Destrehan Wildcats Claw Through Competition: Finish 18th in the Nation
The Destrehan Wildcats high school football team had an outstanding season this year. So outstanding was their performance that MaxPreps has ranked them the 18th best team in the nation. On Tuesday, January 22nd, MaxPreps and the Army National Guard were on-site at a packed house during a Destrehan basketball game to present the MaxPreps Tour of Champions National Ranking Trophy.
Destrehan had some close calls but the Wildcats won all 15 of their games including a 41-21 rout of Acadiana of Lafayette on Dec. 8 to lay claim to the Louisiana State5-A championship. It was the school’s third state title, having previously won in 1949 and 1973. Destrehan is one of 30 high schools nationwide being honored in the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard.
“We’re real excited to end up 18th (final rankings),” said Stephen Robicheaux, who completed his eighth season as head coach. “Any time you’re ranked national, it’s a real honor. To play in the toughest district in the state, to go unbeaten and now to be highly ranked, this is an added bonus.”
Quarterback Jordan Jefferson, the Louisiana Player of the Year who will play next fall for national champion Louisiana State University, passed for 2,846 yards and 24 touchdowns while throwing only three interceptions. He had a great supporting cast, though, as Jerico Nelson rushed for 1,098 yards and 23 TDs while Jefferson’s favorite passing targets were Damaris Johnson (81 catches for 1,228yards and 12 TDs) and Tim Molton (44-932, 11 TDs).
On behalf of the school, Coach Robicheaux was presented with an 18-inch tall bronze statue on a wood block base from Louisiana Army National Guard Sergeant Jeffery Nelson during halftime of the boys’ varsity basketball game.
I had an outstanding time at Destrehan High School this year for the MaxPreps Trophy Presentation. I wish Coach Robicheaux the best of luck in upcoming seasons and we hope to one day be back to do it again. Go Wildcats!
