St. Tammany News

Mandeville (2-1) looks to steer a steady course tonight as the Skippers host the St. Paul's Wolves (1-2). Mandeville ran past Walker, 44-7, last week, and St. Paul's put together a solid showing with a 40-7 victory over Grace King.

Both clubs proved they could put points on the board as they head into tonight's District 7-5A opener.

Mandeville's William Bunns (2) and an unidentified teammate close in on John Curtis' Alex Lauricella (17) in the season opener. (File Photo by James Gray)

Last season, St. Paul's had Mandeville's number, securing a 41-14 victory. MHS' defense has been up to the task this season, allowing just 34 points in its three games, which included a 20-3 loss to John Curtis, the defending Class 2A champs.

Senior middle linebacker Keith Shultz leads the Skippers with 15 unassisted tackles and also tops the club with 13 assists. He has two tackles for losses and has recovered two fumbles.

Senior linebacker Corey Tyler has recorded 10 solo stops and seven assists while forcing two fumbles. Senior Robert Chassaignac also has 10 individual stops to go with four assists.

Chassaignac has a sack and three stops for losses last week. He posted a safety against Walker and blocked a punt. Outside linebacker/strong safety Michael Reeves has contributed 10 solo tackles, 11 assists and two stops for losses.

Junior defensive back Kody Keowen leads MHS with two interceptions.

Skippers' defensive coordinator Craig Jones said the MHS defense will have to be disciplined to stop the Wolves.

"Our linebacking corps has been the heart of the defense to this point. Our secondary has made lots of plays while providing tight coverage," Jones said.

Mandeville second-year coach Guy LeCompte said he is still looking for the complete game from his squad.

"The team continues to play hard, but we still have to improve," LeCompte said. "We were penalized for 180 yards last week. We need to cut down on penalties and mental mistakes."

LeCompte said St. Paul's is a well-coached team and is always prepared.

"They are a good club, despite their 1-2 record, having played really good teams in John Ehret and Archbishop Shaw," he said.

LeCompte added in a big cross-town rivalry like this you can throw the records out the window.

"Our players hard work is paying off and they have been rewarded with some early success. They need to follow the game plan and stay focused," he said. Mandeville senior quarterback Chad Plaisance and senior running back Josh James have carried the Skippers' offense. Plaisance is 36-of-52 passing for 441 yards with two TDs.

He has been picked off five times. James has carried the load for the Skippers with 306 yards on 50 carries, including three touchdowns.

James also has seven receptions for 106 yards. Senior Chris Adema is the Skippers top receiver with 11 catches for 117 yards and a TD.

St. Paul's coach Ken Sears said his team faces a tough challenge on the road against a very good Mandeville club.

"They are really stout on defense, and their linebacking corps is probably one of the best we have seen," Sears said. "They are tenacious and swarm to the ball. We'll have to hit our holes hard and stay with our blocks to be able to move the ball on the ground."

Sears said the Skippers have a pretty good running game.

"We'll have to play solid on both sides of the ball and on special teams to have an opportunity to win," he said.

The Wolves will need another solid performance from Alex Williams, their senior signal caller. Williams has connected on 24-of-51 passes for 341 yards with four TDs and two interceptions.

Sophomore split end Lesean Jones is Williams' top target with 11 catches for 140 yards, averaging 12.7 yards per catch with two touchdowns. Senior Josh Gast has chipped in with six receptions for 120 yards and two scores.

Junior fullback Josh Pereira has rushed for 197 yards on 21 carries, averaging 9.3 yards per rush. Pereira has two TDs.

Senior defensive back Kenny Ray Reeves led the Wolves defense last week with five solo tackles and an assist.

He had one tackle for a loss and defended four passes. Senior defensive end Tony Bellan recorded a sack, two stops for losses and caused a fumble. Junior linebacker Jordan Bodenheimer was credited with two individual stops and three assists. Senior defensive back Matt Couret recorded four individual tackles along with an assist.

Sears said he hopes his team can capitalize on the momentum of last week's convincing victory over Grace King.

"It felt good to get the 'W' and that was important heading into district play."

Sears said his club has had a great week of practice. "The team is focused and at this point the hay is in the barn. It's a big rivalry and I'm sure both clubs will be ready to play. I'm sure we'll have a big crowd and they will get behind us. I'm looking for our players to hopefully perform at a high level."

The game is being broadcast on Northshore 104.7 FM with James Richardson handling the play-by-play.