A definitive defeat of South Lafourche last week gave Hahnville a No. 12 seed in the Class 5A playoffs and will allow the Tigers to start the postseason from the friendly confines of Tiger Stadium.
Hahnville destroyed South Lafourche 42-13 despite turning the ball over several times in the first half. Stopping the turnovers in the second half was simple, according to Hahnville head coach Nick Saltaformaggio.
“We stopped running the ball at the half,” he said. “We’re just not a good run team right now.”
One bright spot in the running game came from quarterback Mike Neal, who sprinted more than 40 yards for a touchdown. Neal missed seven games due to injury and continues to takes snaps after sophomore Austin Perrin, as the former starter has not fully returned to his original form.
“[Neal is] still a very, very good player, but when you’re seven weeks down, you don’t come back in two or three weeks,” Saltaformaggio said.
In spite of a faltering run game, Hahnville has been able to make plays through the air. Perrin was 13-of-16 last week with three touchdowns. Earlier in the season, Saltaformaggio indicated that they did not want to put Perrin in a position to “make mistakes.” Last week, however, Hahnville utilized the passing game extensively, with Perrin connecting on deep passes to receivers Brandon Singleton and Rickey Preston.
“[Perrin] has just really become comfortable doing what we’re expecting him to do,” Saltaformaggio said.
On the defensive side of the ball, Saltaformaggio said he continues to be impressed with how his team has played. Hahnville’s defense forced just as many fumbles as it’s offense had given up, and kept the team on track through the first half. Defensive back Drew Favre, the defensive player of the week, logged seven tackles, including one for a loss, and a forced fumble.
But the defense will be challenged against playoff opponent Natchitoches Central on Friday. Natchitoches earned the No. 21 seed after finishing the year with a 5-4 record. They went 3-2 in District 2-5A, which includes West Monroe and Ruston.
Natchitoches quarterback Austin Guy has been dangerous through the air, particularly when connecting with receiver Reginald Turner. In three different games throughout the regular season, the duo has connected for three or more touchdowns. The Natchitoches passing game faces a Hahnville defense whose highlight has been its secondary all season.
“It’s strength against strength,” Saltaformaggio said. “Hopefully our strength is a little bit better than their strength.”
Hahnville will also have to watch out for Natchitoches running back Chris Reed. The breakout running back had three games in a row with 100-plus yards, before being stuffed by West Monroe.
Ordinarily, Saltaformaggio believes that his players should learn to play the same on the road as they do at home. In the playoffs, he said, visiting teams typically face multi-hour journeys. Natchitoches must make a five-hour bus ride to Hahnville.
“That’s a big advantage for us,” said Saltaformaggio, “but if we win, it becomes a disadvantage for us next week.”
A victory this week means Hahnville will face either Haughton or Ouachita Parish, both of which represents a minimum of five hours of travel for the Tigers.
Motivation is also a mitigating factor to performance in the postseason, Saltaformaggio warns. The road to the Superdome passes over Thanksgiving break and midterms.
In spite of this, Hahnville’s coach said he plans to practice the same way he does every week. Saltaformaggio was blunt in explaining his method for keeping the team focused.
“I’ll make ‘em,” he chuckles.
If Hahnville beats Natchitoches Friday and wins the next playoff game, it could give them a rematch against Destrehan in the quarterfinals. Hahnville lost to Destrehan in week six of the regular season, 24-6.
In typical form, Saltaformaggio said he does not worry too much about the next games, preferring to worry only about Hahnville and this week.
“Everybody is 0-0 again,” he said.
Hahnville plays against Natchitoches at home this Friday, Nov. 14, with kickoff at 7 p.m. Go to www.heraldguide.com for a complete playoff bracket.
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