Destrehan seeks, achieves perfection

Under the direction of Steve Robicheaux, the Wildcats have simply gone wild, thrilling fans, alumni and the entire community in Destrehan. With time to reflect on the excellence, Robicheaux says it has been an exhilarating experience.

"It's an unbelievable feeling. Your goal is to win state championships and to have a good program. We've accomplished both goals. The level of the program is where it needs to be. I told Chipper Simon that the only thing I want is to leave the program in better shape then he left it, just as it was in better shape when he left it than when he inherited it. We're excited about what is going on here at Destrehan," said Robicheaux.

The perfection of 2008 and 2009 has placed a bulls-eye on squarely on the chests of the guys wearing garnet and gray. With only six starters returning from last year's 14-0 team, opposing teams are chomping at the bit to get a shot at ending the 29-game Destrehan run.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge because of the young team we have now. We will make mistakes but the talent level is not bad. It's a good thing. Our kids are starting to understand that we are not the most talented team in the state. I think they know they can better and better. We just need to get better every day and I think they are ready for the challenge," said Robicheaux.

On offense, Destrehan can lean on an outstanding wide receiver in Kyron King. The 5'11, 185 pound senior is a college prospect with very good speed. Tackle Ashton Duhe (6'3, 290) is another college prospect at left tackle and will pave the way for what should be an excellent running game.

The Wildcats have a pair of big, talented backs in Henry Lennox and Marshall Charles. Lenox goes 6'1, 205 while Charles is 6'0, 185. Robicheaux loves their size, speed and ability.

"Henry Lenox is a big kid. He finished second in the state in the 100-yard dash. He can get the corner. Marshall Charles was really good for us in the spring. It will be a strong point of our football team. Both of them kind of look alike. Marshall may be tougher inside while Henry has great speed. Both have great vision," said Robicheaux.

The challenge will be replacing Wynrick Smothers at quarterback. 6'0, 175 pound junior Taylor Dunn steps into the void with big shoes to fill. Of course, Smothers had to fill the huge shoes of Jordan Jefferson the previous year. Robicheaux is optimistic about Dunn's ability to handle the task. "Taylor Dunn has a strong arm. He hasn't been tested yet. I'm anxious to see how he handles the challenge. He's not quite as mobile as the last two guys we had but he can play. We have told him not to try to be a hero but to simply get the ball in the hands of guys who can make plays and he will be successful."

Defensively, there are many stars to replace, including the likes of Darrington Sentimore and Brennon Nora up front, Rufus Porter at linebacker and Antonio Parker in the secondary. It won't be easy but Robicheaux feels he has some talent to work with in 2009.

"I think that Calvin Ursin is a special player inside. B.J. Singleton and Marrick Charles are sophomores but they are big and strong. Singleton was a starting center on our basketball team as a freshman. They are going to be real good players. I think the down linemen will be good. Tarquin Kenner can be a special player for us as well at linebacker. The secondary is more of a question mark but if we come together back there, we should be fine," said Robicheaux.

While playing experience may not be at a premium for this year's Wildcats, the experience of being part of a pair of state championship teams cannot be underestimated, according to Robicheaux.

"I think a lot can be said about the experience of winning. Were we the best team last year? I don't know but we won the championship. Having won it the year before gave them the belief in themselves that they could win it again. They don't want to accept losing. They are doing everything we are asking them to do. We will have many sophomores on the field this fall. The level of success that carries over from winning last year is nothing but a plus for you."

Winning trophies produces a high expectation of winning for the fervent followers of Destrehan football. While he deeply appreciates the superb support, Robicheaux laughed and cautions Wildcat fans that you can't win them all.

"I hope our fans are realistic. When you coach at a public school, it's hard to stay at such a high level. You see a lot of times that it goes in cycles. Hahnville owned us for a while. We've been fortunate to handle them in recent years. It's been a good run. It's all because we have good players, good coaches, good facilities and a lot of good people doing good things. Of course, we have good fans, too! said Robicheaux."

Without a doubt, 5-5A is one of the state's best districts and it prepares you well for the postseason, according to Robicheaux.

"I attribute our success to playing at a high level in our league all season long. It is big to play such good competition. When you think about Hahnville, Dutchtown and East St. John, you know they are at a very high level. East Ascension and St. Amant will be better and could do well in other leagues. I think it's been the best league in the state for the past two years. I don't know about this year but it will still be very good."

How do win state championships? With players like Damaris Johnson (Tulsa), Jordan Jefferson, Jai Eugene and Tim Molton (LSU), Jericho Nelson (Arkansas), Chris Richard (ULL), Rufus Porter (Louisiana Tech), Ryan Rome (Tulane), Darrington Sentimore (Alabama), Brennon Nora (Nicholls State), Wynrick Smothers (Central Arkansas) and Antonio Parker (Coffeyville Junior College). While Eugene preceded the two state championship teams, he laid the foundation for the others to follow. Did they ever!

The schedule features tough pre-district opponents. Destrehan opens with five playoff teams before hitting the district schedule. 4A power Helen Cox comes first before a trip to 5A quarterfinalist Thibodaux and superstar Trovon Reed. Blue-chipper Munchie Legaux and Karr come calling in week three before talented John Ehret invades Destrehan in week four. Defending 3A state champion Lutcher, now in 4A with quarterback Gavin Webster, will host the Wildcats in week five.

District play starts in week six at Dutchtown. Hahnville travels to Destrehan in week seven before the Wildcats go to East St. John in week eight. Destrehan closes out with games against East Ascension and at St. Amant. A tougher schedule in 5A will be hard to find.

If any program is prepared for such a challenge, it is Destrehan. The record speaks for itself. The coach speaks humbly but with the calm confidence of knowing that he is presiding over a talented, proud program in what are truly the glory years of an outstanding program.

Robicheaux and the Wildcats deserve all of the glory and accolades they have received for an amazing two-year run. Despite youth and despite being a target for all while playing a very challenging schedule, don't rule out the Wildcats from making another serious run toward the Superdome in 2009. History makes this very clear.

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