The race is on.

The quest for a District 6-3A title for the girls begins today. The North Vermilion Lady Patriots will travel to Cecilia to face the Lady Bulldogs (6-14). Defending champion Kaplan (10-8) will go on the road to face the Erath Lady Bobcats (11-7).

Looking at the Lady Patriots’ 16-3 start, it would be hard to argue placing them as an early favorite. Kaplan co-head coach Patty Richard, who returned to the Kaplan bench after Dawn Broussard resigned last month, would agree with that assessment.

“I have been out of basketball for a while,” said Richard, who led the Lady Pirates to the Sweet 16 earlier this decade. “I have not seen many of the teams in the district. I have seen North Vermilion and they are very fundamental.

“I would say they are a favorite.”

Not that he is overly confident, but North Vermilion head coach Roderick Moy said he also believes his team has desire and talent to be the last team standing. That is because winning district is something the Lady Patriots put on themselves.

“We have put that load on our shoulders,” said Moy. “We feel like if we take care of business, we can win this district.”

Moy acknowledged taking the crown will not be easy.

“That starts tonight in Cecilia,” Moy said. “They are going rip and run and try to impose their will.

“Everybody will be coming after you each night.”

Richard agreed.

“That is what we are trying to get across to our players,” Richard said. “Nothing will be given away in this district.

“You are going to have to go out there and play because it could be anybody’s game.”