By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

BOUTTE – Hahnville coach Lou Valdin hasn’t taken much time to celebrate his team’s 35-14 win over rival Destrehan on Friday night. To Valdin, it’s back to business.

It’s easy to understand why he would take such a stance: on the horizon is a road matchup at Dutchtown, the third ranked team in Class 5A.

“Last week was a coach’s nightmare,” said Valdin. “You see a team with a lot of talent with not so good a record … that’s a wounded animal. As a coach, I’m a lot more excited about this week. You’re facing the third ranked team and it’s a chance to see how good we are. People want to talk winning district, the playoffs, the Superdome, this is a chance to prove we belong. Even in a loss, if we play our best ball, it’s a great measuring stick.”

Last year, Hahnville rolled past Dutchtown, 41-7, but Valdin said that this year’s Griffins’ don’t resemble the team his team saw a year ago.

“Dutchtown was one dimensional last year,” he said. “They were a primarily running team. We got off to a great start, got an early lead and rode it until the end. But they spread you out now and their quarterback (Leon Blouin) can sling it. He’s a Tulane commitment. Effrim Reed is just a phenomenal running back. They’re extremely fast, even at tight end. This is a much different look.”

But Valdin said that while Dutchtown is more diverse offensively, the key for his defense is to again force Dutchtown into a one-dimensional attack.

“It’s pick your poison for us,” said Valdin. “Their best two athletes are fantastic runners. Stop the run, make them have to throw it to beat us.”

Hahnville’s win Friday night came on the back of the running game. Ahmad White had a banner day for the Tigers (6-1, 2-0), rushing for 224 yards and three touchdowns while passing for a fourth score.

That running game may have to stay cranked up, as Hahnville quarterback Brian Ensminger had to leave the Destrehan game with an injury. Valdin said that his availability was unknown as of Monday. The Tigers also will be without the services of fullback Michael Ford, who is injured.

Valdin said that whether his quarterback can go or not – if not, Easton Melancon would likely start in his place – his team must improve its play on the road if it is to defeat Dutchtown yet again.

“They come in undefeated again. It’s just like last year … we haven’t played well on the road though. Last year we came off the Destrehan win and played at home. It wasn’t as big a deal because our guys get up to play at home. This year, we go out there. We have to avoid that Destrehan hangover.”