The Handy 5: Too many teams to choose from, poll expands by 1
A week ago, I moved Shaw up into first place. The Eagles rewarded my decision by backing it up, beating a very good Vandebilt Catholic team in Houma by 10 points.
The Eagles showed they could hold onto a lead against a quality opponent in a situation where the clichéd deck was stacked against them.
Starting quarterback out for year? No problem, just insert two new guys and hand the ball off to running back Steffon Gray, who will gain, oh, 200-plus yards.
Rotating a slew of defenders in to start because of injuries? No problem, whoever you insert will do the trick. It has through eight games. (more...)
And then there’s Destrehan, which survived its third consecutive close game. On the one hand, you’ve got to give it to the Wildcats for continually finding a way to win. Then again, with the talent that team has, few games, if any, should be close. There’s little reason Destrehan has to slug it out each week.
We’re expanding this week’s five to six. Yep. It’s my poll. I make the rules. If you disagree with any of my selection, please feel free to email me.
And speaking of, if you have any questions, email me and I’ll answer on the blog in a future post.
Onto the top 5…er, 6.
1.) Shaw (8-0), next – Friday at Ellender, 7 p.m.: The game against Vandebilt a week ago was the true test for the Eagles. Ellender isn’t bad, but it isn’t Vandebilt, either. Eagles should maintain top billing.
2.) Destrehan (8-0), next – Friday at East Ascension, 7 p.m.: Destrehan finally should get a breather in this one. East Ascension is 3-5 and hasn’t been close in any district games against Dutchtown, Hahnville or St. Amant.
3.) Hahnville (7-1), next – Friday at East St. John, 7 p.m.: This one very well could knock Hahnville out of the top 5. ESJ is no slouch, but neither is Hahnville. As long as QB B.J. Young continues his positive progression, the Tigers should be all right.
4.) Rummel (7-1), next – Friday at Chalmette, 7 p.m.: Barring a strange Halloween weekend jinx/curse, the Red Raiders will enter Week 10 with at least a share of the district title.
Tie 5.) Curtis (6-1), next – Friday vs. St. James at Bertolino, 7 p.m.: Curtis jumps in for the first time this season, and could just as likely fall out after a one-week stay. St. James has the athletes to contend with Curtis. Then again, Curtis has J.T. Curtis as its coach. He’s enough to put the Patriots on top most weeks.
Tie 5.) Holy Cross (7-1), next –Friday at Franklinton, 7 p.m.: We’ll find out two things in this one: Is Holy Cross for real (I think yes), and is Franklinton for real (I think no). For the Tigers, having Chris Brady at quarterback is like spotting the team a 7-0 or 14-0 lead.
Knocking at the door: Mandeville (6-2), St. Paul’s (6-2), St. James (6-2), Lutcher (7-1), South Plaquemines (6-2), Newman (7-1), Vandebilt Catholic (7-1)
Questions? Comments? Really think I have no idea what I’m talking about? Leave a comment below, or email me at bhandwerger@wwltv.com
Posted by Bradley Handwerger 
at 2:52 PM | Permalink
| Comments (3)
I agree with your poll and follow the river teams very closely. I also don,t understand why Destrehan struggles to defeat a team soundly. Also Hanhville has a tough week with ESJ, I feel this game could even decide how far they go into the playoffs. A win will solidify the team. JAB
YES Franklinton is for real. Don't underestimate the Demons.
From Bradley: Mr. Thomas, I stand corrected.
So much for Franklinton not being the real deal. They won pretty soundly against Holy Cross and wrapped up the district title. All this in their first year in 4A.
From Bradley: Mr. Bradford, I've got to say I'm impressed with Franklinton. I was wrong. The Demons are pretty good, and I'd be shocked at this point if they didn't make some noise in the 4A playoffs.