Prep Roundup: Week 9

Week 9 news and notes in the Tri-parishes:

301: The number of rushing yards Vandebilt Catholic accumulated in its impressive win against Morgan City. The Terriers needed to win to stay alive in the playoff chase.

224: The total combined points the South Lafourche and Patterson offense have scored in the past two weeks. The Tarpons followed up a 47-point output with 54 more Friday against H.L. Bourgeois. The Lumberjacks answered a 61-point effort last week with a 62-19 win against Franklin.

364: The total rushing yards Thibodaux accumulated in its district win against rival Central Lafourche. The Tigers defeated its rival and earned their second win of the season.

SportsNet Jamboree week Players of the Week:

Bronze: South Terrebonne quarterback Trevon Smith. Traditionally a run-first team, the Gators showed they could air it out Friday. Smith completed 10-of-15 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a score in the South Terrebonne blowout win against Ellender.

Silver: South Lafourche quarterback Seth Griffin. Griffin is a regular on this list because of his diverse output for the Tarpons. Friday was no different, as the quarterback threw for 267 yards and one touchdown, rushed for 92 yards and also intercepted a pass for the South Lafourche defense.

Gold: Vandebilt Catholic halfback Aaron Smith. With Vandebilt needing a win to stay alive in the playoff chase, the Terriers decided to ride their workhorse against Morgan City. He answered, willing his team to the win, rushing for 203 yards on 21 carries and three scores.

The Super 6 Preseason Power Rankings (ranking Casey Gisclair’s best Tri-parish teams):

1. Patterson. Patterson scores 60 points again. What’s new? The Lumberjacks have now won all eight of its games by 24 or more points.

2. Central Catholic. Emotions will be riding high in Morgan City Friday as Central Catholic takes on undefeated Vermilion Catholic for the district championship. I see no reason to believe the Eagles won’t shine in the face of its toughest opponent of the season.

3. South Terrebonne. The race is on for South Terrebonne. Not for a playoff spot, that’s on lock. But the Gators need to win Friday against Abbeville to be in a comfortable position to host a playoff game. The Gators are currently ranked No. 10 in the Class 4A playoff power rankings with the top 16 teams hosting. Win a win, they’ll open the playoffs in the Swamp. With a loss, they are at the mercy of the system.

4. South Lafourche. South Lafourche continues its onslaught of inferior competition, trouncing an outmatched H.L. Bourgeois. These guys will likely finish the season 5-5 with a 4-2 record in district. It’s a shame the LHSAA’s power rankings system is a sham and district games no longer mean squat.

5. Vandebilt. Written off a few weeks ago, Vandebilt is now back on the radar after handily beating Morgan City. The Terriers are currently No. 31 in Class 4A’s power rankings. Vandebilt must beat Ellender on Friday to have any chance to see the field of 32. That shouldn’t be a problem.

6. Morgan City. Morgan City’s magical playoff run will fall short if the Tigers aren’t able to upset powerhouse Assumption this week. Either way, 6-4 or 5-5 is a huge improvement for this rebuilding program. Kudos to those boys on a job well done, no matter how Week 10 ends.