Tigers, Trojans roar in Lafourche-Terrebonne Jamboree

5 Things to See in Week 1
September 3, 2019
Back in the saddle again
September 3, 2019
5 Things to See in Week 1
September 3, 2019
Back in the saddle again
September 3, 2019

On paper, Thibodaux and Central Lafourche should both have explosive offenses.

They each flexed their muscles on Friday night.


The Tigers and Trojans both rolled in the Lafourche-Terrebonne Jamboree — both scoring impressive victories over Terrebonne Parish opposition.

In the first game, Central Lafourche beat South Terrebonne 30-21. In the nightcap, there was little drama. Thibodaux romped over Ellender 38-0.

TROJANS USE BALANCE TO SECURE VICTORY


With a new quarterback for the first time in a couple seasons, Central Lafourche coach Keith Menard spent the whole offseason pondering how his offense would look in 2019.

In the jamboree, the Trojans eased some of the coach’s anxiety, marching the ball mostly at ease in the win over the Gators.

But there was a little adversity.


The Gators got the ball first and marched the length of the field — a touchdown drive capped by a short from from Jamala Ricks to go up 7-0 just three minutes into the game.

Once the Trojans tasted their own blood, there was no looking back.

Central Lafourche dominated the rest of the half, scoring on three-straight drives to take a 23-7 halftime lead.


The Trojans had balance.

On the ground, senior halfback Deon Jenkins was a force — much like he’s been throughout his career.

He struck after the Gators’ touchdown with one of his own. After a swinging gate conversion, the Trojans led 8-7.


Then first-year starting Ashtrien Duncan got in the act. Duncan completed two long first-half touchdown passes — one to Aaron Delaune and another to Jansen Folse to put the Trojans up 23-7 at halftime.

Menard said the team’s ability to both run and pass is a luxury — one which gives him options as a play caller.

Duncan passed for almost 200 yards in his debut.


“It’s a great thing to have,” Menard said of the ability to run and pass. “I thought we did a good job in the jamboree working on both of those things. We have some things to clean up, but it was a good start for our offense.”

In the second half, the Trojans continued the onslaught, putting another touchdown up to go ahead 30-7 — another touchdown run from Jenkins.

Menard said this offseason that Jenkins is evolving and is now a more complete back. That’s bad news for opponents, because he’s been a standout now for two-plus seasons.


“He’s always had the power. Now he has some wiggle,” Menard said. “He’s a big-time player for us and he’s a guy who leads this team.”

Late in the jamboree, South Terrebonne made some hay, putting two scores on the board to trim the final score to 30-21.

Menard said he put some younger defenders in the game to get them some work, and the Gators took advantage.


“They’re going to be a good football team,” Menard said of the Gators. “We’re proud of the kids. Tonight, they got the job done.”

TIGERS ROLL OVER ELLENDER WITH BIG PLAYS

The Thibodaux High School football team had a tough 2018 season, but they were youth … and injured.


Not anymore.

The Tigers showcased their experience and their explosiveness, torching Ellender with big plays en route to a 38-0 jamboree win.

The Patriots were their own worst enemy, as well — especially on special teams.


The Patriots got the ball early and stalled.

A shanked punt set up a short field and an easy 40-plus-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Luke Alleman to receiver Kyren Lacy.

Alleman and Lacy were a lethal duo on Friday, connecting several times for big plays.


On Ellender’s next drive, the punt team had problems again. A muffed snap caused a fumble and Thibodaux’s Darius Walter fell on top of it to put the Tigers ahead 14-0 early.

“We scored and made big plays in all three phases,” Thibodaux coach Chris Dugas said. “You have to be happy about that. It’s one thing to see it in practice, but until it’s another opponent across from you, you don’t actually know. So it feels good for us and we’re proud of the works the kids have put in.”

The Tigers added another score before halftime to go up 21-0 — another strike from Alleman to Lacy.


In the second half, they cruised, getting touchdowns from Alleman and Feronte Miller to go ahead 35-0, then a short field goal from Peyton Domangue to put the cherry atop what Dugas said was a solid performance.

“We have some things to work on and clean up like everything else, but I’m pleased with how we played,” Dugas said. “Now, we have to have a good week of preparation and get ready for Week 1.” •