Holy Cross nips Hahnville in final minute
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 23, 1998
MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / September 23, 1998
BOUTTE – For the second straight game, the Hahnville defense did its job to put the Tigers in a position to win in their game against Holy Cross Friday night in the Hap Glaudi Classic in the Superdome.
But the Holy Cross defense also held Hahnville in check and the Tigers came up with a big special teams play late in the game to come away with a 13-6 victory. Holy Cross won its first game of the season after twolosses while Hahnville fell to 1-1.
Marc Griffin-Hagan blocked Kerry Fonseca’s punt with 1:07 left in the game and Shea Maheia picked it up and returned it 22 yards to put Holy Cross up, 13-6. Maheia then intercepted a pass on hahnville’s ensuingpossession to preserve the win.
Hahnville jumped out on top as Kade Rogers kept on an option and scrambled 34 yards for the score with 8:47 remaining in the opening quarter. Cody Buras blocked Fonseca’s extra-point, keeping the score at 6-0. The Tigers would take that lead into the half.In the third quarter, Hahnville rushed in to block Chris Coombs’ punt at the Holy Cross 38. Coombs scrambled away from the rush and gained 19 yardsto keep the drive alive. A couple of plays later, Kevin Preau connectedwith Bobby Henderson for 45 yards to the Holy Cross 1-yard line. Preautook it in from there to tie the score.
Hahnville appeared to retake the lead in the fourth quarter as Darryl Honor dashed 96 yards for a touchdown. But the play was called back on a clipagainst the Tigers.
Both teams had problems on special teams. Besides the blocked punt andextra point, Hahnville also had a field goal blocked and lost a fumble on a kickoff. Holy Cross missed two field goals and an extra point.Hahnville gained 191 total yards with Rafael Joseph leading the way with 57 yards on 23 attempts. Rogers passed for 50 yards, completing three ofhis seven attempts.
The Hahnville defense limited Holy Cross to 119 yards. Preau paced theTigers with 71 yards passing.
Hahnville will look to get back on the winning track as it opens District 6- 5A play at home against H.L. Bourgeois. Game time is scheduled for 7:30p.m. at Hahnville Tiger Stadium.Bourgeois is coming off a 23-8 victory against Ellender Friday night.
The Braves are led by their defense which returns eight starters. SeniorsRanny Davis at defensive end and Jude LeBlanc at linebacker and junior Rebbis Roberts at defensive back lead the Braves.
On offense, senior quarterback Kent Cedotal will look to throw to tight end Cory Ruffin and wide receiver Broderick Collins. Senior running backArty Champagne leads the running attack.
Last year, Hahnville took a 28-6 halftime lead on its way to a 56-26 victory over the Braves. Joseph sliced through the defense for 260 yardsand two touchdowns and added a touchdown receiving. Antoine Williamspassed for 219 yards and four touchdowns as the Tigers rolled up 546 total yards.
Hahnville crosses the Mississippi River next Friday to play cross-parish rival Destrehan. Bourgeois hosts Central Lafourche.
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