By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LUTCHER — Lutcher coach Tim Detillier knows his team will be tested more than its been in quite awhile this Friday night as the Bulldogs host fellow 4A foe Assumption in a non-district game.

“They’re coming off a very tough district loss,” said Detillier of Assumption, which lost in triple overtime on Friday to Vandebilt Catholic. “That’s a very dangerous, wounded team that’s coming in here.”

It’s also a team looking to avenge a loss last season to Lutcher. Assumption (5-3) entered the Week 9 clash between the teams undefeated last season, but Lutcher upended Assumption at home. This year, Lutcher (7-0) is the undefeated squad.

“They’ll be looking to return the favor, that much I know,” said Detillier.

Assumption is led by quarterback Cameron Blame, who is surrounded by a wealth of skill position talent.

Lutcher has won each of its five district games by 25 points or more and has shut out four of them; LHS has allowed just six points over that stretch.

But Detillier acknowledged that an easy victory would be nearly impossible to nail down against a stout opponent. He said he was pleased that his team would have a stern test just before the postseason — and before a District 6-4A championship showdown next week against Plaquemine.

“I welcome it,” said Detillier. “This will help us and it’ll help Assumption. I know they’re a playoff team, and it will prepare us for what’s ahead.”

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Destrehan was atop the District 8-5A heap last week. But after its loss to East St. John on Friday, a heartbreaking 35-34 defeat that saw DHS lead by two scores midway through the fourth quarter, now DHS is in the same boat as East St. John, the same boat as Hahnville; fighting for survival.

“It’s a while different deal now,” said DHS coach Stephen Robicheaux. “Now, we look at it as we’ve got to win out to make the playoffs.”

DHS (4-3, 2-1) is 29th in Class 5A power points and now will face Bonnabel, a team fresh off of its own comeback win. The Bruins defeated Ehret last week, 20-14, after falling behind 14-0.

Bonnabel (4-3, 1-2) recently installed Jesse Smith as its starting quarterback – he replaced Kevin Banks at the outset of district play. Destrehan is familiar with Smith – he is a transfer from Destrehan.

“They pass a little more now. They were very run based before,” said Robicheaux.

Robicheaux said that the key will be slowing Joe Este, the Bruins’ stellar receiver who doubles as a cornerback.

“Wherever they put him, it seems he does something good,” said Robicheaux. “We have to find a way to slow him down. They’ve got a bunch of really good athletes over there.”

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