Coming off a major win over previously undefeated Terrebonne, Destrehan returns home Friday night to take on H.L. Bourgeois.
Bourgeois went 5-6 a year ago in a season that saw the Braves take a big step forward after some down years. The Braves reached the playoffs and played a tough game at Hahnville before bowing out.
The Wildcats (3-2, 2-0) dominated the matchup between the teams last season, capturing a 33-7 win.
Bourgeois is 3-2 (0-2 in District 8-5A) thus far this season following a 42-7 loss to Hahnville last week. Head coach Sterling Washington’s team won three in a row after dropping a 45-40 opener to Ascension Catholic. Since then, the Braves defeated Assumption 29-26 – on a goal line stand to end the game – Central Catholic 34-14 and Patterson, 47-40 before falling at home to Hahnville last week.
“It’s obvious those guys are playing well. They’re coming off a playoff appearance last season, so they’re starting to prepare to win. They’re prepared for their opponents and they go out and play hard – and that shows up on film,” said Destrehan head coach Marcus Scott. “Coach Washington and his staff have done an outstanding job.”
It’s a team that can put up points – the offense is doing what it’s been tasked to do since the offseason, as the majority of the Braves’ starting defensive unit from 2024 were lost to graduation. It starts with running back Kadar Mitchell, who can create an explosive play on a moment’s notice. Mitchell scored twice, including on a 92-yard run, in the season opener and hasn’t looked back since. He garnered 200 yards and scored five times in the team’s win over Patterson.
“He’s somebody who can run away from you and he’s elusive … certainly a difference-maker,” said Scott. “It seems like we’ve gone against a good running back every week and he’s another impact player there.”
Logan Renfro is the leader in the huddle at quarterback, a very productive player that can hurt a defense multiple ways. He had a big game in the team’s win over Central Catholic, throwing three touchdown passes and running in another score. Dereck Celestine is among his favorite targets and is a player who shifts between running back and wide receiver as the Braves hunt for matchups.
“They challenge you deep in the passing game. They have athletes who can go out and make those plays. Combined with the run game, they present issues,” said Scott. “(Renfro’s) production kind of speaks for itself.”
Defensively, Bourgeois brings a tall and athletic secondary and plays a lot of zone, looking to make the opposition march downfield without making a mistake.
“They have real good team speed and those guys all run to the ball and make plays. It’s something they coach and the kids go out and execute.”
MAKING STOPS – Sophomore B.J. Reed was injured to start the season, but he’s wasted no time making an impact upon his return. Against Terrebonne Friday, Reed made 13 tackles.
“He was out early, but he’s starting to get healthy and you can see the production,” said Scott. “He plays hard and he’s a playmaker for us. The more reps he can get the better off we’ll be in the long run.”
