MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / September 1, 1999

DESTREHAN – The Destrehan Wildcats may have their answer to whom will replace Traun Smith in the backfield this season.

If senior Deron Love can continue to run like he did against defending Class 2A state champion in the Roussel’s Goodyear River Parishes Jamboree Thursday night, the question mark surrounding the position might be an exclamation point.

Love carried the ball 16 times for 155 yards and three scores. His firstscore came on a draw up the middle from 17 yards out. On his next carry,Love took another draw 52 yards to the Rams’ 9-yard line. He took it infrom there two plays later. A 1-yard push gave him his third score andincreased the Wildcats’ lead to 28-0 in an eventual 28-6 victory.

Love’s running complemented the passing of Ivan Mashia who completed four passes for 91 yards. Love caught two of those passes for 23 yardswhile sophomore running back Dechad Ward had two catches for 34 yards.

The defense allowed 255 yards but forced four turnovers. Damien Richardreturned an interception 69 yards for one score with David Hutchinson setting up another score with an interception and 26-yard return.

Love and the Wildcats will look to continue that success as the season opens for real when the Wildcats host Slidell Friday night. Kickoff isscheduled for 7:30 p.m.Slidell is coming off a 4-6 record and a fourth place finish in District 5- 5A in 1998. The Tigers dropped two in the Salmen Jamboree Friday, fallingto Fontainebleau, 7-6, and Salmen, 6-0.

Slidell will be led by its defense this season. Returning are seniordefensive end Kenny Reynolds and senior nose guard Warren Thomas on the line and senior Joey Sylve at inside linebacker. In the secondary, theTigers are led by seniors Jerrad Renau, Josh Parker and Scott Ray and junior Jason Grubb.

Slidell must replace David Levy at quarterback. Junior Billy Moody stepsinto his place and will operate behind a line led by senior tackle David Munsen and junior center Bryant Estes.

Jarred Reneaux returns at running back and Mike Thomilson at tight end.

Reneaux has been considered as one of the top athletes in the state.

Gone are wide receiver Blain Bech to LSU and tight end Major Richmond to Louisiana Tech. Senior Harlan Carter takes over at split end.

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