By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LUTCHER — Though youthful and inexperienced, Tim Detillier’s Lutcher Bulldogs haven’t exactly lowered the bar in terms of what they expect for themselves.

And that’s the way Detillier likes it.

“You know, you talk to people who see our schedule, who see who we’ve lost, and they don’t expect all that much from us,” said Detillier. “But these kids have set goals for themselves. And man, they pick some lofty goals.”

Those goals include capturing yet another district championship.

But the ‘Dogs have designs on that Class 4A state crown too.

“I think that human beings tend to do what is expected of them,” said Detillier. “So setting these expectations for themselves, that’s just fine by me.”

The Bulldogs have a largely new lineup entering the 4A fray this season. Four offensive and three defensive starters return for last season’s state semifinalist.

Lutcher has won state titles in 2006 and 2008, an even-years trend that certainly favors Lutcher success this season.

But, as Detillier admits, there’s much work to do before that point.

“There are still some unanswered questions,” he said. “You can see how they fare in practice and that’s all well and good, but until you put on the purple and gold and turn on those lights Friday night, you just don’t know.”

One major question is what comes next for a quarterback position that’s seen players like Blaine Gauthier and Gavin Webster raise the bar over the past few seasons.

Senior Austin Brack has been tabbed as the “heir apparent” by Detillier and is slated to enter the season as starter.

That said, sophomores Ruston Matherne and Jared Poche are in the mix as well, and Detillier estimates we may see all three in action at varying times this season.

“Austin’s the guy and he’s been doing the job. But these other guys are stepping up as well,” he said. “They’ve all had an excellent spring and summer.”

The offense doesn’t lack for go-to players. Heading that list is LSU-commitment Jarvis Landry, one of the most electrifying prep players in the state. The Bulldogs base much of their offense around getting Landry the ball in space, where his gift at gaining yards after the catch is highlighted.

“He’s a good football player on both sides of the ball,” said Detillier, noting his star’s defensive prowess. “You don’t have a player like that come through those doors that often, so when you do, you want to maximize his abilities. He’s athletic but he’s such a physical player, and most people don’t realize just how physical he is until they play us.”

Running back Daniel Taylor is no slouch, either. If all goes according to plan, the tailback will break the school’s record for career rushing yards in the first month of the season.

And he’ll do it as a junior — Taylor has started at LHS since his eighth grade season.

Defensively, Lutcher should have playmakers at each level.

But it won’t be as experienced in the secondary as it’s been after losing three starters.

Both units will be highly motivated after last season’s loss to Neville in the state semifinals.

“They’ve very hungry and ready to go,” said Detillier.