BY NEAL MCCLELLAND

The Daily Iberian

LIVONIA — Trayvion Benjamin rushed for 326 yards and four touchdowns on 30 carries, including two touchdown runs in the last five minutes of the game, as St. Martinville improved to 6-0 on the season as the Tigers beat Livonia 55-34 Friday in the District 5-4A opener for both teams.

The two district opponents, who each entered the game undefated, battled back and forth for most of the contest as SMSH pulled ahead 34-28 at the end of the third quarter.

But the Tigers twice picked off Livonia quarterback Kerri Wells in the fourth quarter, including a 99 yard interception return for a touchdown from St. Martinville’s Mandrell Butler with nine seconds remaining, to seal the win for the Tigers.

SMSH quarterback Markavon Williams had touchdown runs of 25 and 28 yards for the Tigers, who also had a fumble return for a score from Bailey Mitchell.

Livonia’s (5-1, 0-1) Wells finished with 211 yars rushing and 173 yards passing.

St. Martinville plays host to Cecilia Friday.

Ascension Epis. 42, Jeanerette 14

YOUNGSVILLE — Ascension Episcopal scored 28 points in the second quarter to take control of the game and beat Jeanerette 42-14 Friday in District 7-2A.

The Blue Gators had two touchdown runs and two more touchdown passes in the quarter as they jumped out to the big lead and held on for the win.

AES (5-1, 2-0 district) rushed for 304 yards and threw for 228 yards against the Tigers, who fell to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in district and play host to West St. Mary Friday.

Shonathon Sparrow had Jeanerette’s only score of the night on a 92 yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second quarter. AES held Jeanerette to 72 yards of total offense in the game.

Central Catholic 48, Highland Baptist 0

MORGAN CITY — The Highland Baptist Bears 2018 football season struggles continued Friday night as Central Catholic beat HBCS 48-0 in District 7-A.

With the loss, Highland falls to 0-6 overall and 0-2 in district and play host to Hanson Thursday. Both Hanson and Highland will be looking for their first district wins of the season.

Central Catholic improved to 2-3 overall, 2-1 district and has the district bye this week.

Gueydan 45,

Centerville 6

GUEYDAN — After opening the season with four straight wins, the Centeville Bulldogs dropped their second straight contest, falling 45-6 to District 7-A rival Gueydan Friday.

With the loss, Centerville falls to 4-2 overall, 0-2 in district and will play host to No. 1 ranked Lafayette Christian Friday. 

Gueydan improved to 5-1 overall, 2-1 in district with the win.