Defense Steps up in Tiger Victory over Lutcher

By: Staff Writer

Hahnville traveled to Lutcher on Sunday evening to take on a very talented Bulldog squad. The Tigers entered the contest undefeated, beating Central Lafourche 43-7 and East St. John 28-27. The Tigers continue to adjust to the new schedule changes brought on by Hurricane Katrina. Hahnville has yet to play on a Friday night since the Jamboree back in August. Even with all the distractions, Coach Valdin has been able to keep his kids focused on football.

The Tigers got off to a good start when Early James marched the Tigers on a 75 yard opening scoring drive. Terrance Issac capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run with 5:47 left in the first quarter. Samaha’s PAT was good and the Tigers held a 7-0 lead. Lutcher answered with their own 80 yard scoring drive to end the first quarter. The Bulldogs ended the first quarter with a touchdown run and tied the game 7-7.

The second quarter was highlighted by a pair of field goals by new place kicker Robbie Broach. Broach’s first field goal was good from 44 yards with 9:48 remaining. Broach then kick one from 38 yards with 5:19 remaining to extend the Tiger lead to 13-7. The Tigers scored again when quarterback Early James connected with Brian Singleton for a 30 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was good and the Tigers led 20-7. Lutcher was answer with a minute left in the half with a 3 yard quarterback sneak. The PAT was good and the halftime score was Hahnville 20, Lutcher 14.

The third quarter would be a defensive struggle with both teams turning the ball over several times. The Tiger defense forced Lutcher to turn the ball over on downs on the Tiger 35-yard line. Lutcher’s defense would answer when Early James was intercept with 6:45 remaining in the third. Lutcher marched down the field on two costly Hahnville penalties. The Tiger defense would redeem itself when linebacker Corey Hawkins intercepted a Bulldog pass and returned it 48 yards. Once again the Bulldogs would answer when James fumbled late in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter mirrored the third with both defenses stepping up big. Lutcher’s defense started it off by recovering a James fumble and returning it 47 yards for a Bulldog touchdown. The PAT was good and with 10:49 remaining in the game the Bulldogs led 21-20. After a Tiger punt, the Bulldogs were in good position to eat off some of the clock and turn to their running good that was consistent all night. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, a costly mistake would turn the game around. With 8:43 remaining the Bulldogs attempt at a reverse was broken up by the Tiger defense causing a fumble. The Tigers recovered on the Lutcher 37 yard line. Hahnville would capitalize on the turnover when James contented with Ben Pierre for a 22 yard touchdown pass. James would sneak it in for the 2-point conversion and the Tigers took the lead 28-21. The defense would close it out with a Kemon Jacobs 38 yard interception return for a touchdown with 5:58 remaining. The defense would continue to hold and the Tigers held on the victory 35-21. The Tigers will take on Patterson Saturday at Hahnville.