Thibodaux Tigers outlast Assumption with 28-0 win

The Thibodaux High Tigers have played exactly two games this season. In those two games, their defense has allowed exactly zero points.

If they have it their way, that trend will continue.

Friday night’s 28-0 District 7-5A win over the Assumption Mustangs was proof that their 3-0 victory the previous week was no fluke, and the Tigers’ defense could be a force to be reckoned with in the district, according to Tigers head coach Dennis Lorio.

And the offense can’t be overlooked, the coach said. The offense outgained the Mustangs in yardage Friday, 342-133.

“We would have been thrilled with just the district victory. I told (defensive coordinator) Coach (Kerry) Melvin that if they keep shutting them out, all we need to do is stumble and score here and there, which is basically what we did.”

According to Lorio, the defense is so dedicated that they don’t even yield in practice, often making it difficult to work in an offensive game plan. He credits Defensive Coordinator Kerry Melvin and the rest of his defensive staff for prepping them every week.

“They are intense and very well coached,” Lorio said. “We need that. If we have aspirations to be a championship team, then we have to have a big defense.”

The biggest threat for the Mustangs (0-3, 0-1) was running back Ronald Wise, who compiled 123 of the Mustangs total yards.

Even though the Mustangs saw success running the ball, Assumption head coach Shawn Preston credited the Tiger defense for getting tough when it counted.

“Our best play was the draw play and we were able to get yards on the ground but they held us once we reached the red zone,” he said. “I tip my hat to them. Anytime you can pitch a shut out, then it’s a success. That’s what they did tonight.”

Lorio concurred, saying, “Once a team gets in the red zone, the field shrinks and a defense tends to play better.”

Of course, it always helps to have an early lead to work with.

On the opening play from scrimmage, the Tigers’ Brandon Duncan scampered 44 yards to get into scoring territory. The remainder of the drive turned into the Donnie Morgan (18 attempts, 75 yards) show until Morgan finally scored from seven yards out on fourth down with 7:38 left in the opening quarter.

The Tigers’ (2-0, 1-0) defense turned up the heat and held the Mustangs to 40 total yards on the next two drives combined before giving the ball back to the offense, who in turn put together a three-play, 88-yard scoring drive capped of by a 73-yard run by Demon Bolt to put the score 14-0 at the half.

Thibodaux quarterback Trovon Reed (12 rushes, 128 yards) gave the defense more than enough cushion, finding the end zone twice, from five and six yards, to seal the game.

The next test for the Tigers is the South Lafourche Tarpons (0-2, 0-1). Unlike the first two games it’ll be the first road test for the Tigers this season.

Lorio said the venue shouldn’t make a difference, as all teams have to learn to win on the road. He expects another solid performance from the defense and his offense to get even more organized as they continue district play.

“Where you are playing really doesn’t have anything to do with it if you have the right mindset,” Lorio said. “This district is wide open. (Opponents) are better and will be competitive and we have to get better if we want to continue moving in the right direction.”

He added, “Right now, our defense has us moving in the right direction. It’s a matter of improving ourselves to match the competition in the district.”

Thibodaux High quarterback Trovon Reed turns up field against Assumption Friday Night. The Tigers won 28-0 behind Reed’s 128 yards and two touchdowns helped the Tigers improve to 2-0 on the season. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER