While Destrehan has won three straight games, Destrehan coach Stephen Robicheaux has seen enough mistakes over the past two weeks to know that they’ll need to be cleaned up quickly for his Wildcats to reach the heights they’ve become accustomed to this season.
Playing a complete game at host H.L. Bourgeois in District 7-5A action this Friday night, then, takes on added importance.
“It’s not a matter of effort,” Robicheaux said. “Our kids are playing with good effort, they’re finding ways to make plays in the second half and win. But the mistakes we’re making, we have to play better. We have to find a way to clean up the silly mistakes and untimely penalties.”
One such example came late in Destrehan’s 28-21 win at Central Lafourche last week, where on consecutive third down plays it appeared quarterback J.R. Blood had picked up a rushing first down that would allow the Wildcats to drain the clock to virtually zero and seal a win. On both plays, however, DHS was penalized, leading to a punt — it was Central Lafourche’s own error, roughing the kicker in an attempt to block it, that gave DHS what all but amounted to a game-ending first down.
“Every time we made a play, it seemed like we had a penalty,” Robicheaux said. “It’s something we have to address.
“The bottom line is we’re 5-2 and No. 6 in the power ratings. We’re not in a bad position at all. But it’s on me to do a better job of getting us where we ultimately need to be.”
The Wildcats (3-1 in district play) will have to collectively raise their games to weather the loss of John Emery, arguably the state’s top running back recruit for the Class of 2019. Emery suffered a broken hand against East St. John two weeks ago and recently underwent surgery; the injury is expected to keep him out for up to six weeks. Meanwhile, top backup Kyle Edwards has been sidelined by a concussion. Ed’Juan Green led the backfield against Central Lafourche.
“There’s no doubt you feel the effects when you lose a four-star running back like John is,” Robicheaux said. “It makes it tougher on everybody. But I think we have guys in the program who can play and who will get the job done. We need to win a couple more, get into the playoffs, and we can go from there.”
Robicheaux said Edwards could possibly return to the lineup this week, but also said the team wouldn’t rush him back as he goes through the concussion protocol.
H.L. Bourgeois fell to 1-6 last week in a 44-0 non-district loss to unbeaten Lakeshore. The Braves have been riddled by injury this season, but should get back Connor Verdin.
The Braves are led by running back T.J. Ruffin, and though last week’s score wouldn’t indicate it, this is a team that has been able to put up points, as it did in a 43-34 loss at Central Lafourche and a 40-34 win over Ellender.
“Their quarterback is back and that means the key for us is we have to cover,” Robicheaux said. “They do a good job in that short passing game and get it out quick. A lot of screens, things like that … they’ve moved the ball. (Ruffin) does a good job running it. They can put up points so we’ll have to be ready to play.”
Be the first to comment