Wildcats pick up right where they left off, throttle St. James

PLAY MAKER. Destrehan’s Rufus Porter was everywhere on Sunday and made several big stops in the DHS victory.

Destrehan may have faced an almost two-week delay to the official start of their 2008 season, but it wasn't obvious on Sunday afternoon.

The Wildcats dominated 2007 Class 2A runner-up St. James 35-7, using an 87-yard kickoff return by Antonio Parker on the game's first play to set the stage for the onslaught that was to come.

“It felt really good to get out there and play,” Destrehan head coach Stephen Robicheaux said. “The players were getting antsy and the coaches were getting antsy, so we were just happy to have been able to get out there and get a win.”

The Wildcat offense, led by first-time starter Wynrick Smothers, picked up right where they left of last season. Smothers completed 12 of his 18 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, while receivers Corey Vidal and Kyron King showed their ability by making several spectacular grabs. Junior Henry Lenox also came up big in the running game, rushing for 79 yards and a touchdown. Senior back Myron Smith added another score.

“I thought Wynrick made some good throws and we had some nice catches by our receivers,” Robicheaux said. “We also ran the ball well.”

However, the real star in the game was the play of the Wildcat defense, who shut down St. James by allowing only 115 total yards. Senior linebacker Rufus Porter applied pressure all game and St. James was unable to get around either end, which stifled their offensive production.

After going ahead 7-0 on Parker's return, the Wildcat defense held St. James to a three-and-out. Destrehan would go 74 yards on six plays to stretch the lead to 14-0.

St. James was able to cut into the lead after they recovered a fumbled punt at the Wildcats’ 34-yard line and scored six plays later. But Destrehan went back on top 21-7 with a 10-yard run by Lenox to end the quarter.

The offense was on cruise control from that point on.

The only downside for the Wildcats were three turnovers, coming on an interception and two fumbles. But that's something to be expected in a first game.

“Overall, I thought we played well, aside from the turnovers,” Robicheaux said. “We are excited to beat a team like St. James, especially with all the distractions we've had for the past two weeks.”

Now, with the threat of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike behind them, the Wildcats turn their attention to Terrebonne.

Terrebonne struggled last year, finishing 2-8 overall. Their two wins came by way of a 48-12 victory over McDonogh and a 24-14 win over South Lafourche. Their losses came to Ellender, Destrehan, Central Lafourche, Vandebilt Catholic, Assumption, Bourgeois, South Terrebonne and Thibodaux.

“I don't know a whole lot about them this year because they haven't played yet,” Robicheaux said. “We have been watching film, but we're not sure exactly what they are going to try to do.

“From what I've seen, their quarterback looks good and they have a sound football team.”

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