Hahnville’s long-awaited return to the state finals on the line at Acadiana

A pair of programs with steep football traditions square off with a berth in the state championship when 10th-seed Hahnville travels to third-seed Acadiana Friday night at 7 p.m.

Hahnville (11-2) is a hot team, having won 10 consecutive games since a 21-6 home loss to Brother Martin in week three.

The primary reason is senior running back Anthony “Pooka” Williams.

The Kansas commit has been incredible in the Tigers’ three playoff wins, rushing 95 times for 965 yards and 10 touchdowns in three playoff games.

For the season, Williams has 253 carries for 2,695 yards and 33 touchdowns, good for an astonishing 10.65 yards per carry. Williams has six receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown. He has returned five kickoffs for an eye-popping average of 46.8 yards per return and three punts for 64 yards and a score.

“I have said this before and I will say it again—Anthony is the best player in Louisiana,” Saltaformaggio gushed. “He is the best player I have ever coached, the most dynamic. People know he is coming, that he is getting the ball, and they still cannot stop him. He is only 5-8 or 5’9 and about 170 pounds. Some say he is too small. He will have touched the ball about 300 times by season’s end. He is plenty tough.”

Junior quarterback Jha’quan Jackson will eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark Friday night. Jackson has rushed 152 times for 996 yards and 15 touchdowns. Jackson has completed 21-of-60 passes for 457 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. Sophomore Daryle Evans has 46 carries for 347 yards and four scores. Senior Jemel Byrd has six catches for 112 yards. Hahnville has scored 40 or more points eight times.

“Both teams want to run the ball and impose their will,” Saltaformaggio said. “Whoever can do it will win the game. We have to stand up to their attack. The veer is not an easy offense to contend with. Their offensive front looks a whole lot like Notre Dame with their 300-pounders. They are going to pound it and pound it and pound it.”

When Acadiana (12-1) throws it, they throw it as little as Hahnville.

Senior Jaylen Borel has completed 36-of-65 passes for 865 yards 13 touchdowns.

Still, it is the running game and defense that has propelled the Wreckin’ Rams to this point. Acadiana has held eight opponents to 14 points or less.

Acadiana has a pair of 1,000-yard rushers, including sophomore Dillon Monette and senior Ziggy Francis. Monnette has 176 carries for 1,386 yards and 11 touchdowns and six catches for 170 yards and three touchdowns while Francis has 132 carries for 1,046 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Senior Jaylen James has rushed 57 times for 708 yards and eight touchdowns, along with eight catches for 273 yards and five touchdowns. Senior Hunter Tabb is the top receiver with 12 catches for 273 yards and two touchdowns.

“We have a ton of respect for Acadiana and Coach Ted Davidson,” Saltaformaggio said. “We know what they have accomplished and we know it is going to be very tough to go there and win but I like the way we are playing, the way we are working and how determined our bunch is. We feel like we’re up to the task.”

Acadiana has won four state championships under Davidson, all since 2006. The last title came in 2014. Hahnville, which has six state championships, has not won a state title since 2003 and has not been in the semifinals since then. To say the community is excited is an understatement.

“You come to Hahnville for these games, for these moments,” Saltaformaggio said. “Everyone is so passionate here and has advice for us. We will show up in force, as will our fans. It would be great to give everyone the reward of going to the ‘Dome.”