Erath knocks off Delcambre

DELCAMBRE - It was a crowded night in Delcambre as an old high school rivalry was reignited between the Delcambre Panthers and the Erath Bobcats. The Bobcats kept control of most of the game, walking away with a 45-14 win over Delcambre.
Coach David Comeaux of Erath was pleased with the offense his team put forward for the night. Elijah Mitchell, a regular standout since his freshman year, had a 36-yard touchdown on his very first play of the game.
Ben Leblance, who held command of the offense from the quarterback position, was able to rely on a nearly impenetrable offensive line and standout running backs to bring the Bobcats to such a big win.
“There were a lot of things we did well,” Comeaux said of his team. “Give Delcambre some credit, though. They are a scrappy team.”
The scrappy Panthers did put 14 points on the board in the second half, thanks to their own strong running game. They ended up with about 260 yards of total offense, with 243 of them being on the ground. They also went virtually toe-to-toe with Erath on first down conversions, with 16 to Erath’s 18.
Delcambre opened up the game with a short drive that led to a punt. Erath started their first drive with Ben Leblanc racing down the field on a quarterback keeper, getting 55 yards and a would-be touchdown. However, a holding call brought the Bobcats back. Three plays later, Mitchell got his first touchdown of the night. He would eventually score five more, along with picking up a total of 104 yards.
At the end of the night, he would become Erath’s all-time leading rusher with more than 2,200 yards.
Scott Moore also had a stellar night, with two touchdowns and 123 yards on the ground for Erath. Leblanc had 108 yards of total offense, as well.
Mitchell’s touchdown would be the only score in the first quarter. Moore picked up his two touchdowns in the second quarter, with Mitchell picking up another toward the end of the half.
For Erath, the night was all about opening up various lanes for the running backs to hit, and having so many weapons on the ground could end up very useful in their next challenge. They’ll take on Catholic High next week. Meanwhile, Delcambre will take on Hanson Memorial.
Adding to Friday night’s dominant ground game for Erath were Coy Sonnier, with 35 yards, and Coy Leblance, with 59 yards and one touchdown.
Ben Leblanc was 1-of-6 in passes with a total of 13 yards. His sole reception was to Jaylen Sinegal, who picked up 13 yards on the catch.
The season opener was the 47th meeting between Erath and Delcambre. Erath leads the series 33-12-1.
In 1953, the first game of the series, Delcambre won with a score of 38-7. Delcambre last defeated Erath in 1999, 14-6.