In case anyone had forgotten, the “lights” part of Friday Night Lights is quite the important ingredient.
That’s what those at Tiger Stadium were quickly reminded of Friday night when Hahnville’s game with visiting Central Lafourche was delayed due to a power outage that affected a significant portion of St. Charles Parish. The temporary blackout left fans, players and coaches in the dark, both in the literal sense and in terms of when this game might actually get going.
“We knew we didn’t want to come back inside, because there was no air conditioning and no lights … the fire department did a great job, the police department did a great job … everyone stayed calm, the bands played a little bit. The toughest part was not knowing … both teams wanted to get it played tonight,” Hahnville head coach Greg Boyne said.
Things resumed at about 7:40 p.m., and Hahnville was not cooled off by the wait, earning a definitive 49-7 win.
Now at 5-1 overall and alone in first place in District 8-5A with an unbeaten 4-0 mark, Hahnville goes on the road to visit River Parishes rival East St. John (0-6, 0-4).
A traditionally strong program, East St. John has gone through a major struggle in 2024.
ESJ went 7-4 last season, reaching round one of Division I non-select and falling to No. 18 Central-Baton Rouge. The team began last season 7-0 but cooled down the stretch, falling in their final four games including that opening round loss.
Several of the playmakers who became familiar to followers of the Wildcats v. Wildcats series graduated from the ESJ ranks, including star playmaker Dkhai Joseph and quarterbacks Lorenzo Zeno and Kairian Smith.
Wide receiver Kendall Walker is among the standouts on offense. Who will be throwing to him could be a bit of a mystery – and certainly is to Hahnville. Boyne noted the Wildcats have played a few different options at quarterback this season. Elisha Murphy – a former Destrehan Wildcat who transferred to ESJ – began the season as quarterback but has not played the past two games.
Moreover, the Wildcats’ offensive scheme has shifted in a few different directions over the past few games as the team attempts to jumpstart its offense, which has scored in double figures just once this season.
“Three weeks ago, they were in spread. Two weeks ago, they went into a two tight end, running and option-oriented offense. Last week, they were back in the spread,” said Boyne. “We prepare for both.”
Thibodaux presented a similar situation when Hahnville faced THS, which worked from both heavy and spread philosophies at different times.
“We want to be prepared for either. We’ve seen both throughout the year, though, so it’s not like we’re having to put in new rules,” Boyne said.
Defensively, Boyne said East St. John’s linebackers can present a lot of problems, starting with versatile 6’2 outside backer Jerry Phillips III.
“He’ll play defensive end when they’re in an even front and linebacker when they’re in a 3-4,” said Boyne. “(M’kylen Manuel) is on the other side, and it’s the same thing. Both are pretty physical and both run to the ball. Those are the two we’ve kind of been focused on having someone simulate in practice.”
Hahnville’s Ryan Simmons was one of the Tigers’ top defensive playmakers entering this season, and he’s more than lived up to expectations – but Friday night’s game goes down as a major career highlight for the senior defensive back.
Simmons scored two defensive touchdowns, one on an interception return, one on a fumble return as Hahnville defeated Central Lafourche at home, 49-7.
“You know, he was one of our 100 percent attendance guys. He’s been here every day and done everything we’ve asked him to do. Coach (Malter) Scobel and I kind of told him if you follow the plan, you can be a leader on this team. He’s willing. He’s vocal and he plays with an edge to him. We challenged him before the season and he’s taken it on,” Boyne said.
“Play after play after play, every week – it’s been awesome to watch his growth as a leader and a player. And I don’t think it’s peaked tonight, because he has a lot more ahead of him this year, but he played a heck of a game.”
Sophomore linebacker Koa Romero, like Teague, immediately made an impact for the
Tigers’ baseball squad as a freshman, and like Teague he’s making his impact felt on the gridiron.
“He played every baseball game and had a lot of success – in the field, on the mound and at the plate. He’s really come along the past few weeks,” Boyne said. “He’s a heck of an athlete. He’s our deep snapper. He reminds me a lot of (former Destrehan linebacker) Dylan Gibbs. He’s very smart, an all-around football player. He can throw it40 yards, can probably punt it 40 yards. He just gets it. He’s very coachable and he wants to be good.”
The linebacker corps in its entirety has grown quickly this season.
“Tylen Kalili, Carter Burns and Braylon Crayton – the four of them (including Romero) kind of rotate. They’re becoming more and more comfortable in Coach (Malter) Scobel’s defense each week. I think they were a little hesitant early on – (Scobel) puts a lot on those guys as far as responsibility in the run and pass game, and there’s a learning
curve. But that group has really stepped up.”
