By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

When Lutcher and St. Amant face off this week, it’ll be under far different circumstances than a year ago.

Last season the Bulldogs entered Week Four winless, slowed down by a slew of injuries Coach Tim Detillier later admitted he’d “never seen anything like.” The Bulldogs traveled to St. Amant and lost decisively at “The Pit,” 44-12.

Now, as St. Amant travels to Lutcher, both teams can boast strong health. The Gators are 2-1 and the Bulldogs an undefeated 3-0, the latter boasting wins at Dutchtown and at home over McDonogh No. 35 and West Jefferson.

Jontre Kirklin led the way for Lutcher in last week’s 42-28 win over West Jefferson. The first-year starter is taking off after leading the Bulldogs to 40-point efforts in each of the past two weeks. He accounted for five total touchdowns last week, passing for 302 yards and four touchdowns and rushing for 73 yards and another score.

Kendrick Jackson rushed for 65 yards and a score and added 56 yards and another touchdown receiving to compliment Kirklin’s day, while Al’Dontre Davis hauled in four receptions for 139 yards and a score. Sully Laiche recorded 10 tackles, while Ben St. Pierre added eight.

St. Amant lost in the season’s opening week at home against still-undefeated Warren Easton, 40-32. The Gators have responded, first with a dominant 46-0 win over Higgins and then a 55-12 victory over H.L. Bourgeois.

Gators quarterback Tyler Dixon passed for 298 yards and three touchdowns, completing 85 percent of his passes. Marquise Hampton was his favorite target, hauling in 137 yards on five receptions. Tailback Nathan Taylor scored three times, twice via the run.

St. Amant tallied up 415 yards of total offense last week, while Lutcher piled up 449 of their own.

Friday night figures to be a shootout in Lutcher.