by George Mahl Sports Editor

LUTCHER – The improbable prep football state championship victory for the Lutcher Bulldogs was the highlight of 2003 for the school. Three other sports saw post season action as well: baseball, softball and boys basketball.

The boys basketball team finished with a second place finish in district 10-3A in 2003. Led by Gerard Landry, the Bulldogs racked up 20 wins and defeated North Vermillion in the first round of the playoffs. Trailing late in the third quarter, the Bulldogs rallied in the fourth quarter to get a hard-fought victory. However, in the fourth quarter the Bulldogs elevated their game and took home a 55-46 victory. The Bulldogs road to Lafayette ended with a 60-57 loss against Parkview Baptist in the regional round.

For his effort, Landry was named to the All-L’Observateur team for the 2002-2003 season.

The girls basketball team endured a very difficult 2003 because of little experience and just not having good team chemistry. Their top scorer Brandi Derbigny just could not fit in with the young talent that surrounded her.

The Spring sports performed very well for Lutcher. The baseball team featured several top players, such as pitchers Randy Waguespack and Bryce Matherne. Waguespack signed a scholarship with Louisiana Tech in the Spring.

Lutcher finished in third place in 10-3A and earned a trip to the playoffs.

However, the Bulldogs were knocked off in the first round by Belle Chasse.

For the seventh consecutive year, the Lady Bulldogs won the 10-3A district softball championship.

The Lady Bulldogs championship run came to an end in Sulphur when they ran into a tough Teurlings Catholic squad. With an impressive 27-1 record, Teurlings used excellent pitching en route to a convincing 5-0 victory. Lutcher pitcher Carla Humphries threw well by allowing the minimum number of batters in the fourth and fifth inning.

In the fall, the volleyball team ended up missing the playoffs, while the football team achieved their ultimate goal-winning a state championship.

The biggest win for the volleyball team came against St. Charles Catholic in LaPlace. The Lady Bulldogs were down 2-1 when they came back to win three straight games and take the match.

The Lady Comets came back later in the season to defeat Lutcher in Lutcher.

Without a doubt, the biggest story of 2003 was the incredible run by the Bulldogs football team. After jumping out to an 0-3 start, Lutcher came back to win the next six of seven games to close the 2003 season. Their playoff run included close victories against St. Charles Catholic, Amite and Chalmette. A 15-7 victory over Notre Dame in the state championship was the final hurdle in the road for the Bulldogs.