By GEORGE MAHL

East St. John versus Hahnville

One of the most anticipated early season games will pit (3-0) East St. John High School vs. (3-0) Hahnville High School. ESJ is coming off a convincing 49-14 thumping of Capitol High School. The HHS Tigers were just as successful in defeating McDonogh 56-6.

Both offenses can move the ball. The ESJ Wildcats are led by running back Derron Thomas and quarterback Ryan Perrilloux. Thomas’ speed is something HHS head coach Lou Valdin is keenly aware.

“We are going to have to play our best football to beat East St. John,” Valdin said.

Defensively, the Tigers will have to worry about stopping the defensive duo of Vegas Franklin and Kirston Pittman. Franklin intercepted a pass last week and ran it back 46 yards for a touchdown. Hahnville’s offense, which is led by quarterback Laron Landry and running backs Lionel Evans and Darius Reynaud, will put the Wildcats’ defense to the test. Reynaud rushed for three touchdowns last week. Hahnville rushed for 312 yards against McDonogh.

Walker versus Lutcher

During the first three weeks, the Lutcher High School squad has faced bigger and stronger teams.

“The only way you get better is if you schedule the tough teams,” said LHS coach Tim Detillier.

The Bulldogs have performed well in two of the first three games. Except for last week’s collapse against East Ascension, the Lutcher players have left the field with heads held high. This week, it does not get much easier as they host Walker High School.

“This is a good 4A school we are going to play,” said Detillier. ” This is another obstacle that we have to overcome in order to have a successful season.”

LHS will need to stop one of the best running backs in the state. Chris Hawkins has racked up 770 yards after only three games.

Parkview Baptist versus St. James

Last week, St. James High School defeated Riverside Academy 13-0. The Wildcats begin district play Oct. 3 against Amite; however, they are not overlooking Friday’s opponent, Parkview Baptist High School.

“Last year, they played us for the first time and beat us,” SJHS lineman Emmanuel Sterling. “We have not forgot about that game.”

Ball control and a solid kicking game will be the keys to a victory for St. James. In their victory over RA, the Wildcats had a solid running game and used up a lot of time on the clock.

St. Charles Catholic versus Loranger

Last Thursday, St. Charles Catholic High School was preparing to play Lawless High School. On Friday, the Comets found themselves without an opponent. A fire at LHS forced the cancellation of the game. This week, SCC will leave their home stadium for the first time this season when they travel to play Loranger.

“I’m a little concerned about it being our first game on the road this year,” said head coach Frank Monica. “I do think it is a challenge that we can overcome.”

Monica’s defense will be looking at playmaker Joseph Tobius as someone to stop.

The Loranger stand-out is probably the top running back the SCC Comets have faced this season.

“He (Tobius) has got over 600 yards on the ground this season. He’ll get the ball 30 times a game,” said Monica.

Tobius is also known for putting his club in good field position with excellent kickoff and punt returns. Monica said SCC will likely have to keep his offense on the field longer and prevent big plays from happening on defense.

St. Martin’s versus West St. John

In their first game against St. James, West St. John High School committed seven turnovers.

Two weeks ago, the Rams committed four turnovers. Last week, they turned it over three times.

Head coach Laury Dupont said he wants that number to rapidly decrease.

“Turnovers have just killed us so far this year,” said Dupont.

It is possible that WSJ could be 3-0 instead of 2-1 had they not had that many turnovers. Nonetheless, Dupont is looking forwarding to playing an improved St. Martin’s team.

“I think they are more competitive now than they were last season,” Dupont said.

The head coach believes the Saints will throw the ball a lot, which will keep his defense on its toes.

“Our defense will be ready to go this week. Our guys have played well,” Dupont said.

Redeemer-Seton versus Riverside Academy

Riverside Academy opens its 2A schedule Friday night when the Rebels host Redeemer-Seton High School.

The Rebels must get back from a tough home defeat last week to St. James.

One of the keys to the game will be if the Redeemer-Seton secondary can prevent the Rebels talented quarterback, Scott Poirrier, from having another monster performance.

Last week, the senior quarterback was impressive by connecting on 13 of 25 passes for 162 yards. Most of those were to receiver Dexter Falgoust.

“Scott has done a good job for us so this year. He has even hung in there when the times are tough,” said head coach Mickey Roussel.

It will be interesting to see which Rebels team shows up Friday night. Will it be the team that crushed White Castle or the team that lost to St. James.

Roussel said his team is ready and excited about playing their first district game.

Thibodaux versus Destrehan

Destrehan High School plays its fourth of five consecutive homes games Friday night when the undefeated Fighting Wildcats host Thibodaux High School.

The Fighting Wildcats found themselves in an unfamiliar position last week when they trailed 2-0 at halftime to West Jefferson High School.

That, however, would be the last time DHS would trail in the game as they would go on to a 16-2 win.

“We have got to do a better job of coaching,” is what head coach Stephen Robicheaux said after the heated contest.

Robicheaux will get that opportunity this week against the Tigers.

Right now, Robicheaux is only concerned with the future.

“I’m happy were at because we are 3-0 and ready to begin district play.”

Editor’s Note: As of press time Tuesday, some River Parishes schools had not made final decisions as to whether or not Friday’s games would be played due to the threat of Hurricane Isidore.

Check with the schools for more information.