Hahnville hangs on

By Claude Adams

Are they ready to face Lutcher Bulldogs?

From the outset of the game it was apparent that O. Perry Walker possessed the ability to make the big plays and the quick scores. The Chargers stunned the home crowd, taking just 1:22 to march 57-yards in three plays to become the first regular season team to score against the Tigers this year. Chargers quarterback Larry Young found receiver Tyler Stradford on the first play of the game for a 47-yard pass play. Two plays later Young again went up top, this time to Ronnie Carter for an 11-yard touchdown pass. After Hahnville blocked the extra point the Chargers were up 6-0.Hahnville (3-0 overall, 0-0 district) went to work on offense from their own 37-yard line. The Tigers methodically moved the ball across the field and reached the Chargers 13-yard line facing fourth down and four yards for the first. Coach Lou Valdin elected to go for the first, sending 240 pound full back Jordan Stephany ahead for a four-yard gain. Two plays later runningback Ivory Washington punched the ball into the end zone on a 6-yard run. Washington missed the first two Tiger games with an ankle sprain. Brandon Larousse added the extra point and Hahnville went up 7-6.

A host of O. Perry Walker penalties in the next two drives coupled with solid ball movement by the Tigers resulted in the Tigers going up 21-6. Hahnville’s second score came on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Early James to TE Wesley Thigpen. The third touchdown of the half came on a three yard Stephany run. Quarterback Early James finished with 99 yards passing and two rushing touchdowns to go with his one touchdown pass. After the game Early James commented on the offensive unit. “We are starting to click. We had a great couple of days of practice and a good walk through on Thursday.”

This week the Tigers were able to mount a rushing attack, something that was missing for the pass two weeks. “We ran the football tonight, that was the difference,” said Valdin after the game. Hahnville finished the night with 220 yards on the ground.

Despite a 21-6 halftime deficit, Walker came out in the third quarter ready to play. On the opening drive of the second half the Chargers defense came up big with a 50-yard fumble return for a touchdown. The two-point conversion try was no good and the Tiger lead was 21-12. The Chargers defense again stepped up big, holding Hahnville to a three and out possession. The Chargers passing game again exposed Hahnville’s secondary as Young went up top completing a 48-yard pass to Stradford down to the Hahnville seve-yard line. Chargers runningback Terrence Adams finished the drive with a 5-yard plunge and after the two point conversion, the Chargers pulled within one, still trailing 21-20 with 1:26 remaining in the third.

Hahnville’s offense took over the game, burning up the remaining 1:26 in the third and 6:19 of the fourth quarter with a 72-yard drive that was capped off with a 3-yard Early James touchdown. After two Tiger interceptions, one by defensive back Blaine Prince and the second by defensive back Shaine Boyle, Early James capped off a 25-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run giving Hahnville a seemingly insurmountable 14-point lead with 1:20 left in the game. The extra point was wide right.

The Chargers started the ensuing drive from their 17 yard line. They needed 6 plays and 67-seconds to close to 34-28 on a 2-yard quarterback keeper and the resulting successful two-point conversion.

Walker was unable to complete the onsides kick and Hahnville prevailed. “Give credit to Walker, they came down and scored late and had a chance to win,” said Valdin.

Homecoming opponent no pushover

The Lutcher Bulldogs and coach Tim Detillier will be in town on Fri., Sept. 22 as Hahnville’s homecoming opponent. The District 10-3A Bulldogs are boasting a 3-0 record this year, including two victories over 5A opponents and their 2006 schedule includes four district 5 opponents. The Bulldogs bring a high-powered offense that features quarterback Blaine Gautier and are averaging 32 points per game while their opponents are averaging 14 points per game.

After Katrina disrupted football at the end of 2005, 2006 has not started much better for Lutcher. The Bulldogs have had to overcome a fire that destroyed all of their football equipment along with its field house in the off season. Katrina is still taking its toll on district 10-3A, forcing Lutcher to look outside of 3A to find football games.

For Hahnville to beat the Bulldogs the secondary has to step up their play. Had O. Perry Walker continued with the long ball last week, the outcome may have been different. It is safe to say that Tim Detillier will not make the same mistake. Hahnville needs to continue to move the ball on offense and the defensive front four needs to continue their brutal assault on opposing offensive lineman and quarterbacks.

Quarterback Early James has been confident and consistent all season. He is confident about the homecoming game tomorrow night. “We’re going to be ready for next week. We’re going to be 4-0,” said James. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.