By Jeff Barrois
Contributing Writer

Mistakes and turnovers were the story Friday night as the Lutcher Bulldogs came up just short in their matchup against the West Jefferson Buccaneers, 23-19.
“The effort was there, but we have got to quit shooting ourselves in the foot,” said Lutcher coach Tim Detillier after the tough loss, “We have got to be leading America in turnovers.”
And turnovers there were. The Bulldogs started the game with a pair of huge losses resulting from high shotgun snaps that resulted in a safety.
The frustrations continued when after a seemingly game-changing 70-yard run by senior running back Donte Semien ended in a fumble that West Jefferson recovered. The woes continued as the Bulldogs (0-3) also muffed a very short punt that would have yielded terrific field position.
West Jefferson took a 23-7 lead into halftime led by a three-touchdown performance by senior quarterback Chavin Gougis as well as 82 yards on 14 carries by running back Ryan Jefferson.
But then Lutcher’s comeback began.
The Bulldog defense showed up in force in the second half holding West Jefferson to a mere 62 yards and 0 points.
Semien took over the game in the second half recording 108 yards on eight second-half carries while the quarterback tandem of Nick Bourgeois and Paul Taylor combined to go 6 for 11 with 2 touchdowns, bringing Lutcher within striking distance.
Unfortunately, the hole that the Bulldogs dig for themselves early proved to be too deep. A late drive stalled after a Nick Bourgeois drop in the end zone late in the fourth quarter,  sealing their fate.
West Jefferson sustained a major loss in this game in the third quarter when their leading rusher Ryan Jefferson was carted off the field after an undisclosed injury. The junior running back was on the ground for about 15 minutes as the medical staff took every precaution to make sure that he made it safely to a nearby hospital.
Lutcher looks to hold onto their offensive momentum while minimizing mistakes as they hit the road to face rivals St. Amant next Friday night.