By George Mahl-Sports Editor

Sometimes, it can be difficult to come up with a topic to write about for the mid-week edition. It seems like lately all I have been doing is writing about prep football in the River Parishes.

Well, I have. I have learned during the 14 months I have been L’Observateur Sports Editor that everything from the end of August through at least the first week of November revolves around local pigskin action.

Through the first six weeks of the season, there are several teams in the River Parishes that are in playoff contention.

Over in 6-5A, it looks like at least Hahnville and East St. John will get to have their ticket punched to see post-season action. The third team will likely be either Destrehan, who lost to HHS and ESJ, or South Lafourche.

The Tarpons are coming off a 21-10 loss to Hahnville, but will host Destrehan Friday night in a game that is a must-win for both schools. The winner of that game could be in the drivers seat for the third playoff slot in the district.

Another key game this week is Hahnville traveling down to Lockport to play Central Lafourche.

Speaking of Hahnville, Lou Valdin is my pick for mid-season coach of the year. With a young quarterback at the helm, a 6-0 record is extremely impressive for the Tigers.

A few notches down the pole is 10-3A. It looks like it could possibly be a dog fight for playoff positioning. Lutcher, E.D White and St. Charles Catholic all have a chance to get to claim first place, especially with St. James struggling this year.

A couple of good running backs are working hard for their respective teams. Tyrell Fenroy and Wayne Albert are leading the Comets and the Bulldogs toward having respectable seasons.

Those two backs definitely deserve to be considered for the All-L’Observateur team, which will be announced after the season. Over in 10-2A, its seems to be West St. John and then everybody else.

The Rams appear to be in complete control at the moment and should win the district outright.

The other local team in the district, Riverside Academy, is, like St. James, struggled through the first half of 2003. I really thought Mickey Roussel’s club would, based on a tough pre-district schedule, play well and defeat Redeemer-Seton in the district opener. Unfortunately for Rebels fans, this may be a season they would soon like to forget. Looking forward to seeing fans in Edgard for the St. Martin’s vs. West St. John game.