Destrehan beats Hahnville to advance to Class 5A semifinals

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.

 

Click here to view pictures from the game.

 

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