By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LUTCHER — It’s hard to enter the playoffs any hotter than the Lutcher Bulldogs, who have won nine games in a row after falling in their season opener to 5A powerhouse Dutchtown.

After taking victory in a winner-take-all district championship contest against Plaquemine, Lutcher turns its attention to Benton (5-5) of District 1-4A.

Benton finished 5-5 this season, highlighted by a four game winning streak from Sept. 30 to Oct. 22. But it has lost two in a row entering the postseason.

“They’re a perennial playoff team,” said Lutcher coach Tim Detillier. “This is their 15th trip in a row, and it’s our first time seeing the Wing-T this season. It’s hard to simulate.”

Lutcher controlled Plaquemine Friday in a 34-8 win. Daniel Taylor (10-139-1) and Ruston Matherne (13-66-1) dominated on the ground for Lutcher (9-1, 6-0). Matherne also had one of his best days as a passer, completing 17 of his 21 pass attempts for 207 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Jared Poche, DeAmphrany Davis and DiJohn Payne each caught touchdown passes for LHS.

HAHNVILLE AT WEST MONROE – In a matchup of perennial contenders, No. 6 seed West Monroe will host No. 27 seed Hahnville this Friday night.

Both teams enter hot, but few are hotter than West Monroe, which began the season 1-2 but has won seven straight, all but one by three touchdowns or more.

Hahnville comes off a dominating win over rival Destrehan, 34-3, that netted the Tigers a split of the District 8-5A crown with ESJ.

Hahnville attacked Destrehan’s strong defensive front with an effective running game; that, coupled with a forced fumble and partially blocked punt, led to a 17-0 first quarter lead.

The Tigers defense has been quietly climbing toward the state’s elite as district play has rolled on, Friday representing perhaps its most impressive performance: it held the Wildcats to just 128 yards of total offense.

Travis Faucheaux rushed 14 times for 96 yards and a score. Ernest Thompson accumulated 70 yards on his 14 carries. Mike Ford rushed six times for 26 yards.Easton Melancon was nearly perfect, completing 8 of 10 passes for 111 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for two scores. Ronnie Greene was his favorite target, hauling in four passes for 73 yards. Jaylon Bryant caught the other touchdown.