Archbishop Hannan on the road this week

Archbishop Hannan (0-3) in search of its first victory travels to Grambling today to take on the Kittens at Eddie Robinson Stadium with a 7 o’clock kickoff. Hannan came up short in last week’s homecoming game, falling to Ridgewood Prep, 32-15.

Grambling (2-2) was held scoreless, falling to the Many Tigers 27-0 at home.

In last week’s game against Ridgewood, Hannan coach George Templet questioned an officials’ call on a Hawks’ onside kick attempt after scoring a touchdown to cut the lead to 14-7 in the first half.

Hannan’s Adam Lewis actually recovered the kick in the air after it traveled the required 10 yards, but the ball never touched the ground so the ball was awarded to Ridgewood on its 48-yard line.

Immediately following the game, Templet researched the rulebook, and initially felt the officials made an improper ruling.

Templet has since said the officials did in fact get the call correct. “I just want to commend the officiating crew for knowing the rule, and making the correct call. They awarded the ball to Ridgewood since the kick never hit the ground,” Templet said.

The second-year coach said Grambling has good size. “Grambling has great size up front along both its offensive and defensive lines. They have some good-looking skill players on offense. I think their record is a little deceiving. I think they have a solid ball club,” Templet added.

“We will have to pack it in the box to hopefully stop their running game. I figure they will try to pound the ball inside against us.”

Hawks’ junior signal caller Andrew Arceneaux hit on just 4-of-15 pass attempts for 93 yards, while the running game was limited to 55 yards on 18 carries. The Hawks were limited to nine first downs.

Templet said his offense has to find some consistency, and be able to sustain drives.

He felt the Hawks’ passing game finally showed some signs of life last week against Ridgewood.

“We must throw the ball more to keep the defense honest. We look to go to more of a shorter type passing game, to get Andrew (Arceneaux) in a comfort level,” Templet added.

Templet said for the most part his offensive line is doing an adequate job, providing protection for Arceneaux.

Senior Perry Degelos, who has been out with a knee injury since the season opening scrimmage, will be back in the lineup tonight. Before being injured, he was a two-way starter, playing offensive left tackle and defensive end. Templet said Degelos would only play on the offensive line this week.

Templet praised the consistent play of his senior tailback Adam Lewis. “Adam continues to carry the load for us. Lewis has rushed for three touchdowns and has one TD reception. He returned a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown last week against Ridgewood.

Templet said not knowing much about Grambling, and only having one game film to review, he felt it would be a feeling out process initially.

“We felt earlier in the season, we were trying too hard to establish the run, which we thought would in turn open up our passing game. We plan to go back to throwing the ball more,” Templet said.

Grambling head coach Cedric Sherrod is in his first year with the Kittens, returning six starters on offense.

Senior quarterback Darrius Livingston (6-3, 205), a three-year starter, takes the snaps for the Kittens, which operate out of multiple formations. Livingston is Grambling’s leading rusher and has tallied five TDs. Junior tailbacks Kendell Denson (5-10, 200) and Rashad Conley (5-10, 200) carry the load for the run oriented Grambling squad.

Grambling operates out of a 3-3 defense, which returns eight starters. Junior middle linebacker Nick Moore (5-9, 195) is the Kittens’ leading tackler with 45 stops. He has posted four sacks, five stops for losses with one interception. Junior defensive end Jermicheal Gant (6-1, 210) and junior free safety Cedric Thomas (6-2, 180) are the other leaders of the Kittens’ defense.

Sherrod said after reviewing game film it shows Hannan likes to spread you out.

“They are capable of throwing the ball. They show a four or sometimes five wide receiver package,” Sherrod said.