By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

DESTREHAN — Efficiency was the name of the game for Lutcher in a River Parishes showdown Friday night.

Despite being almost doubled in time of possession, Lutcher made the most of its limited time with the football against Destrehan on Friday night, taking a 27-8 victory on the road.

“We had just three possessions,” said Detillier. “That’s why I say every possession is so precious. This isn’t going away. Teams are coming in to control the ball and keep our offense off of the field. But we did what we had to do. We played through it, and that’s what good teams do.”

Destrehan rushed a staggering 58 times on Friday for 287 yards. That attack was led by quarterback Dillan Dent, making his second career start. He rushed for 106 yards and a score on 30 carries.

The Destrehan defensive front also kept Lutcher’s running game in check, holding LHS to 64 yards on 22 carries. Daniel Taylor led that charge with 54 yards on 12 attempts.

But the Bulldogs made their biggest offensive impact through the air. Three LHS quarterbacks combined to complete 14-of-16 passes for 126 yards and a score. Ruston Matherne led the way, completing all 10 of his passes for 78 yards and a score. Matherne also ran for a score.

Lutcher scored three times in the second quarter to put Destrehan on its heels. First came Matherne’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry. Then Matherne scored with his legs on a 15-yard run.

Finally, the Lutcher defense stepped up, forcing a fumble that was scooped up by Jordan Batiste. Batiste scored to make it 21-0 at halftime.

Destrehan fired back on its lone score of the night, a Dent 5-yard keeper. Ferman Victor converted a two-point run.

But that was all DHS could muster. Lutcher sealed things late in the third quarter on a Taylor 21-yard scoring run.

“They came out, put together a good drive, and gave us something to think about,” said Detillier. “But our defense came back, made a stop, and then we go 80 yards to punch it in.

“Our defense … it’s said a lot, but it was bend but don’t break. We gave up yards, but we held them out of the endzone. When we needed it, the defense stepped up big.”

Mark Trudeaux carried 14 times for 74 yards for DHS. Rickey Jefferson carried seven times for 53 yards.

Landry led LHS with seven receptions for 71 yards and score.

The Wildcats ran 74 plays to the Bulldogs’ 38.

“I have to feel good with where we are. I don’t think anyone in Lutcher would have picked us to be 4-1 right now, given who we lost and who we’re going against,” said Detillier. “Maybe 2-3, maybe even 1-4. I feel real good about it.”