By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Daniel Taylor returned to the Lutcher lineup in a big way, scoring the game-winning touchdown on a 68 yard run as Lutcher got past undefeated Port Allen, 22-14 in a District 9-3A game Friday night.

Taylor, who was injured two weeks ago at St. Charles, scored with 10:33 remaining in the game. It broke a 14-14 tie, and came on the first play after the Leonard Parker’s game-tying score for the Pelicans.

“It turned out to be a pretty good high school football game,” said Lutcher Coach Tim Detillier. “It was a street fight, back and forth. We came out with some fire in the second half, which was much of the difference.”

The Bulldogs (5-2, 2-1) took the win in spite of four turnovers, including three interceptions by quarterback Gavin Webster. Lutcher was also penalized eight times for 75 yards.

“We fought field position, turnovers, penalties, the same issues we’ve had all year,” said Detillier. “But the kids showed maturity. We kept fighting even through all of that, something I’m not sure we did in our two losses.

“But it’s something we’ve got to correct. We don’t need to be our own worst enemy.”

Those issues helped keep Port Allen (5-1, 1-1) well within striking distance for all 48 minutes. The Pelicans rushed for 132 yards on 58 carries, and did not attempt a pass. Port Allen had no turnovers. Parker led the way with 28 carries for 71 yards.

Taylor gained 83 yards on five carries and scored twice. Webster ran 10 times for 73 yards and a touchdown. He completed 6-of-14 passes for 100 yards.

The Pelicans jumped on top immediately, when Jeremy Taylor took the opening kickoff back for a 90-yard touchdown. It put Port Allen ahead 7-0. That score stood through halftime, as neither offense could establish a rhythm.

Taylor tied the game with 10:22 left in the third quarter, his 13-yard run breathing new life into the Lutcher attack.

Webster then put the Bulldogs ahead 14-7 with a 1-yard touchdown run with 5:15 left in the third.

But Parker busted a big play to begin the fourth quarter, scoring on a 28-yard run to tie the game at 14.

16 seconds later, Taylor was in the endzone for the game-winning points. Jarvis Landry added the two-point conversion on an end-around.

“They tied it with their best drive of the night. We just said, ‘It’s time to answer,’” Detillier said.

Lutcher outgained Port Allen 288-132, but Port Allen almost doubled the Bulldogs in offensive snaps, with 58 total plays to Lutcher’s 35.

Landry hauled in three catches for 61 yards. Dexter McCoil had a huge game with 22 total tackles, three for loss. Blake Rome wasn’t far behind, with 20 tackles.

Detillier said that Port Allen’s overall success so far this season isn’t surprising considering the team’s experience.

“They brought their entire defense back from a year ago. That defense is so mature and experienced, and it kept them in the game,” he said

“They’re big, strong and fast. It’s easy to see why they were undefeated.”