Destrehan, Hahnville enjoy victories

Published 12:00 am Monday, September 13, 2010

By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

DESTREHAN — After a gut-wrenching loss a week ago, Destrehan earned first year head coach Chris Stroud his first career win.

The Wildcats scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to quiet a Thibodaux rally, banking home a 27-12 victory over the team that ended its 30-game win streak a year ago.

“After last week’s heartbreaking loss, this team responded,” said Stroud. “They came in on Labor Day and had such a strong practice, one of the best we’ve had, and it set the tone. These kids really got after it tonight, and I think we’re seeing a really good football team again.”

Mark Trudeaux spearheaded the DHS rushing attack, tallying 82 yards on 14 carries. He scored once on the ground – his fourth quarter score put DHS ahead 21-12, after Thibodaux had scored early in the third quarter to draw within two.

Linebacker Orelyn Chopin’s 48-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth sealed the deal, extending DHS’ nine point lead to its final 15-point victory margin.

Chopin, a junior who had just played in the school’s JV game earlier in the week, has been coming up with a number of big plays recently.

“He recovered a fumble, scooped and scored. So he’s been making a lot of big plays lately,” said Stroud.

Rickey Jefferson hooked up with quarterback Taylor Dunn on a screen pass in the first half to score on a 47-yard catch. Kevin Smith also ran in a 7-yard touchdown.

Thibodaux scored on a pair of big plays (40 and 82 yards in distance) but once again the Destrehan defense held firm for the majority of the night. This week, that performance was supported by the Wildcats’ offense and special teams, which held up their end of the bargain.

“Hats off to our defense,” said Stroud. “Our special teams too,” said Stroud. “And the offense rebounded in a big way tonight. Last week we had some dropped balls, some miscues. We moved some things around but really, this week, our kids executed. That was the difference. We didn’t leave so many things out there.”

TIGERS ROLL OVER REED — Hahnville was the heavy favorite entering its Friday night clash with Sarah Reed and did nothing to disappoint, downing the Olympians 56-0 in Boutte.

Ahmad White scored three rushing touchdowns for the Tigers and generated 140 yards on just 11 carries.

Brian Ensminger threw an early interception that Reed returned for a score, leaving HHS with a 7-6 lead. But from there, he was brilliant, going 12-for-16 for 207 yards and a pair of touchdowns, one to Derek Howard, the other to Dontrell Strickland.

HHS led 35-6 at halftime.