By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

It looked like it might be another game decided late for the “Cardiac Cats” at Destrehan. Leading visiting West Jefferson by eight in the third quarter, the Wildcats had allowed the Buccaneers to hang around in the second half.

But the undefeated top seed in Class 5A made a fast and decisive move to seize control of the game. A 50-yard Ryan Rome field goal extended Destrehan’s lead to 23-12. One possession later, Jerico Nelson scored on a 10-yard run and it propelled Destrehan as it cruised to a 37-12 bi-district round victory over West Jefferson.

Destrehan now advances and will host No. 16 Carencro in the regional round of the state playoffs. Carencro defeated No. 17 Brother Martin in the opening round.

Jordan Jefferson completed 14-of-16 passes for 196 yards for Destrehan (11-0).

The Wildcats looked as if they could put the game away early on. Joel Banks put Destrehan on the board first with a 2-yard scoring run in the second quarter. It made it 7-0.

Then Wildcat defensive back Antonio Parker, who seemingly has made a habit of making key interceptions late this season, picked off a West Jefferson pass and returned it 41-yards for a score to make it 13-0.

West Jefferson (5-6) scored before the half to stay afloat, and trailed 13-6 going into the half.

Darrow Barnes again threatened to bust the game open after a 15-yard fumble return went for a score to make it 20-6. West Jefferson’s Edward Robinson answered by scoring on a 25-yard run to cap off the Buccaneers next drive, cutting it to 20-12.

But Rome’s kick and the following Nelson touchdown effectively put the game out of reach for West Jefferson, making it 30-12. Banks would add a final touchdown in the fourth quarter, effectively the nail in the coffin for the Buccaneers.

Destrehan’s offense clicked all night, as it racked up 416 yards of balanced offense – the Wildcats rushed for 220 yards and passed for 196. Eight penalties for 66 yards along with two turnovers were among things that killed early Wildcat drives – including a fumble at the West Jefferson 1-yard line in the first quarter.

But in the end, Destrehan remained undefeated, and survived as it has all season long.