DESTREHAN — Destrehan’s defensive effort was strong, but offensive and special teams struggles derailed Destrehan’s opening night as it fell to Helen Cox on Jonell Antoine’s game winning 31-yard field goal.

“Helen Cox was tough. This was the same kind of game as last time,” said Destrehan coach Chris Stroud, referring to last season’s opener between the teams that Destrehan pulled out via a late score. “I just feel bad for our kids. They fought extremely hard and this is a tough way to lose.”

Helen Cox scored the game’s first 10 points, but Taylor Dunn’s 62-yard touchdown pass to Rickey Jefferson with 25 seconds left in the first half drew DHS within four. But the extra point attempt was no good.

After more defensive struggle between the teams through the third and most of the fourth quarter, Kevin Smith’s 3-yard score with less than five minutes remaining pushed DHS into the lead—but the Cougars blocked the extra point, setting up a potential and the eventual game-winner.

“It goes back to not executing. There were plays there for us offensively, but we blew some plays, had a few drops, had some struggles on special teams that we didn’t expect to have. Defensively, we played very well … It’ll be tough, but it doesn’t matter if you win by one or lose by one ultimately. You just learn from and correct your mistakes.”

HAHNVILLE 31, JOHN EHRET 24

Ahmad White rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns to lead Hahnville on Friday night as the Tigers squeaked by John Ehret, 31-27.

Quarterback Brian Ensminger and Derek Howard combined on a 19-yard game-winning touchdown pass with time winding down in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers led 24-14 going into the fourth quarter, but Ehret scored on a touchdown run by quarterback Mike Alexander to cut into the lead.

The Tigers also led 24-14 at the half. Ensminger scored on a 1-yard run in the second quarter.