Replay: Slidell rolls up 679 yards in 59-22 victory over Ponchatoula

PONCHATOULA – The expected offensive show between Slidell and Ponchatoula materialized as expected Thursday night at The Swamp.

After a track meet of a first half that produced 61 points, the Tigers kept scoring after halftime while making key stops in pulling away for a 59-22 victory over the Green Wave.

The game was part of the Crescent City Sports Rivalry Series and televised live on Cox Sports Television.

On a night with many offensive stars, Slidell running back Harlan Dixon was the brightest. Dixon accounted for 272 yards from scrimmage, including 237 on the ground, and scored five touchdowns to lead the Tigers.

“He’s a two-sport star,” Slidell coach Larry Favre said. “He’s that old, traditional I-back. I think he has to be one of the top (juniors) in the metro area. We want to get that 40 time down a little bit. He’s an unbelievable student, so that’s going to raise his stock even more.”

Jacob Guidry passed for 311 yards and four scores and Tito Simmons accounted for 182 yards.

“He’s a throwback,” Favre said of Guidry. “He can stay in the pocket but can hurt you more if he moves. I’m just so proud of how he’s grown and matured his senior year.”

Ponchatoula junior quarterback and LSU commitment T.J. Finley, playing only three quarters, completed 19 of 38 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another score.

Running back Tyjae Spears, who like Dixon came into the night with more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in the first five games, finished below his average with 130 yards – 47 rushing and 83 receiving.

“You saw tonight some of the best athletes on the northshore,” Favre said. “It was a shootout for most of the game, but we were able to get control towards the end of the third quarter.”

Slidell finished with 679 total yards – 368 rushing and 311 passing. Ponchatoula finished with 371 total yards, 327 through the air.

With the victory, Slidell (4-2, 3-0) remains tied with St. Paul’s and Fontainebleau atop District 6-5A with unblemished records records. Fontainebleau fell to 2-4 and 0-3.

The three leaders face off over the final three weeks of the season – St. Paul’s at Slidell on Oct. 19, Slidell at Fontainebleau on Oct. 26 and Fontainebleau at St. Paul’s on Nov. 2.