For the Destrehan Wildcats, It’s beginning to look at lot like last year, and the year before — and, also, the year before that. A DHS program that is a perfect 29-0 on the field in regular season action over the past three seasons piled up nearly 600 yards of offense Friday night. Nearly 400 of that came via the ground game. Lead receiver Mike Young, a Notre Dame commitment, did not play due to injury.
You might guess, if you didn’t know already, that the Wildcats extended that regular season winning streak to 30 in a row, 45-23 winners over Slidell in last week’s season opener at Destrehan.
Kristian Mosley rushed for 254 yards in the game to go with two touchdowns while Justin Jefferson piled up nearly 186 yards receiving with two touchdowns. John Emery added 130 yards on the ground.
The Wildcats (1-0) travel to face Woodlawn of Baton Rouge (0-1) in Week 2. The Panthers are coached by former Destrehan offensive assistant Daniel Luquet, who along with his staff should have his hands full contending with the Wildcats shotgun spread attack.
“I thought we performed well against Lutcher in the jamboree and we were able to come out again and keep it going,” Destrehan coach Stephen Robicheaux said. “The key, to me, is the play of our offensive line. Whenever I’m evaluating teams, I look at the lines first. It really makes a difference. When you’re able to run for almost 400 yards and give Kohen (Granier, DHS quarterback) time to throw, you give yourself a chance to really excel.”
Robicheaux called the rushing effort a “truly spectacular” output by his players. Mosley and Emery came into the season with high expectations and both have more than delivered so far. Friday night represented the first 200-yard rushing performance Mosley has had in his career.
“Last season, Kristian was a track guy playing running back. This season, he’s turned into a complete running back,” Robicheaux said. “He’s seeing the holes and staying low to the ground. He’s added 10 pounds of muscle. He keeps his legs driving … when you factor in his speed, he can be quite electric.”
Chatter about Emery’s potential has existed since last season, when he earned playing time as a freshman. With the departure of Karon Taylor, Emery has stepped in to provide DHS with a serious one-two punch.
“What great complements they are to one another,” Robicheaux said. “John has really delivered. He’s a big back with that frame of his, but he also has that great speed. Either one of those guys is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.”
Jefferson, meanwhile, stepped up in the absence of Young, rewarding Granier’s confidence and throws with big receptions all night.
“Justin realized he had to be the guy,” Robicheaux said. “Last spring (of 2015), he really came on, then he had a strong year. He keeps growing up. He added muscle. He’s extremely tough to cover one-on-one, a good athlete who’s 6’3 and can outleap you for a ball. He’s worked himself into what I feel is a big time Division I receiver waiting to happen.”
Woodlawn fell last week at Hahnville, 41-20. The Panthers went 6-5 in Luquet’s first season with the team, reaching the postseason before falling to Carencro in round one.
Robicheaux said a big challenge when it comes to corralling Woodlawn is the skill weapons the Panthers have at their disposal. Much like Destrehan’s offense seek to do, Luquet and his staff spread the field and attempt to get their most explosive players the ball in space.
“They were able to move the ball on Hahnville last week. When you look at them, their skill position guys are extremely talented,” Robicheaux said. “(Running back) Javin Myers is really dangerous and can take it any time with his speed. Their receivers just go get it. They miss very few balls and if you get it in their area, they make the play.”
Destrehan may have been anxious to get going Friday night after the start to the season opener was delayed two hours by lightning. Once the game began, the Wildcats jumped ahead early against Slidell and were able to ward off a repeat of 2015’s opener, in which Slidell (0-1) cut a 26-0 lead to 26-23 before Destrehan put things away.
Mosley scored on runs of 84 and 44 yards. 143 of Jefferson’s yards and both of his touchdowns came in the first half. DHS scored four times from 40 yards or more in the game.
While Slidell fought to stay in it, Destrehan answered Tiger touchdowns with quick strikes of their own and led by double figures throughout the game.
Be the first to comment