Hahnville coach Nick Saltaformaggio couldn’t say who his team would likely face in next week’s postseason opener, but he also wasn’t all that concerned about it after his team’s performance Friday night.
“It doesn’t matter,” Saltaformaggio said with a broad smile, “They’ve gotta come to Hahnville.”
That much is all but certain now. The Tigers put together a resounding statement win Friday night at Thibodaux, dominating from beginning to end in a 45-14 rout and likely cementing a home playoff game in the first round of the Class 5A postseason.
Hahnville quarterback Mike Neal threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more to lead the Tigers, who finish as District 7-5A runner-ups. HHS (7-3, 5-1) has won five straight games.
Thibodaux finishes the regular season 6-4 overall and 4-2 in district play.
The Tigers have caught fire in the second half of the season, posting each of its five consecutive victories by 22 points or more.
“This ain’t the same Hahnville team that lost by 40 to St. Thomas More,” Saltaformaggio said. “Like I told our kids, we’re going to be a top 8 seed and someone’s got to come to Hahnville to beat us. And the way we’re playing right now, that’s not gonna happen.”
The game may have represented Hahnville’s most impressive performance, as it came against a Thibodaux team that was vying to host in the postseason’s opening round as well. Neal got the Tigers’ rolling when he connected with Devonte Cravin on a short first quarter touchdown pass to make it 7-0. Thomas Rasco followed up with a field goal to give the Tigers a 10-0 lead after a quarter of play.
Neal and Anthony Williams combined to create more breathing room early in the second quarter, Williams hauling in a pass and blowing by the defense for a 75 yard score to make it 17-0.
The Tigers forced a fumble and Stephen Cloud recovered to set up Hahnville’s next score. After a 31-yard Norquell Flowers run, Neal scored on a quarterback sneak to make it 24-0 with 2:20 left in the second quarter.
Thibodaux scored on a Trey LeBlanc to Amik Robertson 6-yard touchdown reception just before halftime to make it 24-6.
But that proved Thibodaux’s lone offensive touchdown of the night. Another Neal rushing score gave Hahnville a 31-6 lead in the third quarter. Devonte Clark scored two rushing touchdowns to close out the game. Thibodaux scored its second touchdown on a kick return. HHS’ Jamonte Williams intercepted a redzone pass to stop Thibodaux’s best offensive scoring chance in the second half.
On a wet, muddy field, Neal led Hahnville’s offense to its fourth 40-plus point performance in its past five games.
“As a high school player, there’s absolutely nothing like playing at home in the playoffs,” Neal said. “This was an important game, especially for our seniors, because we wanted to play at home again. The field didn’t bother us. It’s just mud. You take care of ball security, that’s all it comes down to.”
Neal gave credit to the Tigers’ defense, which has held each of its last five opponents to 15 points or less.
“You could tell they were coming out here to prove they’re one of the top defenses in the state,” Neal said. “They worked so hard this week and they came to work again tonight.”
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