St .Charles Herald-Guide's High School Playmakers

Boyd forces two turnovers in Hahnville victory

All-State noseguard Wendell Boyd had a huge season last year and helped lead Hahnville into the playoffs.

This year, the senior is hoping to do the same, and if his performance so far is any indication, it looks like that won't be a problem.

Boyd forced two turnovers in the Tigers 36-14 victory over O.P. Walker and Hahnville head coach Lou Valdin says his senior's play was a big reason behind that win.

“He was so dominant in the middle of the defense,” Valdin said. “He caused two turnovers and really drove through the center all night.”

Boyd may not have racked up an eyebrow raising amount of tackles, but his presence on defense just seems to change the game.

“By the end of the half, they had three guys blocking him,” Valdin said. “He just disrupted Walker's running game.”

And run defense is where Boyd excels.

In the Tigers first game of the season, a 20-14 loss to South Plaquemines, Hahnville only allowed 35 yards on the ground. In last week's victory over Walker, the Tigers only allowed 97 rushing yards.

Walker helps DHS hold Higgins to zero passing yards

In last week's 20-0 victory against Higgins, the Wildcats were able to keep the Higgins Hurricanes out of the endzone despite the fact that the team had been averaging 37.5 points per game.

Destrehan head coach Stephen Robicheaux says free safety Devon Walker was a big reason for that.

“He was a key for us coming from his free safety spot,” Robicheaux said. “He made a lot of big plays and really helped us shutout Higgins.”

Walker finished the game with 11 tackles and also racked up 6 assist in the win. Not only did Higgins not score in the game, but they were held to zero passing yards, due in large part to Walker's coverage skills.

That he was able to blanket his receiver, while still being in on 17 tackles, is a testament to his talent.

Jonathan Menard can be reached at editor@heraldguide.com.