The Destrehan Wildcats entered the season as the LHSAA 5A state runners up, and have given fans no reason to believe otherwise. Destrehan is looking to make its fifth deep run into the playoffs in 2015, making it to the championship game last season and the semifinals in 2013. Despite the Wildcats losing a plethora of players to graduation, 5 of which are playing Division-1 football this season, the Wildcats are poised to make another run in the 2015 LHSAA prep football season.

Coach Robicheaux and the Wildcats come into the Battle on the River at a perfect 3-0, although they didn’t exactly look perfect in doing so. The Wildcats have some major struggles on both sides of the ball, but their ability to strike at any minute via a big play in the running or passing game has given them the upper hand in out running teams for a big win. The 2015 Wildcats have become a testament to the statement that it only takes one play to completely change a game. Destrehan’s scoring sheets are populated by long passes to receiver John Williams and break out runs by Karon Taylor. It has been these big plays that have propelled the Wildcats to wins behind the spotty play of the defense and struggles with turnovers. Do not let the box scores fool you the Wildcats have some major concerns. Never the less Destrehan has produced three wins against three opponents who are atop the prep rankings this season.

Cohen Granier has come out in the 2015 season with what looks like a chip on his shoulder left from being pulled from the Championship game last season. Granier looks his best both running and passing with multiple touchdowns rushing and passing already this season. In last week’s contest against the Ehret Patriots Granier connected with John Williams for a 40 plus yard touchdown on two separate occasions lifting the Wildcats over the Patriots in dramatic fashion. Another major player in the win versus Ehret was running back Karon Taylor. Taylor broke away for a handful of 20 plus yard gains totaling 133 rushing yards in the contest.

Granier, like the rest of the Wildcats, has had his share of ups and downs this season. However, you can pinpoint the quarterback’s struggles to his completion percentage. Granier went 8-18 on Friday against the Patriots, under fifty percent. The quarterback did not truly get on track until the second half, but it proved to be right on time as the offense then took off for 28 points behind Granier’s three touchdowns.

Aside from Granier’s easily fixable struggles the Wildcats overall have a serious problem with turnovers. Three out of the four 2nd half turnovers by the Wildcats were a result of fumbles by Wildcat running backs. Although the game was not close, coughing up the football could prove detrimental to the Wildcats in the future. Along with turnovers, the Wildcat defense has looked somewhat spotty throughout this season. The Wildcats have had some serious struggles against the run and the big play. Both of these can prove to be the difference against the Hahnville tigers this week, as that is the bulk of their offensive production.

The Wildcats come into Battle on the River as the heavy favorite, but these teams have proven that being a favorite means nothing, and play a close game every year. I’m predicting a close game, but I think the Tigers will upset the Wildcats 24-21.