MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / October 18, 2000

DESTREHAN – Destrehan and South Lafourche have played some thrillers in recent years.

In 1996, it was Destrehan’s Edward Reed returning a lateral off an interception for a touchdown on the game’s final play to give the Wildcats the district championship. Last year, Destrehan rallied in the final twominutes for a 14-13 victory at South Lafourche. Ivan Mashia hit Fred Smithon a 41-yard scoring strike with 1:20 left to pull out the win.

Fans can expect more of the same this year from two of the highest-scoring teams in District 7-5A when they meet in Destrehan Friday night. Kickoff isscheduled for 7:30 p.m.Destrehan enters the game 6-1 overall and 3-1 in District 7-5A. SouthLafourche goes into the game at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in district play. Theteams are moving in different directions, however, as Destrehan has won two straight and the Trojans are on a two-game losing streak.

Destrehan is coming off a 31-0 victory over South Terrebonne. The Wildcatsdid it with defense, holding the Gators to 112 total yards and five first downs. Randy Roth completed 19-of-30 passes for 227 yards and twotouchdowns, one each to Fred Smith and Craig Eugene. Smith had eightcatches for 125 yards. Dechad Ward added 84 yards and a touchdown on 17carries. Ward also caught four passes for 26 yards.Destrehan is averaging 33 points per game going into Friday. Roth continuesto rank as the River Parishes’ most prolific passer, completing 108 passes in 184 attempts for 1,530 and 14 touchdowns. Smith has caught 32 of thosepasses for 744 yards and eight touchdowns.

South Lafourche fell to Hahnville, 55-19, in its last game. The Tarpons gained252 yards but managed just 11 first downs and turned the ball over four times. Walter Nelson had a big evening, scoring on a 45-yard run and a 54-yard pass. Jonathan Hanberry completed 7-of-20 passes for 135 yards andtwo touchdowns. The Tarpons gained 117 yards on 31 carries. The defensegave up 393 yards, 263 on the ground.

South Lafourche enters averaging over 21 points per game. Nelson, ReubenBilliot and Dustin Parra are the leading rushers for the Tarpons. Hanberry’sreceivers are Michael Bourda and Richard Lynn. Brandon Barrilleaux, an all-district center last year, returns to lead the line.

The defense returns four starters. Parra, Isaac Caine, Shawn Gayton, MarkBreaux and Guy Lefort lead the line. The linebackers are Cullen Rebstock andDustin Dufrene. The backfield consists of Colby O’Quin, Sean Melancon andDustin Gisclair.

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