By GEORGE MAHL-Sports Editor

L’Observateur continues its coverage of local school getting ready for football season. This week we take a look at Riverside Academy and Lutcher.

Lutcher

Lutcher Head Football Coach Tim Detiller said his team, like many others, have been dodging tacklers and the rain.

” We have been fortuanate for the last two weeks as far as the weather goes,” Detillier said.

On the field, the Bulldogs have been simulating game time situations during practice. Detiller is planning on holding a intrasquad scrimmage prior to having a regular scrimmage against West St. John.

” We’ve painted the field and we are ready to go with a scrimmage against ourselves. I think it’s a good way to see where we are at,” Detiller said.

“I guess we’ll soon separate the men from the boys.”

Going into the 2003 season, there are two areas of concern for Detiller.

The quarterback position and the offensive line are two question marks that Detillier needs to be answered.

“Jason (Teague) and Dustin (Mitchell) are two the two guys that are battling it out right now,” said the Lutcher Head Coach. ” They may both see some playing time, but I am planning to go with one in the long run.”

Lutcher scrimmaged West St. John yesterday and is currently preparing to play Riverside in the River Parish Jamboree next week.

” I think our numbers (in terms of players) are down, but our quality is up, which is important,” Detiller said.

-By George Mahl

Riverside Academy

During the heat of August, some players can become weary and feel disoriented at times. That is not the case at Riverside Academy, so far.

“I think we are dealing with the heat well,” said Riverside Head Football Coach Mickey Roussel. “I think credit for that goes to our summer program.” Before school began, the Rebels had been practicing at around 7 P.M and at

5 P.M on Wednesday and Thursday. With school starting, however, the Reserve school will start practicing around 2:30 P.M

“We have some holes to fill, but you need to crawl before you can walk,” Roussel said.

One thing Roussel is pleased with is the way the team has come together during practice.

” The kids are on the same page. It seems they’ve practiced 50 times this year. People say it results in a good effort.” One of players Roussel is excited about is quarterback Wes Hotard.

” He had an average spring, but he looks like a different player throwing the ball now. He is doing better. We need him for his leadership,” Roussel said.

The Rebels scrimmaged against Hannan on Thursday. RA plays Destrehan in week one, on September 5. Wednesday, L’Observateur will spotlight West St. John and St. Charles Catholic.

-By George Mahl