North DeSoto football makes history with trip to LHSAA Division II semifinals
North DeSoto made history Friday night by destroying Breaux Bridge 42-13 in an LHSAA Non-Select Division II football contest, moving the Griffins into the semifinals for the first time.
“The offensive line and running backs were dominant. I think we rushed for 400 yards,” North DeSoto coach Dennis Dunn said. “Our defense was outstanding and special teams were exceptional.”
The Griffins (11-1) got touchdowns from six different athletes in topping the Tigers (6-7) to advance to face No. 1 Iowa on the road next week.
Cole Cory, Daniel Olivier, Landon Falls, Brian Banks, Marques Hampton and Luke Delafield scored for the Griffins.
John Curtis 35, Byrd 14: John Curtis (10-2) scored three touchdowns over the last six minutes of the first half to get some separation from Byrd (8-4) and went on to win the LHSAA Select Division I quarterfinal game in New Orleans.
The hosts got a fumble return for a TD by Jermall Callio, a 39-yard TD run by Marlon Prout and a 61-yard TD reception by Michael Turner to go ahead 28-7 at the break and were never behind.
Byrd’s scores came from Desmond Simmons on a 4-yard run and Tyler Nichols on a 1-yard run.
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Brother Martin 28, Northwood 14: The Falcons (9-3) saw their season come to an end against Brother Martin (8-5) in New Orleans in the LHSAA Division I quarterfinals. Northwood got a 3-yard TD run from Quintavion White and a 75-yard TD reception by Marc Denison from Mason Welch for the only scores.
Many 14, Rosepine 7: Playing on a sloppy field after all-day Thursday rains, the Tigers (12-0) outlasted Rosepine (10-3) in the LHSAA Division III matchup. Jamarlyn Garner and Tackett Curtis scored rushing TDs for the winners. The Tigers will face St. James in the semifinals in Many.
“Mud really neutralized us some,” Many coach Jess Curtis said. “They didn’t get a first down, but we struggled with some huge penalties. Still, I’m proud of my boys. We will be home on our turf next week.”
Dunham 50, Calvary 35: The Cavaliers (9-3) generated plenty of offense but not enough defense to advance past Dunham (11-1) in the Select Division III road contest. James Simon rushed for 106 yards and two TDs and caught a TD pass to lead the Cavs, who also got scores from Julius Moss, Jay Simon, Kolby Thomas, Aubrey Hermes.
Ouachita Christian 28, Glenbrook 27: Glenbrook (11-1) saw its perfect season come to an end with a narrow road loss to OCS (11-1) in the Division IV playoffs. Maddox Mandino, Turner McClelland, Cason Clemons and Chase Sentell scored.
Haynesville 31, Basile 7: The Tors (11-2) advanced to the LHSAA Division IV semifinals by topping Basile (10-2) on the road. Jayden Green had a TD run, scored on a punt return and added a pick-six for Haynesville. Eli Bray was 4-for-4 on PATs and nailed a 24-yard field goal. The Tors will play Oak Grove in the semifinals.
Mangham 48, Arcadia 0: The Hornets (9-4) couldn’t come up with enough offense to keep Mangham’s (10-1) offense off the field. The loss in the Non-Select Division IV contest ended the Hornets' season.
Ruston 49, Denham Springs 31: The Bearcats (11-1) built a big early lead and coasted to the win over the Tigers (10-3) in the LHSAA Non-Select Division I playoffs. Ruston will host Zachary in the semifinals.
St. Martin’s Episcopal 29, St. Mary’s 25: The Tigers (9-2) lead for most of the game, but a fourth-quarter rally by St. Martin’s (11-1) lifted the hosts to the win.
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LHSAA football: North DeSoto, Many, Haynesville, Ruston win
