South Lafourche (Galliano) coach Dennis Strains took exception to the suggestion that senior
Braxton Acosta gave a rare performance in the first quarter of the Tarpons' 24-7 victory over Westgate last week.
Braxton Acosta, South Lafourche
Courtesy photo
"You say it's highly unusual," Strains said, "but I don't think it is. Braxton plays like that every week. Braxton is a major part of our defense … He's relentless."
Acosta was that, and more, in the first quarter against Westgate (New Iberia) when his eye-opening accomplishments helped the unbeaten Tarpons to their fifth overall victory and second in District 7-5A.
In the span of less than eight minutes, Acosta recovered two fumbles and blocked a punt that South Lafourche parlayed into a 10-point advantage.
For his efforts, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound Acosta has been named the New Orleans Capital One Bank High Yield Athlete of the Week.
"The big thing about Westgate is they're a team with a lot of good athletes so it was important that we get an early lead," Strains said.
Acosta made certain that happened from the opening kickoff, which he recovered on Westgate's 31-yard line after the pooch kick was mishandled. The Tarpons subsequently embarked on a seven-play touchdown drive.
When the Tigers finally gained possession, they were forced to punt from deep in their territory. Acosta broke through to block the attempt with Vince Liner recovering the football on Westgate's 10-yard line.
South Lafourche couldn't convert the opportunity into points when it was stopped short on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, but Acosta wasn't finished.
Acosta runs towards the end zone.
Courtesy photo
On the next play, Westgate fumbled and Acosta recovered at its 4-yard line. The Tarpons had to settle for Taylor Keller's 23-yard field goal, but that provided South Lafourche with more than enough points to finish off the Tigers.
"Brandon's hard to take off the field," Strains said. "We use him as much as we can on special teams. He could play offense, but we're greedy. We want to keep him for us."
Beyond special teams, Acosta makes a major defensive influence as what Strains called "a hybrid outside backer." Acosta also contributes as a defensive back.
Acosta's one constant is his overwhelming contribution. Of his 36 overall tackles, seven came against Westgate, including two for losses. He's recovered four fumbles for the season, caused two fumbles, registered a quarterback sack, intercepted a pass and broken up four more.
"One of the reasons we've gotten off to such a great start is the opportunities he's given us," Strains said of Acosta. "He plays hard all night long. He does what he does every game."
