Michael Kiral / L’Observateur / June 1, 1998

HAHNVILLE – The Hahnville Tigers went into spring practice this year coming off a completely different season than the one before.

This time a year ago, the Tigers were coming off a disappointing 3-7 record. But the Tigers bounced back to finish the 1997 season at 8-3 andan appearance in the state playoffs.

That season was more typical of a program which has won two state championships in the 1990s. And the Tigers will look to duplicate thatseason with a young team in 1998.

Coach Scott Hildebrand said the team worked on fundamentals during the 13 days on practice, culminating in the Purple and Gold game Friday.

The team’s strengths include running back where Rafael Joseph, an All- River Parishes selection, returns. Another steady area is the secondarywhere Karone Champagne, another All-River Parishes selection, is back for his senior year.

There are still question marks at the other areas, including quarterback with the graduation of Antoine Williams.

“We have a long way to go still,” Hildebrand said. “It is a good opportunityto see who can play and where they can play. We are working on gettingthe best 22 players on the field and getting the offensive and defensive systems in.”Hildebrand said he is cautiously optimistic about the 1998 season which begins at home against Sarah Reed and West Jefferson. The Tigers travelto Holy Cross in their final pre-district game in week three.

Hahnville opens District 6-5A play at home against H.L. Bourgeois beforestarting a three-game road trip to Destrehan, Thibodaux and Central Lafourche. The Tigers return home against East St. John before going backon the road to South Lafourche. The season closes at home againstTerrebonne.

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