DESTREHAN – It was supposed to be a high scoring affair as the eleventh seeded Destrehan Wildcats took on the twenty-second seeded Ouachita Lions at Destrehan High School Friday night in first round playoff action, but mistakes from both teams kept the offenses largely in check, as Destrehan fought through to a narrow 20-18 victory. In the end, it was the powerful running of the Wildcats that allowed them to keep control of the game, and set up a field goal by their superb kicker, Kyle Tizzard, that provided the margin of victory with just 12 seconds remaining.

The game started with a dismal showing by both offenses, with neither offense able to muster even a first down during the first quarter of play. Both teams exchanged punts throughout the quarter, with Ouachita racking up 8 penalties in their first 18 plays. Deespite the penalties though, the Lions were able to draw first blood when they recovered a fumble by the Wildcats quarterback, Jai Eugene, on the Wildcat seven yard line. After recovering the fumble, the Lions used all four downs before punching in the firat score of the game on a one yard run by fullback Josh Grant, with 25 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

The Wildcats received the ensuing kickoff at their own 42 yard line and, after a 29 yard reception by junior Josua Martin, Jai Eugene ran for the score from 12 yards out. After an unsucessfull drive by the Lions, the Wildcats again started their drive with good field position at their own 45 yard line. On third and nine, Eugene hooked up with Chris Bullock who ran it in completing a 54 yard play that put the Wildcats up 14-6 with 6:27 remaining in the second quarter.

The Wildcats mounted one more serious drive before the half, but an 18 yard sack of quarterback Jai Eugene forced Destrehan to attempt a 50 yard field goal that fell short just as time expired in the second quarter.

As the second half began, Destrehan seemed renewed however, as they put together a solid nine play drive that was spearheaded by a 36 yard run by Bullock. The drive stalled out however, at the Ouachita 15 yard line, and Tizzard booted a 35 yard field goual that increased the Wildcat lead to 17-6 with 8:31 remaining in the third quarter.

Ouachita failed to produce anything on their next possession but recieved a second chance after a fumble by Eugene. Ouachita quickly drove down the field and capped off the drive with an 11 yard run by Keldrick Johnson.The Lions then failed to convert on the extra point however, leaving the score at 17-12 Destrehan, with 5:46 remaining in the ththird quarter.

In the final period, Ouachita came alive and put together a 14 play drive that culminated with a three yard touchdown run by fullback Josh Grant. The Lions failed to convert once again, however, on the extra point, but lead 18-17 with 8:33 remaining in the game.

After an exchange of punts, the Wildcat running game came to life, and Destrehan drove down to the Ouachita two yard line after consecutive runs of 6, 20, and 13 yards by Bullock. The drive aloowed Tizzard to kick the game winner from just 18 yards out.

As usual, the Wildcat running game proved to be the difference in the game, and was led by Bullock who finished the night with 188 yards on 23 carries. Bullock also added 60 receiving yards to finish the night with well over 200 yards of total offense.

The Wildcats also finished with 11 first downs, whilse holding the Lions to only 6 first downs for the entire game.

The Lions were also penalized 10 times for 60 yards to add to their frustrations for the evening. There were also 21 possession changes for the game which was indicative of the high level of defensive play exhibited by both defenses.