Archbishop Hannan hosts North Central

Archbishop Hannan (2-7) closes out the regular season tonight hosting the North Central Hurricanes in a non-district game in Hammond at Tornado Alley. Hannan will recognize its nine seniors and their parents prior to tonight’s game along with presenting the senior Hawkettes dance members and senior cheerleaders and their parents.

Hannan struggled last week in the mud falling to Jackson 42-0 on the road.

The Hawks’ offense was limited to just 15 yards of total offense due a tough Jackson defense along with the wet field conditions.

North Central (0-9) fell to Westminster 48-6 last week.

Hannan coach George Templet said his club is looking for a good outing.

“We feel like we have to play pitch and catch spreading the ball around. We have to give Korey (Zeigler) time to pick out receivers and throw the ball,” Templet said.

Templet described North Central as a multiple spread team with some very good athletes and a talented quarterback in junior Jamal Doucet (6-3, 195). He has passed for over 800 yards with nine TDs.

“Their skill people have quickness and are outstanding athletes. They appear to be young along the offensive line and hopefully we will be able to take advantage of that to put pressure on him,” Templet said.

“Defensively, we have to keep their receivers in front of us and guard against the big plays down field. We have to find a way to create turnovers and then take advantage of them,” Templet added.

North Central’s top receiver is senior Jerome Wilson (5-11, 170) who has caught 10 touchdowns along with three two-point conversions. He has over 600 receiving yards.

“North Central will be fighting hard to try and get their first victory. At the same time, we want to end the season on a positive note. The players still have a lot to play for, especially on senior night,” Templet said.

John Johnson is the first-year head coach at North Central and formerly head coach at McDonogh 35 in New Orleans.

“We have been scoring on offense, but have been surrendering too many points on defense. We have proven we can score by passing the ball, but this week we want to concentrate on scoring by running the ball as well,” Johnson said.

The Hurricanes top runner is sophomore Jeremy Rose (5-10, 215). He is a two-way starter and also plays linebacker. Rose is the Hurricanes’ leading tackler with 74 stops including four sacks.

Senior Cory Morgan (6-2, 180) plays both ways playing wide receiver/ defensive back. Morgan is the Hurricanes’ kickoff and punt returner averaging 25 yards per kick return.