George Mahl

It is coming to the end of the regular season for prep teams here in the River Parishes. There are only three regular season games remaining in the 2004 season. If the season ended today, many, if not all, teams in the area would see post season action.

Some asked me in the pressbox at the Lutcher-E.D White game, “what do you think about tonight?” My response was “Lutcher by 10.” Well, 24-13 isn’t a 10-point difference, but is was close. I guess Lutcher was the team I was most impressed by last Friday night.

Keep an eye on Lutcher because, like last year, they seem to be building momentum and peaking at the right time. Although, coach Tim Detillier told me afterward, “we have a difficult schedule coming up.” Coach, I think that is putting it mildly. They go to Thibodaux, St. James and close out against at home against St. Charles Catholic. That is no cake walk.

Don’t look now, but there is a 3-way tie for first place in 10-2A between Riverside, West St. John and Fisher. Although I would suspect that will change soon because Fisher travels to Edgard Friday night to play West St. John. This might be a stretch, but I think Patrick Jackson might be the best running back in the state. Granted we have not seen other teams, but the soft-spoken senior is dynamic to watch and can electrify Dinvaut Stadium on any play.

He may be an eighth grader, but Riverside’s Jarid Caesar is playing like a four-year starter. He has led the Rebels to a 5-1 record and has gotten the bad taste the 2003 season left with Rebel supporters. It should be another exciting Friday night of prep football here in the River Parishes.

I will be going across the river Friday night to see those Mighty Rams of West St. John battle Fisher in a 10-2A game. Good luck to all teams.