By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

ST. JAMES – This game was the district hiccup for St. James, the matchup that cost the Wildcats the outright District 8-3A crown.

The Wildcats ended up winning a share of the title despite its 20-13 loss to Port Allen, a loss that occurred despite St. James building a 13-0 lead.

The Pelicans (4-2, 2-0) enter the game on a roll, winning four of its last five including a pair of district wins by double figures: a 36-20 win over Livonia, then a 30-20 victory at Plaquemine.

St. James, meanwhile, has been as impressive as it’s been at any point over the last two seasons in back to back wins over Brusly and Livonia. After struggling offensively early in the season, the Wildcats have found a groove, scoring 28 and 52 points behind improved line play and new quarterback Shaquille Narcisse.

St. James’ win two weeks ago over Brusly showed opponents that the Wildcats could hit the big play through the air. It opened things up for the running game on Friday night. Three different backs rushed for over 100 yards, including a monster performance by Kenneth Armant. Armant needed only nine carries to tally 203 yards and three touchdowns to lead St. James to a 52-28 win over Livonia.

“When we’re able to make plays in all areas, as we have been, the offense as a whole runs smoothly,” said St. James coach Rick Gaille. “We’ve been able to call the right play for the right situation, as opposed to calling it conservatively to avoid bad plays.”

LaRohn Cambre rushed for 120 yards on 11 carries. Lester Verret gained 111 yards on 12 carries.

St. James allowed over 500 yards defensively, but stopped Livonia four times inside the Wildcats’ 15.

LUTCHER TO VISIT ELLENDER – Lutcher has survived a pair of close district games thus far, but will enter Friday’s game with Ellender as the overwhelming favorites.

Ellender (0-7, 0-2) still seeks its first win. It fell to Lutcher a year ago, 56-0.

On Friday, the Bulldogs rallied to defeat a determined Belle Chasse (2-5, 0-2) team, 20-16, on Austin Brack’s 24-yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry with 2:38 remaining in the game.

“Austin put that ball exactly where it needed to be, and Jarvis made a phenomenal catch,” said Detillier. “Our team showed a lot of determination to come back and win against a team that gave us all they had. It’s a shame someone had to lose that one.”

Lutcher (6-1, 2-0) gained 292 total yards in the game, but lost four fumbles to kill drives.

Brack finished with 141 yards and a pair of touchdowns, playing the majority of the snaps at quarterback. Trevor Englade was his favorite target, catching four passes for 76 yards. Jared Poche added a touchdown run.

Defensively, Blake Roussel had a big night, making 17 tackles. Derek Matherne had 13 tackles and an interception; Jarvis Landry also intercepted a pass to go along with 10 tackles.

Daniel Taylor rushed for 62 yards for Lutcher but left the game with an injury.