By GEORGE MAHL Sports Editor

LUTCHER – To some fans, a jamboree game really does not count. “Try telling that to the players,” said Lutcher Head Football Coach Tim Detillier.

“They will tell you that every game on the schedule counts, including the jamboree.”

The Bulldogs will face Riverside Academy Friday night in Destrehan. The Bulldogs defeated the Rebels in the 2003 game. With bad weather during the Spring, the Bulldogs were forced to have only one scrimmage instead of two.

That is something Detillier said has hurt his team a little.

“That has made us do more experimenting than we would have liked at this stage,” he said.

“We’re still trying to get the best players in the best spots,” he said.

Detillier was pleased with the scrimmage his team had against defending 2A state champion West St. John.

“The main thing is that it was just a scrimmage. We did well, maybe even a little better than I thought,” he said.

One of the players he was pleased with was quarterback Dustin Mitchell, one of the top signal callers in the River Parishes.

“We are so much farther along with our quarterback than we were one year ago,” he said.

One of the players that is doubtful for their jamboree game is running back Wayne Albert.

“We’re playing with some guys that have some bumps and bruises, just like everyone else,” said Detillier.

As far the game against Riverside goes, Detillier said he wants his team to play “sound football and do the basics and fundamental’s.”

“I want the guys to get into a routine. I want to get them in game week preparation.”

He realizes the Rebels coach Mickey Roussel will have his team prepared.

“Riverside is a well coached football team that will be prepared for us. Mickey will have all of his I’s dotted and T’s crossed before he goes onto the field.”

The Rebels will play in the first game of the Ed Reed River Parish Jamboree at Destrehan. That game will be followed by St. Charles Catholic going against Destrehan.

They will open the regular season the next week at home against East St. John.