By George Mahl, Sports Editor

BOUTTE-Before Wednesday afternoon’s scrimmage against Higgins, Hahnville Head Football Coach Lou Valdin told his defense to “run to the ball and hit.” That is exactly what both teams did. For most of the scrimmage, it was a defensive battle, with both teams having their moments.

As with most preseason scrimmages, mental mistakes were made early. A long run by Hahnville running back Quinton Green was brought back by a holding call. The Tigers also tried to score on a reverse play to Brian Singleton, but was called back due to a block in the back.

Midway through their first offensive series, the Hurricanes got their first first-down of the game. The drive, however, stalled when Hahnville linebacker Derek Dempster intercepted a pass. Higgins returned the favor when second string QB Taylor Domongeaux was picked off.

Both teams saw a lot of underclassman play. The highlight for the Hahnville underclassmen may have been a 41-yard pass on third down from Garrett Loup to Eric Fey. A 13-yard run by sophomore Luke Savoie also was a highlight.

Hahnville starting quarterback Bryant Lee had some moments.

A 15-yard pass from Lee to Jeremy Barnes gave the Tigers a first down. During that same series, the Tigers showed some flashes of light running the ball. A ten-yard run by Dustin Breaux was followed by a long run by Darwin Washington. The Hahnville second team defense did well during the third series. Defensive end Kentrell Lockett had two of the team’s three sacks during the series. The other one was by Vincent Jenkins.

The action heated up when both school’s agreed to play an extra five minutes with their first team offense and defense. With Higgins starting on it’s own 30-yard-line, Hahnville defensive lineman Rashad Roussel had a tackle for about a four yard loss. After a pass interception by HHS defensive back Jesse Dunn, the Tiger offense did little and turned the ball over on downs.

A 30-yard run by Higgins was followed by a quarterback keeper right up the middle for a touchdown.

Perhaps the best play of the day came from Lee. A 60-yard pass play down the sideline from Lee to senior wide receiver Dale Robertson resulted in a touchdown.

The Tigers will next see action in the Ed Reed River Parish Jamboree Thursday evening at Hahnville against St. James. They open the season one week later against Sarah Reed.