Archbishop Hannan’s Hawks (2-6) slipped to 0-3 in District 6-1A last week falling to Varnado 46-9 on the road. The Jackson Chiefs (1-7) are riding high coming off a 23-0 victory over Kentwood and stand at 1-1 in district play.

Hannan tries to regroup this week looking for that elusive first district win against Jackson.

The Hawks continue to try to find the groove competing in a tough district. In last week’s loss, Hannan was able to keep it close early trailing 6-3 on David DeHarde’s 25-yard field goal with eight minutes remaining in the first quarter. Hannan’s lone touchdown came near the end of the third quarter with Andrew Arceneaux connecting with Stuart Seiler from two yards out. DeHarde’s extra point attempt hit the up right and bounded away.

The Hawks picked up 58 yards rushing with Arceneaux gaining 41 yards on 12 carries last week. Hannan’s passing game struggled last week with Korey Zeigler hitting on just 3-of-14 passes for 35 yards with three interceptions.

Arceneaux, Seiler and free safety Roger Tomberlin each recorded five individual tackles to lead the Hawks’ defense. Arceneaux also recovered a fumble.

Hannan senior receiver Ben Condon is still unable to play his receiver position due to a broken right hand, but he entered the lineup last week as the Hawks’ punter. He punted four times last week averaging 39 yards per punt.

DeHarde, a junior cornerback, returns to the defense after recovering from a broken thumb. Freshman cornerback Thomas Harrison is back from a muscle tear in his leg and will be counted on to help shore up the Hawks’ secondary. Junior defensive tackle Trey Broussard returned to the Hawks’ D-line last week recovering from a knee injury and appears to be back at full strength.

Hannan coach George Templet said Jackson has a young, talented team.

“We feel like we match up pretty well with them. I think we are similar in team makeup and ability. Philosophy wise we are also similar in how we approach games,” Templet said.

Templet said both teams have young quarterbacks and are trying to finish the season strong.

“It is probably the most important game we will play if we want to give ourselves a chance to make the playoffs. We have told our players the next two weeks are playoff potential games to have a shot to possibly get into the playoffs,” Templet added.

Jackson head coach Solomon Lee is in his fourth year with the Jackson Chiefs.

Jackson runs a spread offense with sophomore Ellis Eubanks (6-0, 155) as the starter and he will split time with freshman Corey Hawkins (5-10, 150). Freshman running back Demontrell Lee is the Chiefs’ top running back.

Jackson gained 306 yards of total offense in last week’s surprising shutout victory over Kentwood. The Chiefs rushed for 174 yards and picked up 132 yards through the air.

Coach Lee talked about the importance of last week’s big victory.

“It was a huge victory for us. It gives our players a huge momentum going into the final two games,” Lee said.

Jackson plays a 3-3 defense led by senior linebacker Bennie Covington (6-0, 195).

Coach Templet referred to Covington as a big time player.

“He looks like pretty much a full time blitzer so he puts lots of pressure on the quarterback. He can get after it,” Templet said.

The other Chiefs’ defensive leaders are sophomore nose tackle Chris Matthews (5-8, 225) and senior linebacker Justin White (5-10, 215).

Lee said the teams’ offenses are a lot alike.

“They run a similar offense to what we run. Hannan’s offense does a good job spreading the ball around to the various receivers,” Lee added.

Lee described Hannan as an aggressive defensive team.

“You have to really prepare for them because they like to send people on defense. They blitz from everywhere to try and create pressure,” Lee said.