One of the more intriguing games in the state goes down at Destrehan on Friday night as the Wildcats host undefeated Terrebonne for a game with – even at this relatively early point in the season – carries major district ramifications.
For Terrebonne, a victory over Destrehan – just one week after the Tigers bested Hahnville – would set THS in the pole position toward earning the District 8-5A championship. For Destrehan, which won its own district opener last week over East St. John, it’s equally large as the Wildcats seek that crown once again.
Another tidbit as it relates to St. Charles Parish football and Terrebonne: the Tigers have a win over either Destrehan or Hahnville in each of the past three seasons, but have not captured wins over both in any; and since the three teams were introduced into the same district for the 2013-14 season. Terrebonne has never toppled both St. Charles schools in a year over those 12 seasons.
Most of Terrebonne’s team is back this season after it went 8-3 a season ago and the team figures to be among top contenders for the District 9-5A championship once again. Terrebonne is looking to build on a successful season, but one that ended in round one after THS was upset by Chalmette in round one. The Tigers earned a win over Destrehan last season, 30-21 – that was the last regular season loss in 2024 for the Wildcats before they launched into a win streak that took them into the state semifinals.
Terrebonne (4-0, 1-0) defeated Hahnville last week, 52-38. It’s also posted a 24-13 win over Riverside a 28-8 win over St. James and a 42-3 win over Ellender. The Tigers are seeking its fourth win over a River Parishes school in five weeks – which would mark another rare feat.
“It’s an excellent job Coach Tyler Lewis and his staff have done there. You can see the success they’ve had and are having and it’s not a fluke, so we certainly have our hands full,” said Destrehan head coach Marcus Scott.
A very big, talented Terrebonne offensive line bulldozes rushing lanes open for its running backs, including Quincy Adams – he’s the central engine of this offense. Adams nearly rushed for 300 yards on Friday night against Hahnville and has posted big numbers all season. Friday night brings a running back matchup, then, that will likely capture some statewide attention, as the Wildcats’ Malachi Dabney and the DHS offensive line have made their own mark statistically.
“You notice his size right off the bat, then how he runs through contact,” said Scott of Adams. “His yards after contact has to be near the top of the state. He’ll run through tackles and then once he’s in the open field, he can run – he can take it all the way to the end zone.”
Alvin Celestin, meanwhile, made a big impact in last year’s game against Destrehan (2-2, 1-0) and is one of the team’s most dangerous playmakers once again. He’s played at both running back and wide receiver this season and Terrebonne moves him around to exploit matchups.
“He’s the smaller of the two, but he’s the faster of the two,” said Scott. “He’s a hard runner who doesn’t go down easily on first contact. He was fabulous against us last year … that’s quite a duo.”
The offensive line, Scott said, presents a wealth of problems for anyone.
“They’re outstanding in finishing blocks. When those guys get attached to you, you’re not going very far. They also don’t miss a whole lot of blocks, either,” Scott said. “They’re really good in placement and body position and they drive you.
“They’re really fun to watch – except when you have to play them.”
Quarterback Owen Oliver threw three touchdown passes last week against Hahnville and is a three-year starter.
Defensively, 6’0, 317-pound tackle Julian Coleman anchors the middle for the defense along with fellow DT Chris Stewart, a Southern commit who also tops 300 pounds. Together, they make rushing up the middle dicey for any offensive attack. Coleman has started for Terrebonne since his freshman year – he’s now a senior. Linebacker Mason Coleman and safety Terrance Diggs are also key playmakers to watch.
“Those big tackles in the middle take up a lot of space,” said Scott. “So those linebackers are able to run free a lot of times. Their linebackers and defensive ends are extremely fast. They pursue the ball.”
Scott compared the Terrebonne defense favorably to that of the Westgate team Destrehan faced in the 2022 state semifinals, a defense that was led by safety and eventual Texas Longhorn Derek Williams Jr.
“That’s who they remind me of in terms of how fast they pursue the ball,” said Scott.
WHAT A RUSH – Destrehan’s pass rush was extraordinary in its 50-6 victory over East St. John last week in Reserve. The Wildcats accounted for eight sacks and three QB hurries on the night, led by 2.5 sacks from Cameron Florent and two sacks by Aiden Schwab. Kyce White, Christian Ordoyne and Blain Picou each collected sacks as well.
Schwab got numerous quick pressures in the first half of Destrehan’s win in addition to his sack total, and he recovered a fumble as well as making two tackles for loss.
“Aiden is certainly coming into his own this season,” said Scott. “He’s worked really hard to become a starter and I’m glad to see that hard work paying off.”
HOMECOMING – Scott said on Tuesday that the Wildcats were handling Homecoming Week well.
“I think the kids have done a good job so far with all of the activities going on … you always worry about distractions and having a lot more people around than normal. People want to pull you in one direction or another – it’s just a lot of excitement, and it’s certainly something you don’t take for granted. It’s special to be in a place where it’s so important. But I think our guys have handled it,” Scott said.
