Dogs, Wildcats battle for first again

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, October 25, 2000

MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / October 25, 2000

ST. JAMES – Surprise, surprise. When Lutcher travels to St. James Fridaynight, first place in District 9-3A will be on the line.

At least one of these two teams have won the district championship each of the last seven years. St. James held the title for six straight yearsbefore Lutcher broke the string last year with a 25-17 victory at home over the Wildcats, rallying for 15 points in the final four minutes. Theteams shared the title in 1995.

Both teams have come on strong after slow starts. Lutcher has won threestraight after a 2-3 start. St. James has won back-to-back district gamesafter losing to Donaldsonville in the district opener.

Lutcher, in first place in District 9-3A with a 2-0 record, improved to 5-3 overall with a 31-7 victory at Covington in non-district play Friday. TheBulldogs did it with defense, holding Covington to 163 yards and forcing seven turnovers.

Six of the turnovers came via interceptions. Lawrence Williams, who leadsthe River Parishes with seven interceptions, had three of them, returning two for touchdowns. Chris Johnson also returned a punt 48 yards for atouchdown.

The Lutcher offense finished with 145 yards. Risley St. Germain completed5-of-10 passes for 66 yards. The Bulldogs ran for another 79 yards.Tyrone Martin got the only score on offense with a 1-yard run, his seventh touchdown of the season.

That score gave Lutcher a 14-0 lead. Williams had opened the scoring witha 56-yard interception return. His 28-yard return gave the Bulldogs a 21-0lead at the end of the first quarter. T.J. Bourgeois added a 24-0 lead athalftime. Bryan Williams brought Covington to within 24-7 with a 3-yardrun in the fourth quarter but Johnson answered with his punt return.

St. James is coming off a 38-20 victory at E.D. White, improving theWildcats to 2-1 in district and 5-3 overall.

St. James did it with its offense, rolling up a season-high 425 yards. TheWildcats ran the ball 45 times for 240 yards, led by Travell Steib with 19 carries for 129 yards. Donavan Williams added 64 yards and a touchdownon 11 attempts.

Chris Hymel completed 6-of-20 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

Davin Dennis had two of the catches for 131 yards and a score. JustinAubert also caught two passes for 21 yards and a touchdown.

The defense gave up 303 yards but forced five turnovers. ThaddeusSutherland returned a fumble 20 yards for a score.

“We’ve been getting better each week,” St. James head coach Rick Gaillesaid. “It’s been part of our progress since the beginning of the season. Ourplayers have a better understanding of what they are doing and we have been able to make adjustments every week.”Kickoff for Friday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Gaille said the keys of his team Friday are playing with consistency on offense and matching the Bulldogs physically on defense.

“On offense, we have to maintain consistency,” Gaille said. “The last twoweeks, we have been passing more efficiently and more consistently. Ondefense, we have to be able to line up against their multiple formations and be able to be physical. We have to play intelligently while playing on ahigh physical level.”As for the rivalry, Gaille said it has been a friendly one.

“As heated as the rivalry is, it’s very civilized,” Gaille said. “Once it’sover, it’s over and we go back to pulling for each other.” The game is the regular season finale for St. James. Lutcher ends itsregular season at Donaldsonville next week. Donaldsonville still has a shotat the district title if it wins its final two games.

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