Last week’s victory was Destrehan’s ninth straight over Hahnville, good for rivalry bragging rights for another year – barring a potential postseason rematch between the two.
But it also continued Destrehan’s rise up the power rankings. The Wildcats are currently the No. 2 team in Division I non-select power points. That would set Destrehan up for an opening round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
“There’s still a long way to go,” said Destrehan head football coach Marcus Scott. “But it’s an exciting time of year. You’ve got the holidays around the corner and the playoffs around the corner. There’s a lot to look forward to – it’s a great time of year.”
Destrehan earned a 35-14 win over Hahnville last week, leading from start to finish. The Fighting Wildcats now have a 6-1 record and remain undefeated in District 7-5A play – the Tigers were the only remaining unbeaten team beyond Destrehan, which now holds first place outright.
DHS has won five in a row overall and moves into a home game with another district foe in Terrebonne.
Terrebonne went 8-4 last season, beating Natchitoches Central in Round 1 of the playoffs before falling to Southside.
The Tigers are 3-4 thus far this season with a win last week over Central Lafourche, 27-23.
Last year saw the largest class of collegiate signees ever from Terrebonne with eight and 21 seniors have departed overall, but the program has been very competitive in Tyler Lewis’ four years as head coach.
“They always play hard,” Scott said. “Coach Lewis and his staff do a good job of getting the kids ready. They were the team that gave us our only district loss here in six years. So, without question, they certainly have our attention. We know what they bring to the table.”
Scott was referencing Terrebonne’s 30-21 win over Destrehan in 2024, the Wildcats’ only district defeat during Scott’s tenure.
He has a high level of respect for Lewis as a head coach, and the program he’s guided.
“At the point of attack, they always have kids who come off the ball and play hard. And they’ve had a number of talented, skilled kids through the years that went on to play at some big schools and do some great things. We know they always have good players and that they’re always going to be coached up,” Scott said.
The new faces for Terrebonne this season start at quarterback with Dylan Reed and Chase Cagle. Both are young, Reed a sophomore and Cagle a freshman. Reed earned his first start last week in the win over Central Lafourche.
“(Cagle) is their freshman quarterback, but they also have been playing Dylan Reed, who’s giving them a spark as well,” said Scott. “He can run it and he can throw it. They always have good receivers who make plays – never a shortage there.”
Sahj Ruffin powers the rushing attack. The Tigers’ top receiver is Terrance Diggs.
“(Ruffin) is good. He doesn’t go down with arm tackles,” said Scott. “He’s elusive and he combines that with power … they’ve always had a group of kids at receiver who can run and make plays down the field and this year is no different.”
Defensively, All-State linebacker Mason Coleman leads the way. Coleman patrols the middle of the field as an inside linebacker and is known as a strong tackler and heavy hitter.
Jakyri Brown leads a talented secondary.
“He plays tight man-to-man coverage, and he’s stood out on film in his ability to do that,” Scott said. “Whenever you have a guy like that it makes everyone on defense better.”
