By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LUTCHER – Friday night boasts a matchup of two 2008 state champions as Belle Chasse travels to Lutcher.

Lutcher trailed 20-7 at halftime against Helen Cox Friday, but rallied to win 37-26 in the District 8-4A opener for each team.

Daniel Taylor led the way with his biggest night of the young season. He finished with 20 carries for 211 yards and three touchdowns. The Bulldogs turned in a strong overall second half performance, scoring four touchdowns and allowing only six points.

Detillier said that the second half wasn’t so much about strategic adjustments but a change in attitude.

“Sometimes you make adjustments, but this came down to our intensity ratcheting up,” said Detillier. “We raised it a few notches. It wasn’t about X’s and O’s, but about getting after it.”

Belle Chasse has lost three straight games against stout competition — the No. 1 (Salmen), No 2 (Franklinton), and No. 10 (Vandebilt Catholic).

Detillier said Belle Chasse physically matches up similarly with the Bulldogs, and has plenty enough motivation to come out and play well.

“Their backs are against the wall and they’re looking at the possibility of not making the playoffs,” said Detillier. “That’s a team with a rich tradition. I can’t even recall the last time they weren’t in the playoffs. This is a determined football team that will be fighting for their lives. I’m just glad we’ve got them in the Dog Yard.”