards, while Deldrick Washington scored on a pair of 4-yard touchdown runs and also returned a blocked punt 54 yards earlier in the contest.

With a comfortable spot at No. 8 in both the Louisiana Sportswriters Association poll and the Louisiana High School Athletic Association power ratings, Harkins like his teams’ chances of staying at home in the first round of the playoffs.

&uot;This’ll be our second year in a row to host a playoff game,&uot; he said. &uot;We’re excited about that opportunity if we can come out and win (Friday).&uot;

With Delhi not far back in the power ratings at No. 17, Harkins does not believe a win or a loss tonight will alter the postseason picture for his club.

The Bears picked up their second straight district shutout last Friday with a convincing 48-0 victory over Newellton. That win coming off the heels of a 62-0 thrashing of Davidson.

&uot;We’ve had big plays out of all our guys,&uot; Harkins said. &uot;(Tight end) Jeremy Washington has caught some big balls from (quarterback) Demetrius Bowie. Our fullback (E.J. Wilkerson) has a had a great year running and scoring. And any time (wingback) Demetrius (Duncan) touches the ball it’s always dangerous for the other team.&uot;

A disturbing attitude from the players greeted the coaching staff on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

Guys were laughing and joking, acting as though goals had already been accomplished. Harkins was quick to nip that complacency in the bud and retrieve his Bears from hibernation.

&uot;They realize what’s at stake,&uot; he said. &uot;They’re taking this week very seriously.&uot;