Central Lafourche beats Vandebilt in 21-17 nail-biter

Coaches have expectations, but they don’t know the true identity of their team until they play in a game situation.

For Vandebilt Catholic coach Walt Dupre and Central Lafourche coach Chad Callais, that took a little longer than expected.

After losing two weeks to hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the coaches finally had a chance to evaluate their teams Friday night when the two made their much-anticipated return to football in Mathews.

A packed Trojan stadium watched the two schools battle. It was only fitting that the game was decided in the final minutes.

Trojan quarterback Cobie Savoie scored from the one-yard-line on fourth-and-goal to secure the 21-17 victory.

The decision to go for the win instead of a tie was a no-brainer for Callais.

“Even the coaching staff needs a game under our belt,” he said. “That drive came down to the fourth down. We conferred as a staff and everybody wanted to go for it. If we couldn’t get a foot with the line that we have, then we are in trouble. We wanted to see what we had.”

Overall, both coaches were pleased with their teams’ efforts; neither team committed a turnover.

“I was very surprised how cleanly this game was played,” Callais said. “I thought both teams played well on special teams and there were no turnovers, which was a surprise with the field being muddy and slick like it was. Both teams did a great job adapting to it despite, especially this being their first game.”

Dupre agreed both teams’ effort were exceptional.

“We both got a good workout. It was an exciting game,” he said. “I knew it would be a close contest that would come down to the wire and that is exactly what happened.”

It’s back to the drawing board for the Terriers as they travel to 4A traditional power Holy Cross, which has already played two games.

“We know the offensive line is going to need some time to catch up and our passing game needs to catch up,” Dupre said. “We need Curtis (Welch) to be productive to give us a chance. We were in the game, we had a chance to win and that’s what it’s going to take.”

Welch’s 167-yard, two-touchdown performance was a bright spot for Vandebilt, the coach said.

Central Lafourche kept Vandebilt’s other offensive weapon, Dexter Smith, to only nine yards the entire game.

Offensively, the Trojans outgained the Terriers in net yards, 227-170.

Callais credited his line and slot receivers for getting key blocks, which allowed Chevell Shelby to rack up 91 yards and Savoie to finish with 88 yards in the Trojan’s option offense.

“All of our slots are hard working guys,” he said. “They pride themselves on blocking and doing what is needed.”

Looking ahead, the Trojans go right into district play hosting Terrebonne next week.

Callais said his team will focus on fundamentals before district.

“This is a great win but we have to put it behind us and move on,” he said.

“Now, district starts and we have Terrebonne. It’ll be another home game for us, which is exciting.”

Vandebilt’s Jacob Ourso runs a kickoff past Central Lafourche’s Dustin Arceneaux Friday night in Mathews. High school football returned for the first time since the arrival of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The Trojans won 21-17. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER