Tarpons grab share of district title

2-16.

Not a very appealing number when it comes to a football teams’ record over the last two years, but it’s just what the South Lafourche Tarpons faced this season before hiring Terry Farmer as head coach.

9-1.

That could be the Tarpons record if they manage to defeat arch-rival Central Lafourche Friday night in Matthews.

Following the Tarpons’ 24-6 win over Thibodaux High Friday night, the number 5-ranked team in Class 5A is on the verge of winning their first outright district championship since 1996.

Farmer, whose made his living turning football programs around, said the moment is not about him, it’s for the players who’ve put in the hard work and the 30 seniors who’ve helped make the program a winner.

“For me, I’ve done it to two other programs,” he said. “It’s unbelievable. This is for the kids. I know the feeling, this is their time, their moment and I’m trying to put as much emphasis on them. We have 30 seniors that have put some years in. They earned this.”

In front of the Galliano’s school most notable alumni – former New Orleans Saints quarterback and founder of the “Who Dat Nation,” Bobby Hebert, and his co-host on WWL SportsTalk Radio, Deke Bellevia – the Tarpons’ defense put together an impressive performance, holding the Tigers to 27 yards in the first half.

In turn, the offense put together substantial drives and kept the Thibodaux offense off the field for most of the night to control the flow of the game.

“The kids rose to the occasion and took care of business on offense and defense,” Farmer said. “We’ve been playing well defensively all season long. I was more impressed with our offense being able to sustain drives and keep their offense off the field.”

The Tarpons took the weekend to relish their achievement, but now turn their attention to the Trojans in hopes of sweeping Lafourche Parish.

Farmer said winning at least a share of the 8-5A crown is a great accomplish but it’s important for his team to realize that they are capable of accomplishing more.

“We’re happy, but these kids are so special I just want them to understand that this is a minor part of what we can do,” he said. “We have a big game Friday against Central Lafourche. It’s always a great rivalry. The fans get into it; the players get into it. We just have to focus on the task at hand.

“We celebrated and had a good time with our win this past weekend,” he continued. “But now we turn our attention to the Trojans.”

South Lafourche running back Rusty Borne fights for extra yards as Thibodaux’s Chad Fletcher (3) and Javonti Knockum (21) try to bring him down. The Tarpons clinched a share of the district title with a 24-6 win Friday night. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER