MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / November 18, 1998

DESTREHAN – Destrehan faces a big opponent in Archbishop Rummel in the regional playoffs Friday night.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Joe Yenni Stadium on the East JeffersonHigh School campus in Metairie.

Big is the optimum word when it comes to the Red Raiders. Rummelfeatures two 330-pounders, tackle Keith Chatelain (330) and guard Michael Hollinger (310) on its offensive line. Junior Brandon Dabdoub (275)is a starter at defensive tackle.

“They are the largest football team I have seen in many years in high school football,” Destrehan coach Scott Martin said.

Martin’s Wildcats are coming off a 24-0 victory over Lafayette in the bi- district playoffs last Friday. The District 6-5A champs improved to 8-2with the win.

Traun Smith gained 183 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries and also caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Wendell Smith. Most of the yardscame on plays in which Smith appeared to be stopped for little or no gains but was able bounce out of with his teammates holding their blocks.

“They stayed on their blocks and stayed in people’s faces and allowed Traun to break a couple of long runs,” Martin said.

The defense pitched its second straight shutout, holding Lafayette to 162 total yards and forcing three turnovers.

Rummel advanced to the regional round with a 42-15 win at home against Central Lafourche last Thursday. The Red Raiders improved to 8-2 afterplacing second in District 9-2A.

Rummel also used a ground attack and defense to key its bi-district victory. Quarterback Daris Wilson rushed for 81 yards, H.J. Adams also had81 yards and Derron Parquet added 62 yards as the Red Raiders gained 267 yards on the ground. Each scored once with Ryan Richardson adding twomore on the ground.

The Red Raider defense held Central Lafourche to one offensive touchdown (the other came on a blocked punt return) and 186 total yards while forcing two turnovers.

Martin said that the Wildcats must find a way to keep control of the ball and keep it away from a team that likes to use ball control to wear down its opponents.

“We cannot leave the defense on the field the whole night,” Martin said.

“It is going to be a real test for us. At this time of the year, you have tominimize errors and minimize turnovers. You have to be able to executeand keep turnovers down to have a chance to win.”Friday night’s winner advances to the quarterfinals to play the winner of the Jesuit-Sarah Reed next week.

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