by RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

DESTREHAN — Friday’s clash between Lutcher and Destrehan looks to be a classic matchup of size and speed: specifically, Lutcher’s high octane spread attack against the daunting defensive front of Destrehan.

As always when his team faces another River Parish foe, Lutcher coach Tim Detillier expects a potential classic.

An offensive-minded coach, Detillier also sees a lot of potential problems.

“They boast one of the best linebackers in the state in Tarquin Kenner,” said Detillier. “The guy’s a player. And they’ve always had that … way back when, last season, this season, Destrehan always has that star linebacker.”

Up front, the challenges grow larger — literally.

“Everyone knows about their defensive front,” said Detillier. “When you’re that big, and you have guys that run like they do behind them, it presents problems.

“They’re just big human beings — ones that can move well. That certainly has my attention.”

That defense led the way against John Ehret as Destrehan evened its record out with a 14-12 win at home.

DHS (2-2) denied a John Ehret two-point conversion try that would have tied the game in the third quarter and held on for the rest of the night.

“Our defensive front just made big play after big play,” said Stroud. “Once again, the defense as a whole stepped forward. They kept getting stops, even when we started in bad field position.”

Destrehan’s defense has allowed 13 points or less in three of its four games this season, but the offense has struggled at times.

Despite some mistakes in the redzone, Stroud said he saw the offense take some steps forward on Friday behind new starting quarterback Dillan Dent, who made his first career start on Friday and led the Wildcats to a win over John Ehret.

Dent connected with De’Ante Armstrong for his first career touchdown pass in the game.

Stroud praised his play, and noted even better things could be on the horizon for his young passer.

“We hadn’t made the call to start him until Thursday. He practiced at wide receiver up until that point,” Stroud said. “With a full week of reps as starter, he think he’ll only improve.”

Rickey Jefferson returned the opening kickoff of the second half 89 yards for a score. Stroud said that the sophomore is a key for the Wildcats.

“He’s still making some sophomore mistakes, but with the ball in his hands, he’s very special,” said Stroud. “He’s our big play guy.”

Defending Lutcher is a special challenge of its own. Stroud said that discipline is the key.

“You can’t take away a Jarvis Landry or a Daniel Taylor,” said Stroud. “You look to play good, solid defense and understand, those guys will make plays. But limit what they get on those plays.”

Lutcher’s game with Warren Easton was the antithesis of the Destrehan/Ehret game. Lutcher won the equivalent of a track meet — it led 27-20 midway through the second quarter and finished with a 47-26 win.

Detillier wasn’t happy with what he felt was a lack of intensity.

“We made too many mistakes. Yes, we survived, and you’re happy with the win over a good opponent. But we won’t survive Destrehan if we play like that again.”

Bulldogs’ junior tailback Daniel Taylor entered Friday’s game needing only 20 yards to set the school’s all-time rushing record. He did it and then some on his first carry of the night, jaunting 69 yards for a score. He’d finish with 128 yards on nine carries.

“Nobody works harder than Daniel in practice,” said Detillier. “He’s earned this. And to do it as a junior, it’s just a heck of an accomplishment.”

Led by Taylor, seven Lutcher (3-1) runners combined for 261 rushing yards. Landry finished with three receptions for 80 yards and two scores.