No. 4 Wildcats host stingy Pineville defense in first round

The Destrehan Wildcats capped an undefeated regular season with a 28-14, come-from-behind victory over East St. John last week. With the win, the Wildcats earned the No. 4 seed in the Class 5A playoffs and will host No. 29 Pineville on Friday.

Destrehan’s perfect regular season was in jeopardy early against East St. John as the Wildcats fell behind 14-0. However, Destrehan’s running game, combined with a stout defense, allowed the Wildcats to outscore ESJ 28-0 in a little more than two quarters.

“I’m very proud,” Destrehan head coach Stephen Robicheaux said. “We knew they had great athletes and had led in a lot of games. We had a couple of mistakes, but our kids were able to overcome them. Being able to come back from 14-0 says a lot about the character of this football team.”

Destrehan was able to cut into the lead on a quick scoring drive before halftime. The Wildcats took over on their own 43 with 2:29 remaining in the second quarter, and Kirk Merritt moved them into ESJ territory with a 26-yard run.Merritt followed with an 8-yard gain, and Will Matthews rushed for seven yards to the ESJ 16.

On the next play, Matthews plowed through East St. John defenders for a 13-yard gain. He scored later on a short touchdown run from a yard out to get the Wildcats on the board.

Destrehan’s defense came up big in the third quarter by making two plays that led to Wildcat scores.

After holding East St. John to a 3-and-out, cornerback Korian Reynaud dropped ESJ punter Nigel Anderson for a loss and Destrehan took over on the ESJ 16. On the next play, Matthews ran through the middle untouched for a touchdown that tied the game at 14-14.

East St. John moved the ball into Destrehan territory on their next series, but Wildcat cornerback Kendell Anderson intercepted a pass and returned it to the ESJ 16.

A play later, Destrehan quarterback Kohen Granier threw a screen pass to Merritt, who caught the ball at the line of scrimmage and road the right sideline for an 84-yard touchdown that gave the Wildcats a 21-14 lead with 2:13 left in the third.

Merritt put the game away later on a 26-yard run that gave Destrehan the 28-14 victory.

Known for their passing attack in years’ past, this season Destrehan is getting it done in the trenches with strong offensive and defensive lines.

“I think the complexion of this team is changing,” Robicheaux said. “We are known now for running the ball and stopping the run, and that’s the most important part in the game.”

Destrehan’s first round playoff opponent, Pineville, finished the season with a 5-5 record and only won one district game. However, they hail from the same district as traditional powers West Monroe and Ruston.

Destrehan’s ability to stop the run will be put to the test on Friday. Pineville’s Cody Ford, who has committed to Oklahoma, anchors an impressive offensive line.

“They are from a tough district and they are going to run the football,” Robicheaux said. “Their offensive tackle (Ford) plays real nasty and they are going to try to run the football in between the tackles.

“We are going to have to play big up front and control the line of scrimmage.”

Pineville’s defense has also had success this year and is holding opponents to 23 points per game.

“If you look at their schedule, they are not letting people score a whole lot,” Robicheaux said. “They have a defensive lineman whose motor doesn’t stop and a free safety who does a real good job for them.”

But teams have had success running the ball against Pineville, which should bode well for the Wildcats. Last week, Ruston beat Pineville 26-14 behind 214 yards from Ruston running back Qayshon Thurman.

If Destrehan beats Pineville on Friday, they will face the winner of East St. John and John Ehret on Nov. 21. If the Wildcats advance to the quarterfinals, they might face another familiar foe in Hahnville.

Destrehan will host Pineville at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 at Wildcat Stadium. Visit www.heraldguide.com to see a complete playoff bracket.

 

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