Destrehan’s three special teams touchdowns last Friday served as a warning to its opposition: the Wildcats can hurt you in every phase of the game – and do so relentlessly.
The team’s 56-6 win over Central Lafourche saw a touchdown on a blocked punt (Kevin Adams) and two punt return touchdowns (Anthony Robinson, Daniel Blood). A fourth score on a kickoff was negated by penalty, but the point was made by a well-coached and well-played unit: there are no “take off” plays against Destrehan.
The Wildcats return to action this Friday night at home to host District 7-5A opponent Terrebonne
Terrebonne (1-2, 1-1) is coming off a 19-10 loss to John F. Kennedy last week in non-district action. The week prior, it downed Central Lafourche for its first win of the season. H.L. Bourgeois beat the Tigers 19-0 in the season opener.
The Tigers went 3-4 last season with a loss on the road at Dutchtown in round one of the Class 5A playoffs. Destrehan handily defeated Terrebonne last season at Wildcat Stadium, 63-7.
Offensively, Terrebonne attacks in waves, without one star above others to key on – the ball gets out into the hands of a variety of playmakers. The team had to regroup by committee after former Terrebonne star Jaylin Lucas transferred to Edna Karr following Hurricane Ida.
“They spread the ball around,” said Destrehan head coach Marcus Scott. “They have a good quarterback, good receivers and a good running back. They like to get the ball to their playmakers in space, so they can try to make you miss and make plays.”
The Tigers are well-coached, and defensively try to confuse the offense, mixing up fronts and throwing different looks at the quarterback.
“Coach (Gary) Hill and his staff always do a good job of preparing their players … they like to play some Cover 2, play two high safeties to force you to do some things in the run game and passing game. They’re sound up front. They always fly to the ball and make plays … I think they play good team defense. They play well as a unit.”
While Destrehan (3-0, 3-0) has been unchallenged through three games, head coach Marcus Scott still sees room for improvement – fewer penalties, for one, will be a must once Destrehan encounters a closer game. The Wildcats were set back a few times Friday by penalties against Central Lafourche, but Jai Eugene and the Destrehan passing game were able to convert to pick up first downs.
“Cutting down on that is one area we can definitely improve on,” Scott said.
Still, the Wildcats’ strong level of play cannot be understated – the team improved its victory margin this season to +130, outscoring its three opponents 143-13.
An evolving passing attack has helped make that a reality. Scott said that’s an area the team must continue to improve in order for the Wildcats to reach their peak.
“You have to keep getting better, in order to maximize the abilities of the players. You ask them to do things they can do well,” Scott said. “Our offensive staff has done a good job of putting guys in position to kind of make plays and simplify the game so they can play faster.”
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