While Hahnville’s hopes of snapping its recent streak of rivalry losses to Destrehan weren’t realized in last week’s 31-24 Destrehan victory, the Tigers nonetheless enter the final game of the regular season with plenty to gain.
The Tigers already have sewn up a share of the District 8-5A championship, but a victory Thursday night in this week’s non-district battle with a strong Lakeshore team would propel the Tigers into the playoffs with momentum – and almost certainly into a home playoff game in the opening round.
Hahnville head coach Greg Boyne said there’s been no Destrehan hangover apparent, his players’ eyes forward onto the team’s goals.
“We had a really good Monday. Defensively, Coach (Malter) Scobel said he felt it was one of our better practices of the year,” Boyne said. “Today, we went in the morning, we didn’t have school because of Election Day. A little slower with the change in routine, but still a pretty good practice. No emotional letdown – they’ve bounced back good. They realize how important this game is.”
Last week’s game with the Wildcats was the last of what was six consecutive District 8-5A games for the Tigers (6-2), who finished league play 5-1 and will be tied with Destrehan, Terrebonne or both atop the district at Week 10’s conclusion.
Hahnville wraps up its regular season back at home in Week 10, welcoming Lakeshore. This will be a Thursday night game, moved up a day to avoid potential inclement weather on Friday. Lakeshore went 5-5 in 2023, earning the No. 16 seed in Division II non-select and falling to 17th seeded DeRidder in round one.
Lakeshore is 7-2 thus far this season and is the No. 8 team in Division II non-select power points. Both of the Titans’ losses came by seven – this is a team that is not beaten easily, and like Hahnville it will be playing to secure an opening round home playoff game. Hahnville is ranked No. 16 in Division I select, so a win is imperative to hosting in round one, something Hahnville head coach Greg Boyne cited as a goal his seniors set before the season.
“Like we’ve said all along, it’s not just about getting in … we’ve worked hard to earn a home playoff game, so we know how important this game is,” Boyne said.
Beau Bernard leads the team at quarterback primarily running the offense out of the Wing-T.
“He makes it go,” Boyne said. “They’ll snap him the ball and let him run it into wherever the open gap is, get three or four yards. They run misdirection, lot of reverses, but (Bernard) is the key.”
The offense’s top downfield target is Kyle Gegenheimer.
“We saw that offense with Thibodaux, we saw it with E.D. White. We played pretty well defensively in both those games. Defensively, they play the 3-3-stack which we saw a few weeks ago with Central Lafourche. So, there’s some familiarity with what they do. They play very hard. Coach Indest does a phenomenal job – he’s won immediately at every place he’s been,” Boyne said. “I think they’ve punted one time over the past three games. We know our possessions will be limited, the nature of playing a team like that … they’re willing to control the ball, get three, four yards a play.”
He said Lakeshore reminds him a lot of the tough E.D. White team Hahnville encountered in Week 3 on both sides of the ball.
“Every play on defense, they bring 11 guys on both sides of the ball,” Boyne said. “They don’t make many mistakes on either side.”
Defensive tackle Spencer Rogers is an anchor of the defense who doubles as a tight end on offense.
UNSUNG HEROES – Fullbacks Jha’man Preston and Michael Propps don’t see a high volume of touches for the Tiger offense week in and out, but both players have nonetheless been valuable contributors all season.
Propps set up a Tigers touchdown last week on a long catch down the seam against Destrehan, and the junior has become more involved over the course of the season.
“Week by week he’s improved his blocking,” Boyne said. “He plays very physical and he’s willing. He’s got very soft hands. We’ve tried to find ways to get him involved. Really, he and Jha’man split that role. He comes to practice every day and works hard, so his development’s not a shock, but the way he catches the football is a pleasant surprise.”
Preston, meanwhile, has been a strong lead blocker all season for a potent Hahnville rushing attack.
“He’s actually working more (as a rusher) since the injury to Fabian Celestine,” Boyne said. “It’s probably my fault that he doesn’t carry it more – he’s certainly capable. This week he probably will touch it a few more times. He played a lot of slot receiver last year and he’s a big kid … any time you have a defensive back trying to tackle him, that’s a plus for us.
“Both of them do an excellent job. They’re both extensions of the backs and of the offensive line. They work hard, they never complain about touches – in this day and age, that can be refreshing.”
