Panthers’ efforts stymied at Opelousas Catholic

It was a rough night Friday for the Delcambre Panthers, who struggled against Opelousas Catholic in district play.

The 34-13 game started with the Panthers drawing first blood as Hunter Dooley broke away with a 23-yard touchdown run. He also kicked the extra point to make it 7-0.

However, OCHS picked up 10 points in the first quarter, while shutting out Delcambre in the second as they picked up their own 14 points.

“We just didn’t take care of our end of it,” the Panthers’ head coach, Darcy Delcambre, said. “We looked like we forgot how to tackle. We had four fumbles and lost three.

“Our hats are off to them,” he added about OCHS. “They did a good job of taking control of the game. Their defense did a good job masking what they were about to do. We couldn’t react.”

After the first half, which ended at 24-7, OCHS picked up another 10 points to go up 34-7. In the fourth quarter, Delcambre would pick up six points, but it wasn’t enough to come away with the win.

Bubba Latiolais once again led the Panthers in rishing. He had 70 yards in 21 carries. Zack Trahan ran more than normal on Friday, picking up 34 yards. Chevaun Walters picked up 26 yards in six carries.

“Opelousas Catholic shut Chevaun down,” Delcambre said. “Zach did a good job of stepping up and running more.”

The next challenge is a big one. Catholic High of New Iberia is fresh off a brutal Friday night win over Loreauville in a game most thought would be a lot closer.

The importance of a win at Opelousas Catholic, according to Delcambre, was being able to control one’s own destiny.

“We were hoping to determine our own fate in getting into the playoffs,” he explained. “A win would have done that. Now, we have to rely on others to get in. It’s a lot more difficult that way.

“The Catholic High game is our last home game,” Delcambre added. “It’s one of those situations where you have to play that last home game against a good team. You want the chance to make it into the playoffs, but there is a big obstacle there.”

Kickoff for the final game of the regular season is set for 7 p.m. Friday night in Delcambre.