The Destrehan Wildcats are one win away from an appearance in the Class 5A state championship game after beating rival Hahnville 24-12 on Friday.
Destrehan will now host West Monroe in the semifinals on Friday, Dec. 5. West Monroe advanced to the semis after beating No. 1 Byrd 19-7.
Though Destrehan pulled away from the Tigers in the fourth quarter, Hahnville went toe-to-toe with the Wildcats for much of the game. The Tigers struck first in the second quarter after getting great field position thanks to a Destrehan punt that bounced off a Wildcat helmet and into the arms of a Tiger at the DHS 40-yard line.
Hahnville running back Devonte’ Cravin busted through the left side of the line for a 34-yard gain, and Hahnville quarterback Mike Neal found Rickey Preston open in the end zone for a 23-yard score.
However, Hahnville missed the extra point, which gave them a 6-0 lead with 9:27 left until the half.
Destrehan threatened on their next series after a 19-yard run by Will Matthews, but Hahnville’s Drew Favre picked off a pass to give the Tigers the ball at their own 36-yard line. Destrehan’s defense held the Tigers though, and forced a punt that would change the momentum of the game.
Destrehan receiver John Williams fielded the punt at his own 27-yard line and weaved in and out of the Hahnville defense for a 73-yard score that gave the Wildcats a lead they would not relinquish.
Destrehan added to that lead with seconds left before the half after Tyjon Sanchez recovered a Hahnville fumble at the Tiger 37-yard line. After a short pass to Tramaine Armstrong, Randy Harvey nailed a 49 yarder to put the Wildcats on top 10-6.
Destrehan increased their lead in the third after a short punt from Hahnville gave the Wildcats excellent field position. On 4th and 8, Destrehan quarterback Kohen Granier connected with John Williams for a 10-yard gain to the 15. Matthews then picked up 13 yards on two straight carries before pushing across the goal line for a 2-yard score.
Trailing 17-6, Hahnville struck back in the closing minutes of the third quarter when Neal threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Singleton. Hahnville failed to convert a two-point conversion and trailed 17-12.
The Destrehan ground game took over in the fourth, with Matthews clinching the win with his second touchdown of the game.
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