By George Mahl-Sports Editor

It may be hard to believe, but week seven of the prep football season here in the River Parishes happens this Friday night. Amazingly, most teams in the River Parishes play teams from down on the bayou.

Lutcher meets E.D White in a crucial 10-3A game, while Destrehan travels down to Galliano to play South Lafourche in a 6-5A game with playoff implications.

Other action will see East St. John host Ellender, St. Charles Catholic travels to play Assumption and Riverside Academy will attempt to break a four game losing streak when they host Buras. Finally, West St. John returns home to play St. Martin’s in a 10-2A district clash.

St. Charles Catholic versus Assumption

Although they are not, it seems that Assumption is a member of the 10-3A district. “I think we’re the last team from our district that they play,” said St. Charles Catholic Head Football Coach Frank Monica. The Mustangs have played the other four teams in the 10-3A district.

” Assumption is a complete football team that is very physical. They have also played an excellent schedule.” In a 17-14 loss to Woodlawn, Assumption rushed the ball for only eight yards.

“Physically, Woodlawn did enough to beat us. Our offense played hard all night, but just could not get it going,” said longtime AHS Head Football Coach Don Torres.

Monica said the Mustangs are throwing the ball more now than in the past.

” I don’t think they’re as conservative as they used to be. They do, however, have an excellent running back who can run over people.” Kickoff is set for 7pm in Napoleonville.

-George Mahl

Buras versus Riverside Academy

It’s been a tough year for both Buras and Riverside Academy.

“We are 1-5, but I feel we could easily be 3-3 or maybe even 4-2,” said Riverside Head Football Coach Mickey Roussel.

” Nobody is blaming anyone in particular, it’s just been a group effort,” Roussel said. This week, RA returns home to battle Buras in a 10-2A clash. The Wildcats, who are coming off a 50-8 loss against West St. John, feature one of the top players in the district in LJ Henry.

” He (Henry) is perhaps the best player in the district,” Roussel commented. “When he gets in the shotgun, he does his job,” he said.

“I think we need to jump on them early and control the ball.”

Despite the dismal record, the Rebels are not about to give up, according to Roussel.

” It’s been frustrating, but we’re not quitting. They’re doing everything I ask in practice….we’ll just take it one minute at a time,” said Roussel.

-George Mahl

Ellender versus

East St. John

There is a much different atmosphere in the fieldhouse at East St. John this week as opposed to last. That’s because two weeks ago the Wildcats got beat by Hahnville, 55-49. Last Friday, however, the Wildcats came out and ran over a solid Destrehan team 45-14.

“I am impressed with the fact that we only allowed 100 yards of offense against them,” said East St. John Head Football Coach Larry Dauterive. “Big players make big plays in games like that,” Dauterive said.

One of things Dauterive is happy about is the play of his offensive line, who lost three starters from last years squad.

” I have to attribute that to the job (offensive line coach) Dustin (Yates) has done with those guys. They are a very cohesive unit right now,” said Dauterive.

After two games against top notch teams Destrehan and Hahnville, ESJ gets an opponent in Ellender that, on paper, they should have little trouble with.

“We’re giving Ellender the same respect that we gave Destrehan,” said Dauterive. “We’re not doing anything different this week as far as our practices go,” he said.

The second-year head coach said his team is not taking this game for granted.

“On paper, we should win. But crazier things have happened.”

-George Mahl

West St. John versus

St. Martin’s

The Rams may be in the same position East St. John is in this week. West St. John will host St. Martin’s Friday night in Edgard. The 10-2A leaders are coming of a 50-8 blowout against Buras last Thursday night.

“St. Martin’s will have a double slot formation with a quarterback who can throw the ball,” said West St. John Head Football Coach Laury Dupont. The Saints have 13 or 14 seniors on this year’s roster.

“They are bigger and stronger than in the past. They are also scoring quite a bit more,” Dupont said.

One of things Dupont has been impressed with so far, especially in the Buras game, is his offensive line.

” For everyone of our games this year that has been our strong suit.”

Dupont likes to refer from here until the end of the regular season as the second season.

” I think the intensity is going to pick up from here on out,” said Dupont.

-George Mahl