Russell Hedges
rhedges@bossierpress.com
Haughton coach Rodney Guin found it difficult to muster a whole lot of excitement when talking about his team’s 34-0 victory over the St. Mary’s Tigers Friday night in Natchitoches.
Guin, of course, was excited that his team won and improved to 4-1 overall heading into Thursday’s District 1-5A opener against Southwood.
He just wasn’t thrilled with the way his team went about it.
“We didn’t play well,” he said. “We just kind of went through the motions. There was no fire in us or anything else.”
Haughton was coming off its first loss of the season, 25-21, to Ruston. The Bucs were also facing a Class 1A team, although one that came into the game with a 3-1 record.
“They played real hard,” Guin said. “We just made some big play on them.”
Sophomore Darius Brooks started at quarterback in place of Will Haines, who suffered a concussion in the first half of the Ruston game.
The Bucs were also without several other starters, including some key offensive linemen.
Guin said Brooks performed well.
“He threw the ball OK, better than he did last week,” he said.
Haughton did all of its scoring in the first half, rolling up the 34-0 lead.
Brooks completed 14 of 20 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.
Brooks’ touchdown passes went to P.J. Douglas (45 yards) and Hunter Hunsucker (13).
The Bucs’ special teams scored three touchdowns.
Jerrod Craft returned a kickoff 81 yards for Haughton’s first touchdown. Javonte Woodard and Douglas both returned punts for touchdowns.
Woodard’s covered 53 yards and Douglas’ 47.
D’Kovin Ware led Haughton on the ground with 31 yards on six carries.
Guin expects to have Haines back Thursday against Southwood.
He also said Travis White, a three-year starter and All-District offensive lineman, should be ready to go.
Center Garrett Malone saw his first action of the season against St. Mary’s.
