The annual Battle on the River football game always brings a divisive energy from Hahnville and Destrehan High Schools… But for the seniors on both teams, there’s one feeling that can be shared – bittersweetness, as they played their final rivalry match-up on September 22 at Tiger Stadium.
Shane Lee is a running back on Destrehan’s football team. He’s a two-star athlete – also playing for the school’s baseball team. His coaches say he’s one of their strongest athletes and knows a lot about football itself.
“Being here for four years it’s been amazing. You know, being around the same coaches for the last four years it help me grow to be the man I am right now and a better football player too,” said Lee.
And one of the coaches he has worked closest with in those four years…Destrehan Head Coach Marcus Scott. Scott has also been with the Fighting Wildcats over the past four years – leading them to seven championships. He says he is looking forward to seeing how Lee performs during his last year on the team.
“Shane is an outstanding person first and foremost. He’s very dependable. You know, we know that we have a sophomore quarterback this year you know he provides kind of some comfort for young kids behind center. So he’s dependable. We don’t have to worry about any off the field issues. He’s also a leader in baseball with the baseball program as well. We are just happy to everything that has accomplished so far we looking forward to another great season,” said Scott.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the river, Hahnville has also been strengthening their team with each practice. Their senior football players are hoping those practices pay off with a good football season.
The team’s running back Chase Brooks won the Toughest Tiger Award in 2022 for being outstandingly fast. His accomplishment is now displayed in the Tigers’ weightlifting room – along with other star players of the past.
“Hahnville makes me feel like I’m welcomed and I have a lot of comfort with the team and the coaches. I feel like family. The team makes me feel like a brother, like we’re all brothers. We are all connected in some way. We all got a good bond with each other and thats how we play with each other on the field,” said Brooks.
Hahnville’s Head Football Coach Daniel Luquet has been leading the team since 2020. He says Brooks is a person who brings a great vibe to their team both on and off the field.
“Chase is a very unique kid. I love Chase. One of the things…he always brings is a vibrant excited demeanor to practice. You know, he’s fast, he’s physical, he knows the game, but most of all he’s a Hahnville tiger,” said Luquet.
No matter the outcome of this Battle on the River match-up at Tiger Stadium, these seniors are eager for a final football season with the teams they call family.
