By ROBERT L. LEE

DESTREHAN – The Fighting Wildcats hitting style seemed like they were trying to hit their school home run record out of the park Tuesday evening against South Lafourche. Although only one ball would cruise over the wall, via Larry Matherne, the school’s undefeated record was officially knocked out of the park via the 10-3 final district win.

The Fighting Wildcats 14-0 banner year broke the mark set by the last undefeated Destrehan High School team 29 years ago, which was 4-0 at the end of the regular season.

“They wanted this, the emotion has been high in the dugout,” said Fighting Wildcats’ first year head coach Marty Luquet. “I knew the integrity and quality of these kids, I may have been the only one, but now the world knows.”

The Fighting Wildcats will now have to control their confidence and put their winning reputation on the chopping block next week, when they take on the third place catholic league team in the opening round of the playoffs, thankfully at Destrehan.

Last season, Destrehan travelled to Acadiana High School and lost the first round playoff game 3-2.

“That’s why we fight for first place in district,” added Luquet. Guiding these players through their record season and now into the play offs, is a completely new coaching squad, except for one member.

“I knew in January we would have to work hard, but I found guys who blended well as a staff and it’s been a good year. I came here to build a program, but I didn’t expect it that quick,” said Luquet. Also quick this season has been Destrehan’s ability to gain a lead over their opponents. Against South Lafourche, Destrehan allowed only one Tarpon hit through four batters, then answered by scoring eight runs in the first inning. The Fighting Wildcats then added two points in the third inning to jump into double digits. Down 10-0, South Lafourche managed halt Destrehan’s scoring and to put themselves on the board by evading a third out in the fourth inning long enough to score three runs.

Devin Respess opened for the Fighting Wildcats defense on the mound, then Larry McVay opened for the offense with a double to right-center field off his first swing. Daniel Vitrano followed suit with a double to left-center field, bringing McVay in for the first point. The Tarpons gave Trey Simon a walk to first base, then had no choice but to let Matherne jog around the bases after his three-run home run over the left field fence. The Fighting Wildcats then proceeded to aim for the outfield wall for doubles, which moved runners in for an 8-0 first inning lead.

“We usually get more than eight hits, but three doubles and a home run in the first inning, that’s what makes it fun,” said Luquet. “We also had a good crowd. A lot of people are having fun at the ball games.”