By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

BOUTTE — Hahnville’s fortunes turned around in more ways than just the final score indicated in its 26-16 win over East St. John on Friday.

A Tigers (2-4, 2-0) team that has been often played well but been bitten by mistakes saw the tables turned on Friday; Hahnville was the team outgained in total offense, this time, but making it count in other areas. HHS returned an interception for a score, recovered a fumble at the ESJ goalline to set up another and got a safety on special teams.

The win was much needed for Hahnville, which has begun to build momentum after an 0-4 start. Now winners of two straight, the Tigers will face Higgins, the runner-up to the Tigers and Wildcats in District 8-5A last season.  

Higgins (2-3, 1-1) is an I-formation-based, heavily run-oriented team that itself has recovered from a slow start. The Hurricanes began the season 0-2, but have won two-of-three, including an 8-3 win over Bonnabel last week.

Higgins quarterback Rhyidh Wilson was injured last week and forced from the Bonnabel game, giving way to freshman Jordan Joseph. Wilson, though, is expected to return this week.

Tailback Theron Williams paced Higgins with 166 yards and the game’s lone touchdown.

The River Region’s only remaining unbeaten team, Lutcher will attempt to move to 7-0 this Friday as it travels to face winless Belaire (0-5, 0-3) in a District 6-4A game.

Belaire did not play last week. Two weeks ago, it fell to St. Michael, 54-8.

The Bulldogs come off of a big win against St. Michael last week, 25-0, giving Lutcher (6-0, 4-0) sole possession of first place in District 6-4A, albeit by only half a game — Plaquemine is 3-0 in district play and will face Lutcher in the final game of the regular season.

Belaire’s offense has struggled this season. Just once has it topped 10 points in a game, that coming in a 32-13 loss to Istrouma.

Lutcher is now ranked third in Class 4A in the LSWA polls.

St. James had its most productive offensive day of the season last week, but its 22 point effort had to stand against an offensive powerhouse in Brusly.

The Wildcats 55-22 loss spoiled a season-best day for D’Kwan Sandolph, St. James’ quarterback who accounted for three touchdowns; He passed for 113 yards and two scores while rushing for 130 yards and another.

The Wildcats (0-6, 0-2) will attempt to end their winless streak this season with a win at E.D. White on Friday.

E.D. White (5-2, 1-1) bounced back from its own 43-7 loss to Brusly with a 38-22 victory over Donaldsonville last week.

Wide receiver Colby Masse and quarterback Benton Arceneaux were the leaders for the Cardinals last week, hooking up for two touchdowns.

Masse finished the night with 168 yards receiving.