By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

After losing three more games than it had in the previous two years combined, Destrehan hoped the beginning of district play would signify a new start for the Wildcats.

So far, so good.

Behind a tremendous defensive effort, Destrehan came away from Geismar with a 14-6 win over host Dutchtown in a District 6-5A game.

The Wildcats held the Griffins to 216 total yards – that includes only 53 rushing yards by a highly regarded Dutchtown rushing attack.

“They’ve got a tremendous running back in Effrim Reed,” said Destrehan coach Stephen Robicheaux. “We were able to hold him in check. We won at what I think is a very tough place to play, at Dutchtown. “

Destrehan (3-3, 1-0) achieved balance on offense, passing for 138 yards and rushing for 117.

While Marshall Charles and Henry Lenox had taken turns leading the Destrehan running game so far this season, a new face led the charge this week – sophomore Kevin Smith rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown.

“He’s not that fast, but he has really good vision,” said Robicheaux. He puts his head down and runs very hard.”

Dutchtown (4-2, 1-0) led 3-0 at halftime on the strength of a Grant Auzenne field goal. But early in the third quarter, Destrehan began to move the ball, and converted a drive into points on Smith’s 1-yard scoring run to make it 14-3.

Auzenne added another field goal in the fourth quarter, this one from 28 yards away to make it 7-6.

After Dutchtown stopped Destrehan, the Griffins looked to march down the field and take the lead. Instead, Destrehan found its breathing room – Cody Scioneaux intercepted a Leon Blouin pass and returned it 27 yards for a score to make it 14-6.

“He had flat coverage, and they ran an in route,” Robicheaux said. “He cut in front of it and made the play. It was huge.”

From there, the Destrehan defense held on.

Dutchtown had won four straight games entering Friday night.