MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / September 22, 1999

DESTREHAN – Destrehan and Riverside, two teams that captured district titles in 1998, will be out to defend them Friday night as they open district play.

Destrehan (2-1), which has won three straight district titles, opens at home against Thibodaux. Riverside begins its defense of its District 9-2Atitle at home against Buras.

Destrehan is coming off a 23-13 loss at Ponchatoula Friday night. TheWildcats showcased their passing attack as Ivan Mashia threw 38 times for 177 yards. Freshman Fred Smith had four receptions for 111 yards. Butthe Green Wave defense was able to limit the Destrehan running game to 38 yards. Destrehan’s defense gave up 209 yards in offense but forcedeight turnovers.

The Wildcats will look to rebound from that loss this week against a Thibodaux team that dropped a 13-3 decision to East Ascension Friday, dropping the Tigers to 1-2 on the season.

Thibodaux is led by Derrick Coleman who had rushed for over 260 yards through the first two games. Senior receiver Anson Dilon is also one of theleading receivers in the area with seven catches for 121 yards going into last Friday’s game. The Tigers’ defense is led by senior defensive tackleJeremy Chaisson.

Destrehan travels to East St. John next Friday.Riverside defeated Vandebilt Catholic, 44-17 Friday night to improve its record to 3-0 on the season. Through three games, the Rebels have scored134 points, an average of 45 per game, while giving up just 24.

Damian Melancon had 156 yards and three touchdowns through the air and added 92 yards running the ball. Britt Waguespack added another 92 yardson the ground. The defense limited the Terriers to 129 yards.Both Waguespack and Casey Remondet are among the leading rushers in Class 2A in the metro area. Remondet has carried 46 times for 423 yardsand six touchdowns. Waguespack has 40 times for 228 yards.The Rebels will be going against a Buras team that fell to Boothville- Venice, 47-0, Friday.

The Wildcats (1-2) gave up 390 yards, 369 on the ground, while being held to 142 yards.

Quarterback remains a concern for Buras as the Wildcats were held to nine yards passing. Sophomore Travis Riley has moved into that role. Theteam’s strength is its offensive line that has five starters returning.

Riverside hosts a surprising Redeemer-Seton team next Friday in district action.

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