Hannan travels to St. Martin'€™s Episcopal

Archbishop Hannan High School hits the road again tonight, traveling to Metairie to battle the St. Martin’s Episcopal Saints at Tony Porter Field with kickoff set for 7.

Hannan (0-1) is coming off a 46-12 loss to Catholic High of Pointe Coupee, while St. Martin’s (1-0) crushed Ben Franklin, 41-7, Saturday on the road.

Hannan head coach George Templet said his club needs to show up defensively this week.

“We need to attack on defense, being the aggressor to stop their running game. We can’t afford to be passive on the defensive side of the ball like we were last week. I feel we match up much more favorably this week than we did last week playing against a quality Catholic High of Pointe Coupee, which is a top 10 team,” Templet said.

“St. Martin’s does a good job of rotating their offensive backs in and out of the game. They have some good team speed with running backs who can scoot. We feel like we have to pack it in the box to stop the run. I think our secondary has enough ability to cover their receivers, so it is important for us to stop their running game.”

Templet said his defensive ends, senior Gino Gioe and junior Logan Booksh, have to be able to play containment football.

“They both have to come up big to help stop St. Martin’s running game.,” he said.

St. Martin’s Episcopal first-year head coach Frank Cazeaux said the Saints finished 6-5 last year, losing to White Castle, 54-20, in the bi-district round of the Class 1A playoffs.

Offensively, the Saints run a multiple set with junior quarterback Doug Collins (5-10, 175) directing things.

Senior tailback/cornerback Michael Smilaria (5-8, 150) intercepted a pass and returned it 52 yards for a score in the victory over Ben Franklin.

Senior split end Nick Dimaggio had two catches for 105 yards last week, both going for touchdowns.

The Saints run a split four defense led by senior linebacker/fullback Alex Lawhon (5-11, 190).

Lawhon posted seven solo stops along with six assists.

Senior defensive tackle Brandt McConnell (5-11, 195) was credited four individual tackles, six assists and also recovered a fumble.