By GEORGE MAHL

It looks like all eight prep football teams in the River Parishes will qualify for the playoffs. Credit goes to area coaches unafraid to schedule tough non-district opponents.

A lot of how far a team goes into the playoffs is determined by how much momentum it builds up at the end of the regular season. Two local teams with momentum right now are West St. John High School and Riverside Academy.

The WSJ Rams have won eight in a row and have not lost since Sept. 6. In my opinion, they may be the team to beat as far as the 2A schools go. Let’s not forget Riverside though, a rival of West St. John. Coach Mickey Roussel’s bunch has turned things around since a terrible loss to WSJ on Oct. 5. It is funny how some people wrote off the RA Rebels after a 1-4 start.

West St. John is led by running back Patrick Jackson. This young man is going to be the key as to how far the Rams go into the playoffs.

This fall, I have been priveledged to see some of the top players in the area this year.

Destrehan QB Demarko Hutchinson, East St. John running back Derron Thomas, Hahnville wide receiver Darius Reynard, Lutcher quarterback Bryce Matherne, Riverside wide receiver Dexter Falgoust, St. Charles Catholic running back Tyrell Fenroy, St. James defensive back Desi Steib, and Jackson, are eight players I would not mind having in my starting lineup if I were a head coach.

I have also enjoyed the volleyball season. If you have not gotten out to see a game yet this year, you do not know what your missing. The intensity and excitement level is always high on the local courts.

Some teams to keep an eye on going into the playoffs are Destrehan, Hahnville, St. Charles Catholic, and Riverside.

Destrehan’s Atina Porter is probably the best player in the area right now. She is the main reason why the Lady Cats have won more than 25 games this year.

Other top players in the River Parishes include: Chelsea Albares of Riverside, Lauri Martin from Lutcher, and Amanda Rebaldo of SCC.

In both volleyball and football several area teams have enjoyed success this fall and the citizenry should make it a point to support these upstanding student-athletes.

To all of them I say keep up the good work.

GEORGE MAHL is a sportswriter for L’Observateur.