By GEORGE MAHL

Destrehan versus East St. John

RESERVE – A crucial district 5A clash between Destrehan and East St. John highlights week eight of the football season. The winner could be on the way to a second place district finish.

East St. John is coming off a difficult victory over Thibodaux, 30-27. While DHS dismantled H.L. Bourgeois, 34-10.

“We still have got two games remaining after this one. But, this one could determine playoff seeding,” said Destrehan head coach Stephen Robicheaux.

The Wildcats were penalized 14 times for 140 yards in the win over Thibodaux.

“We can’t afford to make the penalties this week that we made against Thibodaux,” said East St. John head coach Larry Dauterive. “This is the game of the week. It’s for second place in the district and it’s a must win for both teams.”

The biggest problem for ESJ looks to be controlling the Fighting Wildcats offense. DHS is led by quarterback Demarko Hutchinson and wide receivers Fred Smith and Craig Eugene.

“They (Destrehan) have five offensive weapons that they can throw at you. It’s not just one or two,” Dauterive said. Both teams are 6-1. “Friday, bragging rights will be settled.”

Lutcher versus St. James

ST. JAMES – Another big game of local interest is the 10-3A match-up between Lutcher High School and St. James High School. The LHS Bulldogs are coming off a terrible game against E.D White losing 24-0.

“We just didn’t play well that night. Give E.D White credit they’re a good football team,” said LHS head coach Tim Detillier.

Meanwhile, St. James is coming off an exciting win against St. Charles Catholic 25-20. The SJ Wildcats were led by defensive back/split end Desi Steib. He intercepted a couple of passes and scored a touchdown in the victory.

“Defensively, Desi had a very good game. We expect big things to happen from him,” said St. James head coach Rick Gaille.

Lutcher is facing tough games for the remainder of their schedule. After St. James, the Bulldogs will play Donaldsonville and St. Charles Catholic.

“It seems in this district you play good teams every week,” said Detillier.

The 11-year head coach said his players must take advantage of opportunities if they are to be a success.

Gaille said he does not expect the same LHS team which showed up against E.D White.

“I think they’re going to bounce back this week and will be an improved football team,” Gaille said.

Redeemer versus West St. John

EDGARD – After an opening week loss to St. James, West St. John High School has clicked on all cylinders.

“We have been winning because we have been consistent,” said WSJ head coach Laury Dupont.

The WSJ Rams face a tough Redeemer-Seton team this week. The R-S Rams are led by junior quarterback Patrick Sims and wide receiver Jahan Jones.

“They have got some good people at the skill positions who can score on the field at anytime,” Dupont said.

WSJ is coming off an impressive 50-19 victory over Newman in New Orleans.

Hahnville versus South Lafourche

GALLIANO – Thus far, Hahnville High School has enjoyed a perfect season.

The Tigers have been impressive in district wins against East St. John and Destrehan. However, head coach Lou Valdin may be a little concerned about this week’s opponent.

“For a while, Hahnville had not beaten South Lafourche in Galliano. At times, it has gotten pretty ugly,” said Valdin.

Donaldsonville versus St. Charles Catholic

LAPLACE – St. Charles Catholic High School lost a heartbreaking game last Friday to St. James High School. The Comets were one yard away from evening their district record at 1-1.

“I thought our kids would have more poise, but we were nervous,” said head coach Frank Monica.

Another week means a difficult game for SCC.

“Donaldsonville is a very good football team. They played well against two 4A teams early in the season,” Monica said.

Monica said his club must do three things to win.

“First, we have to play all four quarters. We also need to play well in all three phases (offense, defense, special teams). And we can’t have too many MA’s (Missed Assignments),” he said.

Grace King versus Riverside

RESERVE – It will be senior night Friday when Riverside Academy hosts Grace King High School. After a 1-4 start, the Rebels have gotten back-to-back wins against Buras and St. Martin’s.

“I think those two wins were good for our confidence,” said RA head coach Mickey Roussel.

The Rebels will look to make it three in a row when they host the Fighting Irish.

“We need to go out there and take care of business,” Roussel said. “People were saying that Riverside is finished after the sixth game. But they forgot that there is a half-season to go.”

he said.