Mandeville’s Skippers (5-1, 3-1) share the District 6-5A lead with the Northshore Panthers and surprising Covington Lions. The Skippers are on the road tonight at Tornado Alley going against Hammond (0-5, 0-4) in the Tornadoes homecoming game.

Mandeville looks to get back on the winning track after suffering its first loss of the season falling to the Fontainebleau Bulldogs 19-16 in over time at Skipper Stadium in their homecoming game. Hammond came up short in a valiant effort, falling to Covington 21-16 last week on the road. With Hammond holding a 16-14 lead the Tornadoes gave up a 91-yard punt return touchdown to Covington’s Otis Jacobs with only 1:39 left in the contest.

Mandeville won last year’s game 54-14.

Mandeville running back Will Bunns (2) takes a handoff from quarterback Andy Bertoniere in last week'€™s district game against Fontainebleau. Mandeville is on the road tonight to face the Hammond Tornadoes. (File photo by James Gray)

MHS coach Guy LeCompte said his club had good tempo at practice during the week preparing for Hammond.

“We limited our mistakes with penalties last week so that is something we need to continue to do,” LeCompte said.

Unfortunately the Skippers turned the ball over four times last week, losing two fumbles and two interceptions.

LeCompte praised the ongoing consistent performance of his team’s defense.

“We have been leaning on our defense the entire season. I’m proud of the way our defense has played. Offensively, we have to get it done. Our defense has been getting it done for us,” LeCompte added.

LeCompte said his club has some injuries so he needs his younger players to make contributions.

Mandeville junior Everett Ellefsen referred to as “Big E” led the Skippers defensive charge last week with 10 tackles including a team-high six solo stops. Senior linebacker Hayden Harper was in on three individual tackles and was credited with eight assists. Michael Crain contributed five primary tackles with three assists. Kentrell Thomas delivered four individual stops, three assists and recorded a sack. Senior linebacker Jeff Rebouche was in on four tackles including two stops for losses. Barret Fritscher was credited with six tackles, while Chad Alfaro recovered a fumble.

The Skippers’ running game was non-existent last week against Fontainebleau. MHS’ quarterbacks were sacked five times last week resulting in a loss of 32 yards, which put them at minus five yards running the ball.

Senior Will Bunns caught six passes for 108 yards. Senior Brandon Weeden pulled in five catches totaling 58 yards, including a 16-yard TD toss from quarterback Andy Bertoniere, who finished 14-of-27 for 227 yards.

Hammond coach Rusty Barrilleaux said his club should have come away with a victory last week against Covington.

“We had some positives in last week’s game. It was a really close game. When the opportunity is there you need to make the most of it to come away with the win,” Barrilleaux said.

Hammond forced four Covington turnovers, while turning the ball over twice themselves on an interception and a fumble.

Barrilleaux said his coaches have to deal with the usual homecoming distractions this week.

“We have to deal with trying to keep our players focused. It can be a difficult challenge sometimes balancing all the events like the parade, pep rallies and the dance on Saturday.” Barrilleaux said.

Barrilleaux highlighted the play of the Hammond defense last week.

“We had a good group effort out of our entire defense. The defense played hard. They did what they were taught to do. They swarmed to the ball. We need to continue that against Mandeville.”

Barrilleaux said he is concerned with Mandeville’s quickness on offense.

“They definitely have some quick guys. They have a good offensive line year in and year out. They usually do very well up front with their blocking,” Barrilleaux added.

He said the Tors did a good job running the football against an aggressive Covington defense last week. Hammond picked up 213 yards on the ground led by senior Torian Weber who churned for 130 yards and a touchdown. Barrilleaux said junior fullback Justin Betts did a good job lead blocking for Weber.

Hammond runs a power offense. They have speed in the backfield with Weber and Betts so they try to get outside when they can.

“The offensive line turned in a nice effort, getting a hat on a hat, continuing to push through their blocks to open holes.”

Barrilleaux said offensively, his club must be able to throw the ball against Mandeville.

“We will have to make the most of our passing game. We had some opportunities last week, but couldn’t consistently take advantage of them.”