Rayne slips by LaGrange with strong second half

By Lisa Soileaux

LSN Sports

LAKE CHARLES - Friday’s football contest at LaGrange High School Friday evening saw the Rayne Wolves collect themselves at half, overcome a two-touchdown Gator lead, and claim a 14-12 district win. The undefeated Wolves are now 5-0 overall and 2-0 in district 4-4A.

“This was a game of determination for these guys,” stated Rayne Head Coach Curt Ware enthusiastically following Friday’s win over LaGrange. “They never gave up and kept going throughout this entire game.”

He continued, “We played defense all night long and knew it would pay off eventually. They had the breaks in the first half and we had some in the second half for a big win.” 

The Wolves entered Friday’s game ranked 14th of 4-A of the LHSAA power ranking. This win could pop them close to or into the top ten this early on in the season.

Following a scoreless first quarter, two crucial mishaps in the second quarter lead to the two LaGrange scores. 

On their first score of the night, the Gators took advantage of a block fieldgoal and saw Charles Wilridge run it in for an 81-yard touchdown. The missed PAT place the Gators up 6-0 early in the second quarter.

Late in the second quarter with less than tw minutes remaining in the first half of play, LaGrange put together a 31-yard scorin drive off a Rayne fumble. The drive ended on a one-yard run by Makell Hawthorne for a 12-0 Gator lead for the halftime break.

The second half saw the tale of two half shift in Rayne’s favor as the Wolves ran, passed and caused a couple turnovers for two scores of their own.

In addition to a couple of timely LaGrange penalties, the Wolves opened the third quarter with an 88-yard scoring drive. Coming off a strong hold by the Rayne defense on 4th down deep in the third quarter of play, the Wolves were led on the ground by Trent Duhon, Javon Cormier and Byron Mouton, setting up a quarterback keeper by Tyler LeJeune for Rayne’s first score of the ballgame, still trailing 12-7.

Rayne’s defense continued to step it up on LaGrange’s next drive as Wolf defender Jonathan Dugas collected an interception to enter the final quarter of play. 

The Wolves entered the final quarter with an air attack with Tyler LeJeune connecting with Byron Mouton and Trent Duhon for a 20-yard gain each, all leading to a Duhon TD reception for the score. Ty Delahoussaye booted his second extra point of the game for the eventual 14-12 Rayne win.

LaGrange attempted a comeback late in the last couple minutes, but a Byron Mouton interception placed Rayne in the driver’s seat as they killed the clock for the win.

The defensive ballgame saw neither team break 200 yards on offense, Rayne netting 183 and LaGrange with 142.

The Rayne ground attack was led by Trent Duhon (23 carries for 118 yards) and Javon Cormier (10 carries for 38 yards).

The name of the game for the Wolves Friday was defense, seeing tackling stats led by Christian Hodges (6 tackles), Chris Thomas, Grant Menard and T.J. Bearb each with 5 tackles, and Brice Meche, Andrew Broussard and Nicky Faucheaux with four each.

“This team is improving every week,” noted Ware on Friday’s win over a tough LaGrange team. “Our defense is continuing to stay strong, while out offense is working better. I can’t say enough about how these guys are playing a well-rounded game right now.”

The Wolves will attempt to improve their spotless record Friday during their homecoming as they will host Morgan City, who is coming off a 30-6 loss to Franklin. Kick-off is 7 p.m. at Wolf Stadium.