St. Augustine led Destrehan by 8 late in the third quarter before the Purple Knights’ Jaelle Noble got loose, and the first year starting quarterback proved quite the closer.
Noble accounted for three of his six touchdowns down the stretch as No. 4 ranked St. Augustine pulled away at Fighting Wildcats Stadium, 42-13. He passed for four scores and rushed for two more, connecting twice with returning wide receiver Ray’Quan Williams, who had been sidelined with a knee injury since the later part of last season.
For Destrehan (1-1), Aushai Smith connected with Jaylan Ash for a 25-yard touchdown in the first half. Ian Arceneaux kicked two field goals for the Wildcats. Destrehan running back Malachi Dabney finished with 82 yards rushing.
“The goal was to be in range, a one score game, in the fourth quarter and give ourselves a chance. In the second half, (Noble) was the difference though,” said Destrehan head football coach Marcus Scott. “He converted fourth downs a couple times and he made some plays. And he got the ball to those receivers – they’ve got seven really good ones. There’s not another group that’s better than them in the state.”
Over their past 16 games, the Purple Knights (2-0) have been held short of the 30-point mark just three times, two of those by Karr.
“With their weapons, you have to match scores with them. And if you can’t, and fall behind by a score or two, it can be tough,” Scott said.
St. Augustine head football coach Robert Valdez said the Purple Knights’ running game opened up some opportunities.
“We want to run the ball,” Valdez said. “We can throw the ball, but we want to be able to run the ball and get our guys those one-on-ones, those opportunities for (the wide receivers) … and I like my chances with the ball in their hands.”
Williams made a big impact in his return. Scott said he added to a potent offense. Miguel Whitley caught a score for St. Augustine as did Lucas Jefferson, who had a big night of his own.
“(Jefferson) is probably their third guy, and he had a big game. He played really well,” Scott said. “It’s pick your poison.”
This is the beginning of a series between the teams – next season will see St. Augustine again travel to Destrehan. Wildcat Stadium was packed Friday night on both sides of the stadium and there was a big game atmosphere in the air.
“This is what Friday night lights is all about. You go to Destrehan or St. Aug to play in these kinds of atmosphere,” Scott said. “We’ll get better from tonight.”
