Coach gives props to defense, rebuilt offensive line
After finishing last season 14-1 and losing a host of key players to graduation, the Destrehan Wildcats regrouped this spring to find a new identity.
The new-look Wildcats travelled to Covington on May 14 to introduce themselves to the Fighting Lions on the Lions home turf in the annual spring game.
Destrehan head coach Stephen Robicheaux said he was pleased with his team’s ability to move the football against some good defensive players on the Covington squad.
“The offensive line did a good job,” Robicheaux said. “I liked our running backs too, they put forth a great effort.”
The teams each ran their first string offense and first string defense 10 plays, then switched with the opposing team running eight plays. The teams switched up for a total of 36 plays before going head-to-head in a 15 minute quarter. The Lions scored on the Wildcats three times in the 10/eight play series, while Destrehan took it to the house only once.
In the 15 minute quarter, DHS outscored Covington 16-7, but according to Robicheaux the score doesn’t mean anything.
“We’re working on stuff out there, it’s not a real competition,” he said. “The coaches are on the field and we are talking and watching, so it’s not like a real game…the score means nothing.”
Robicheaux said he was going to be working on his offensive line after losing five seniors from last season, but he likes what he has seen so far from the rebuilt unit.
“We had a great effort,” Robicheaux said. “It’s only a work in progress and overall I’m pleased so far with that progress.”
The defensive unit also got props from their head coach.
“I think the big boys down front did a great job stopping the run,” Robicheaux said, adding the defense did give up two big plays, but that can be fixed.
Robicheaux also said his secondary was a big question mark going into the scrimmage.
“You got three new players back there,” he said. “They too gave up a couple big plays, but still, there is a lot to work with back there.”
Robicheaux said he believes his team’s overall strength right now is their defensive front.
“We got two D-1 players there and the third guy is pretty good,” he said. “Plus the linebackers are pretty good. I think our front seven is the strength of our team right now. The place where we need to show improvement, obviously, is the offensive line and the secondary.”
Robicheaux was optimistic drawing near the end of spring practice. He was looking forward to watching film of the spring game on Monday and using it to help him and the other coaches make some decisions.
“Now it’s time to find the right person for the positions we need to fill,” he said.
The Fighting Wildcats open their regular season in non-conference play, on the road, against the Slidell Tigers on Friday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.
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