Valdin says Edna Karr will provide Tigers with toughest test of season

Hahnville's defense piles on St. James running back near the end of the jamboree.

In what Hahnville head coach Lou Valdin said is likely to be their toughest game of the year, the Hahnville Tigers will open up the 2012 football season against the Edna Karr Cougars at home on Friday, Sept. 7.

The Tigers were set to battle Jesuit at home on Aug. 30, but that game was cancelled due to Hurricane Isaac and will not be made up at a later date.

Karr, who lost in the 4A state championship last year, is coming off a 14-12 jamboree win over St. Augustine.

Receiver Devante Noil, who was named the MVP of the 4A state championship game last year as quarterback, has moved over to wide receiver this year.

"No. 2 (Noil) is probably their best player," Valdin said.

Valdin said his players will be keying on Noil, who scored a 31-yard receiving touchdown against St. Augustine.

In addition to Noil the Cougars are bringing back senior tight end Standish Dobard, who is ranked as the eighth best tight end in the nation by Rivals and was earlier this year nominated to the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Dobard has already committed to the University of Miami–Florida after turning down nine other Division I scholarship offers.

Although Hahnville is a division higher, Valdin said Karr can play with anyone in the state.

"They are very, very big. They are athletic–tremendous speed on offense. Really no weak spots," Valdin said. "It’ll be a good measuring stick of how far we’ve come this year. If we can play with them it means we can play with anybody."

Valdin said the Cougars also have a very good defensive line.

The Tigers are coming off a 37-0 win in the jamboree versus St. James.

"I hope it is an indication of how we are going to be this year," Valdin said.

Hahnville scored rushing touchdowns on their first two drives of the night on runs by fullback Cody Morales and running back Lynn Simmons.

The third drive ended with a touchdown reception by wide receiver Kailon Carter, who broke a few tackles along the way to the end zone.

"He’s a big, physical guy who is hard to get on the ground. He jumped up, broke a few tackles and got into the end zone. That’s what you want - you want to be able to get some yards after the catch," Valdin said.

Valdin said Carter may not play in the Karr game due to injury.

Back-up running back Todge Scott scored a rushing touchdown in the second half of the jamboree. Scott looks to be a bright spot for the Tigers, who lost senior running back Pernell Dinvaut for the season due to injury.

Valdin said he was impressed with his team’s overall performance in the jamboree.

"All the backs ran pretty hard. I thought we did a good job running the ball," Valdin said. "We didn’t throw the ball as much as what we would like. We just tried to protect Easton. It looked like we were clicking on all three phases."

Valdin said although the passing offense had some success, he will be working on the timing in the passing game throughout the week.

Valdin also praised the play of the Tigers’ defense in the jamboree. The defense caused five fumbles, recovered one fumble and got a safety off a bad snap.

In preparation for Karr, the Tigers put in a long practice on Labor Day after missing practice for a week due to the hurricane.

"We are back practicing, we are back to school. Hopefully things will get back to normal, but the players are anxious for their season to finally start," Valdin said.