By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – St. Charles won its last two games of the regular season by a combined margin of 104-0. But St. Charles coach Frank Monica said that his team hasn’t let that affect its mentality.

The Comets (9-1) know what’s at stake: win or go home. It begins with Jeanerette (5-5) Friday night at St. Charles in a Class 2A bi-district playoff matchup.

“Everyone rolls back to 0-0 this time of the year,” said Monica. “This is the mulligan. You won’t get any others, though. Now its up to us to take care of business.”

SCC is the No. 3 seed behind top seeded John Curtis and Evangel.

The Tigers lost their final game of the season, 48-12, to Loreauville, but won the two before against Sacred Heart and Opelousas Catholic.

Monica said that his Comets will be faced with a big and very athletic team on Friday.

“They lack numbers but not talent,” said Monica. “They play a lot of guys two ways, keeping their best players on the field all of the time.”

Monica said the Tigers’ 3-4 defense presents a daunting test, beginning with the three 300 pound defensive lineman that anchor it.

But of primary concern is running back Anthony Williams, who has rushed for 2,024 yards this season.

“We have to stop him,” said Monica. “We must slow him down and get them off the field. If they establish him, they can shorten the game and take their shots off play action. They don’t throw often, but when they do its effective because they run and run and lull you to sleep. Then they go over the top. Our defense has to play lights out against the run.”

St. Charles defeated Lakeshore Friday, 48-0, in a non-district game.

Marcus Hall led St. Charles on the ground with six carries for 48 yards and two scores, part of a team rushing effort that posted 110 yards in the first half alone. He was joined by junior tailback Lazedrick Thomas, who received only two rushing attempts — those went for touchdown runs of 20 and 17 yards respectively. Donnie Savoie tossed a touchdown pass to Harley Scioneaux.