Acadiana shuts down Destrehan, 23-0, to advance to Class 5A title game

SCOTT, La. – Points were at a premium as Acadiana downed Destrehan in the Class 5A state championship game in 2019 in New Orleans.

For one half in the rematch in 2020 in the Class 5A semifinals, that was once again the case.

Then came the second half.

Then came the physicality and power of Acadiana.

The Wreckin’ Rams broke open a close game, scoring three second half touchdowns in a 23-0 victory over No. 5 Destrehan at Bill Dotson Stadium in a game heard live on 106.1 FM.

Senior Tyvin Zeno and junior quarterback Jerimiah Brown each ran for over 100 yards as Acadiana dominated the line of scrimmage and time of possession, wearing down the Wildcats defense, which played very hard.

Zeno finished with 20 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown while Brown had 11 carries for 103 yards and a score as the Wreckin’ Rams punished the Destrehan defense for 339 yards rushing.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Wreckin’ Rams took the lead, driving 38 yards in seven plays, taking 3:38 off the clock with Jesus Martinez delivering on a 23-yard field goal attempt to make it 3-0 with 6:37 to play in the first half.

Each team had a turnover, both on interceptions. Drailun Anthony of Acadiana picked off a Jai Eugene pass while Jaden Harding of Destrehan intercepted a pass by Jerimiah Brown.

Acadiana dominated the third quarter, scoring twice to extend the lead to 17-0.

After getting a stop to start the quarter, the Wreckin’ Rams needed just three plays to score on a 1-yard run by Zeno to make it 10-0 with 8:51 to play in the third quarter. The touchdown was set up by a 46-yard run by Brown.

On its next possession, Acadiana drove 56 yards in 10 plays, taking 6:21 off the clock with Omiri Wiggins on a 1-yard run to make it 17-0 with 27 seconds to play in the third quarter.

Acadiana put up the final score in the fourth quarter with a nine play, 50-yard drive as Kevan Williams scoring on a 14-yard run.

Anthony had a second interception for the Wreckin’ Rams in a stellar performance.

The Acadiana defense held Destrehan to 73 total yards, including just 15 yards and no first downs in the second half. The Wreckin’ Rams dominated the football, keeping the football for 34:49 to just 13:11 for the Wildcats.

It was old school football as the two teams combined to attempt six passes with one completion for 10 yards and three interceptions.

“I am proud of the way we competed and of our defense,” Acadiana coach Matt McCullough said. “We knew we had to stop the run and we did a good job up front and we were able to come up with a pair of interceptions when they threw it. They played hard as we knew they would. It feels great to be going back to another championship game, especially in what has been a most challenging year for all of us.”

Acadiana (10-1) advances to the state championship game for the eighth time in school history to face No. 6 Alexandria, who downed No. 10 West Monroe 33-17.

Destrehan (10-2) saw its 10-game win streak and fine season come to an end under first year Marcus Scott.

“They deserve a lot of credit and they took advantage of some good field position,” Scott said. “That’s why they are the defending champions. Our kids played hard. They gave it everything they had all season and tonight was no different. It has to end for someone. There can only be one champion. They deserved to win tonight. I’m very proud of the coaches and players and how they were able to maneuver around the whole pandemic. We were very grateful for the opportunity to compete this season.”

The 5A championship game will be played on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. at Turpin Stadium in Natchitoches.

FINAL
Acadiana 0 3 14 6 23
Destrehan 0 0 0 0 0

First Downs:
Acadiana 20
Destrehan 3

Turnovers:
Acadiana 1
Destrehan 2

Penalties:
Acadiana 5 for 52 yards
Destrehan 9 for 83 yards

Rushing Yards:
Acadiana 339
Destrehan 63

Passing Yards:
Acadiana 0
Destrehan 10

Total Yards:
Acadiana 339
Destrehan 73

Individual Rushing:
Acadiana: Tyvin Zeno 20 carries for 111 yards and 1 touchdown, Jerimiah Brown 11 carries for 103 yards and 1 touchdown, Omiri Wiggins 16 carries for 74 yards and 1 touchdown, Kevan Williams 8 carries for 51 yards and 1 touchdown

Destrehan: Shane Lee 3 carries for 23 yards, Jai Eugene 10 carries for 22 yards, Razan Keller 7 carries for 18 yards

Individual Passing:
Acadiana: Jerimiah Brown 0-for-1, 1 interception

Destrehan: Jai Eugene 1-for-5 for 10 yards, 2 interceptions

Individual Receiving:
Destrehan: Daniel Blood 1 catch for 10 yards