By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

ST. JAMES — By and large, Teams are a bit more familiar with their opponents this week as most districts begin play on Friday night. St. James more than most.

The Wildcats faced Brusly twice a season ago, emerging victorious on both occasions, once at home in the regular season (26-0) and once on the road in the bi-district round of the playoffs (22-21). This Friday, the Wildcats kick off District 8-3A play with a visit to Brusly.

The Panthers found much more success in the playoff game, and St. James coach Rick Gaille believes that it’s a strong bet that his team will see more of the strategic elements Brusly employed in the second game.

“They’ll likely be very aggressive defensively,” said Gaille. “Last year they got up at the line of scrimmage, pressured us, played man to man, and dared us to pass. We didn’t move very consistently, but we were able to make enough plays to win,” said Gaille.

A similar method of attack would indicate that the onus would be on SJH quarterback Ben Falgoust and top receiving threat Alonzo Lewis to make plays down the field.

But Gaille said that the passing game needs to accommodate more threats in general, specifically out of the backfield.

“We’ll need those two to step up especially, but we also need to do a better job of getting it to our running backs,” said Gaille. “They’re good receivers and it allows them a chance to make things happen in the open field.”

Last season, St. James started its season 0-5 but began its run to the postseason with a win over Brusly.

The Wildcats won four of their last five games and clinched a share of the district title.

Brusly fell to E.D. White last week, 31-7.

St. James ran into a buzzsaw in 4A No. 1 Salmen, falling 55-7.

Brusly, like St. James, runs the Wing-T offense.

Gaille notes that it is a less traditional version, one that incorporates some shotgun and spread looks.

“They’ve got a diversified attack,” said Gaille. “The shotgun can make that quarterback a bit more of a threat. Those plays take a bit longer to develop so it’s up to us to disrupt their blocking schemes and timing.”

LUTCHER TO FACE HELEN COX – Lutcher (4-1) will attempt to defend its District 8-4A crown beginning Friday night as it faces Helen Cox (2-3) at home.

The Bulldogs come off of a victory over Destrehan in which the Bulldogs made the most of their limited time with the football. Destrehan ran for almost 300 yards and controlled the ball for over 30 minutes, but Lutcher scored on three possessions and cashed in on a fumble recovery for a score by Jordan Batiste.

Three LHS quarterbacks combined to complete 14-of-16 passes for 126 yards and a score. Ruston Matherne led the way, completing all 10 of his passes for 78 yards and a score. Matherne also ran for a score.

Jarvis Landry tallied seven receptions for 71 yards and score.

Helen Cox is attempting to rebound after falling in two straight games to Higgins and Brother Martin.

But the Cougars do hold wins over Destrehan and South Plaquemines this season.

LHS defeated Helen Cox 57-12 last season.