By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

The question for Westgate is simple – does it have the team speed on defense to slow down Destrehan?

St. Paul’s didn’t this past week, and because of that Destrehan recorded its third straight blowout victory.

Westgate (5-5) comes off a victory over a common opponent in Dutchtown – Destrehan (13-0) defeated Dutchtown 9-7 in the regular season finale – and rolls into the semifinals after avenging regular season losses to Sulphur and Barbe in the first two rounds. They are the final obstacle for Destrehan on its quest to get to the Superdome for the Class 5A state championship game.

But Destrehan, who will travel to Westgate for this semifinal game, looks like a different team now than it did toward the end of the season. Coach Stephen Robicheaux credits close victories against teams like East St. John and Hahnville in shaping the team he has today, and the Wildcats look extremely motivated in putting opponents away early through the first three rounds.

Westgate relies on quarterback Deon Anthony to make plays – he rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Dutchtown. He can also be lethal with his arm, as shown by his last second touchdown pass to beat Barbe, 30-28, in the regional round.

“Their quarterback is as good as any we’ve faced this year,” said Robicheaux.

Westgate, which as a No. 28 seed is by far the highest remaining seed in the 5A bracket, will need Anthony to gave perhaps the game of his life in order to win. But even that may not matter if Westgate cannot corral an offense that may possess the most speed in the state. Destrehan has topped 30 points in 10 of its 13 games, and will be aiming to do it again to get to the Superdome.