LAPLACE — The Comets have taken as many hits in the injury department as any football team in the River Parishes, but it hasn’t slowed St. Charles Catholic in the win-loss column.

Halfway into the season, SCC (4-1) sports a strong defense, consistent running game and dangerous special teams. However, injuries to Comets regulars Dellary Oubre, Narquez Jones and Lloyd Nash have completely changed how St. Charles Catholic attacks teams on both sides of the ball.

It’s a fact coach Frank Monica needs his team to accept as they begin District 10-3A play this week, with the playoffs looming next month.

Following the Comets’ Week 4 victory over Country Day, Monica made a point to tell a reporter his players are still feeling “a little sorry for” themselves because of the injuries.

“This is the team we have for the rest of the year,” Monica said. “No one is coming back. This is our football team for 2017.”

What the Comets do have is a group of disciplined and well-coached players that boast opportunities for playmaking.

Much of the running game now falls to Joe Chiarella (300+ yards rushing, three touchdowns) and Phillip Tran (200+ yards, one touchdown).

The tandem has helped the Comets to 2017 wins over Chalmette, Destrehan, Wilkinson County and Country Day, with their only blemish coming last week on the road against East Ascension.

The key is improved quarterback play from newcomers Justin Dumas and Sutton Bourgeois, both of whom have stepped up following an injury to starter and team leader Lloyd Nash.

Their best traits this season, Monica said, are hard work and no fear.

Growing pains remain part of the deal. The duo combined to go 9 of 17 for 110 yards with two interceptions passing last week. The ground game only produced 49 yards to stunt the effort.

SCC quarterbacks also took eight sacks at the hands of East Ascension defenders.

Monica plans to continue asking his quarterbacks to distribute the football and maintain possession.

“Put two hands on the ball at all times and make sure you put us in the right play at the line of scrimmage,” Monica said. “Our offense is not that complicated with a short, ball-control passing game. The most important part: Don’t turn over the ball and give the opponent extra possessions.”

SCC defenders Gavin St. Pierre, Rodney Blanks, Anderson Sirmon and Jordan Jensen have been tackling machines this season in leading a defense that has allowed just seven points per game while producing two shutouts.

District play begins this week against a talented group of opponents. The second half slate includes battles against Lusher, Donaldsonville, Haynes and a devastating last two: De La Salle and St. James.