The old sports phrase, “you can throw the records out of the window,” is often used when two rival football teams with opposite records are set to play in what’s usually a close game. 

Catholic High coach Matt Desormeaux, whose team has won six straight games heading into Friday’s District 7-2A clash at Loreauville (2-4, 2-0), believes the Tigers’ record is deceptive. 

LHS hasn’t lost since quarterback Hayden Benoit returned to the field in Week 6. The senior completed 13 of 19 passes for 393 yards and five TDs in blowout wins over Delcambre (58-0) and Houma Christian (57-3).

“Loreauville’s record doesn’t speak for who they are,” Desormeaux said. “They’re a dangerous team.”

CHS (6-1, 2-0) is the only other undefeated team in the district. The Panthers have won every game by double digits during their streak, including last week’s 62-6 win at Delcambre. 

Tristan Lewis and Owen Morris combined for three rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Luke Landry threw two TD passes to Joseph LeBlanc. Bennett Boudreaux ran for a score, and Xander LaBauve threw a TD pass to Bryant Smith.

“We have quality backup backs in MIchael Haik and Tylan Sonn,” said Desormeaux, who called on the pair early in the year with Morris injured. “Now that Owen is back, we can benefit from both his and Tristian’s skill sets. Both of them can really scoot.”

The CHS defense, which has held four opponents to eight-or-fewer points, limited Delcambre (3-4, 0-2) to 107 yards of offense on 36 plays. The DHS Panthers completed 1 of 5 passes with two interceptions which sophomore Karon Eugene returned for touchdowns.

Eugene’s 37-yard interception return gave CHS a 13-0 lead midway through the first quarter. He brought a second pick back 35 yards for a 48-0 margin in the third.

“I’m very pleased with our defense,” Desormeaux said. “They’ve played phenomenal with the exception of maybe one or two drives all season.”

Morris (7-56) led the team in rushing last week. Landry was 8 of 9 passing for 92 yards and the two TDs to LeBlanc, who has caught 33 passes on the year for 353 yards and six TDs. Jaiden Mitchell leads the team with 23 receptions for 471 yards and six TDs.

“Luke doesn’t pick a receiver before the play,” said Desormeaux, who has had 16 players catch a pass this season. “He takes what defenses give him. Joseph, Jaiden and Gavin Roy (13-133, 2 TDs) have done a good job.”

LaBauve, who leads the team with five sacks, relieved Landry at QB last week and completed 5 of 7 passes for 48 yards. LeBlanc (2-33) led the receiving corps with Layton Mitchell (2-24), Andrew Trappey (2-18), Maddox Nacol (2-17), Jaiden Mitchell (1-35) and Jake Wyman making catches.

Wyman was in his first game back from an injury suffered earlier in the season. Standout linebacker Bennett Woodring has returned full force. Offensive lineman Roan Judice is also expected back for the Panthers, who Desormeaux said are at their healthiest.

Tackling machine JohnDavid Hidalgo was the leader in stops at Delcambre (seven). The senior has three of the team’s 18 sacks and seven of its 47 tackles for loss. 

“JD is a big-time player who leads by example,” Desormeaux said. “Izzac Andre is our vocal leader on defense. In the secondary, Chris Green and Tristan Lewis are always in the thick of things. Chris is a physical strong safety who can play down in the box.”

CHS is No. 9 in the Division IV select power ratings. The top eight seeds in its bracket will receive a first-round playoff bye. 

At No. 16 in the Division III Non-Select playoff ratings, Loreauville is in position to host a first round playoff game. The Tigers’ losses are to Erath (6-1), Vermilion Catholic (7-0), Jeanerette (6-0) and Kaplan (5-1). Three losses were by a total of 19 points.

Maddox Savoy leads the Tigers in rushing with 325 yards on 62 carries and six TDs.

“This was our toughest pre-district we’ve had in a while,” LHS coach Terry Martin said. “This might not be the best team we’ve had, but I think we can have a decent team come playoff time.

“This is the best team (CHS) has had in a long time. They’re really skilled with the most team speed they’ve had in a while. They can do so many different things. Landry is a student of the game. He knows exactly where he wants to go with the ball. He’s one of those few guys (on the high school level) who can go through multiple progressions.”