Fontainebleau's Bulldogs (2-1) open District 7-5A play at 7 tonight on the road against the Hammond Tornadoes (1-2). Last season, the Bulldogs took care of the Tors, 35-21.
Fontainebleau found some offensive spark last week against the outmanned Douglass Bobcats in a 48-6 thrashing. Hammond defeated Amite, 26-20 for its initial victory. The Tornadoes have been outscored 94-38, suffering losses to Catholic High (35-9) and South Plaquemines (39-3).
 Fontainebleau's Kris Rice (37) makes a stop on a Douglass ball carrier in last week's 48-6 victory at the Dawg Pound. Rice was credited with five solo stops including one for a loss. (File Photo by Shane M. Douglas) |
Seven different players dented the scoring column. Junior running back Vinnie Tonagel led the Dawgs with 88 yards on eight carries. Sophomore Perrin Sims contributed 53 yards on eight carries with a TD run of 11 yards. Junior quarterback Clay Fritscher had four carries for 33 yards, including a 20-yard TD touchdown in the first quarter. Fritscher connected on 2-of-4 passes for 15 yards and a TD, finding split end Seth Billodoux.
The Fontainebleau defense was on its game last week, limiting Douglass to just 57 yards of total offense. The Dawgs controlled the ball in the second half and held Douglass to just six offensive plays in the stanza.
Sophomore Kris Rice led the Dawgs' defense with five solos, including one play for a loss. Sophomore defensive tackle Scott Korte recorded two solos, two assists and recovered a fumble, replacing the injured Scott Kohls. Senior defensive tackle Ryan Slicho notched three solo stops.
Fontainebleau first-year coach Gregg Hudson his team needed a victory and that type of output to gain some confidence in their offense.
"We had just one blown offensive assignment last week, compared to 10 the week before in a loss to Jesuit. Being 2-1 entering district, puts us in a good situation. I feel the team is prepared and ready for Hammond," Hudson said.
Hudson said he and his staff have reviewed film from all three of Hammond's games.
"Hammond is starting to get things gelling from both an offensive and defensive standpoint. They are very athletic and have lots of speed. They have gained confidence with their tough, road victory over Amite," Hudson said.
Senior quarterback Adam Gross (6-foot, 190 pounds) runs the Hammond multiple style offense. Gross went 10-of-22 for 117 yards and two TDS to senior Robert Alford on fade routes, covering 20 and 33 yards. Alford (6-0, 180) pulled in five receptions for 70 yards.
He is a two-way performer, and will also start at cornerback.
Hudson said the Tornadoes have confidence putting Gross in the spread formation.
"He does a good job of running their offense and looks for No. 3 (Alford) who is a talented receiver. He can go up and get it," Hudson added.
Senior running back Carderion Beale (6-1, 195) and sophomore fullback Justin Betts (5-9, 185) will take care of the rushing load for the Tornadoes. Beale carried 22 times for 82 yards and a 12-yard TD last week. Betts lugged the ball 16 times for 65 yards and scored on a one-yard run.
Hammond coach Rusty Barrilleaux is in his first-full year after serving as the interim coach last season.
"We definitely have some momentum coming off the big victory over Amite. The players have turned around their effort and are playing with enthusiasm and intensity. That will have to continue this week against a good Fontainebleau team," Barrilleaux said.
He said his team varies its defensive scheme, depending on the offensive formation they are facing.
"We try to be as unpredictable as possible on defense. The Wing-T is tough to stop. Our players will have to be disciplined to stop it. The misdirection can kill you," Barrilleaux said.
The Tornadoes' defense is anchored by junior lineman Davant Whitehead (6-2, 261) and
senior end Jack Jacobsen (6-1, 205). Barrilleaux said senior cornerback Jeremy Jackson (5-8, 150) has stepped up his play and is doing well in the secondary.
Hammond held Amite to just two first downs last week while giving up 90 yards rushing. The Tornadoes defense gave up three TD passes last week.
Barrilleaux said his club would have to play with confidence and protect the ball.
"Fontainebleau is a big physical club with a great strength program. They know how to fire off the ball. If you make mistakes against them, they will make you pay for them."
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