Slidell looks to go deep in state football playoffs

Going deep into the playoffs is the goal for Slidell beginning Friday night when the Tigers (8-2) host No. 27 Comeaux (5-5) at 7 p.m. at L.V. McGinty Stadium.

The Tigers advanced to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs a year ago, defeating Central Lafourche in the opening round before leading most of the way before falling 28-25 to East Ascension.

Slidell is clearly focused and looking for more after winning the District 6-5A championship for the second straight year.

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Senior running back Harlan Dixon has been terrific for the Tigers, rushing for 1,429 yards and has 567 yards receiving while Terius Crawford has chipped in nicely in the run game. The Louisiana Tech commitment has carried the offense. Junior quarterback John Autry has done a solid job while Jordan Smith is the top receiver for the Tigers. Jase Williams has been a standout on defense, along with linebacker Donte Daniels.

Slidell lost only to Division I power and top seed Archbishop Rummel and to Mandeville. The Tigers allow 17.2 points per game.

The Spartans have lost to five playoff teams. They did score 60 points in a win over Southside. Comeaux allows 29.6 points per game.

Slidell coach Larry Favre is in his 30th year as a head coach and he is enjoying the experience.

“This is the greatest job and I’m really excited about what we’ve accomplished at Slidell High,” Favre said. “We’ve had a great year. We’ve won 15 out of our last 16 district games. We have changed the culture and that change is becoming a family. We have a group of guys that like to hang out and enjoy being together.”

Favre is bullish on Dixon.

“What a career he’s had,” Favre said. “He was first team all-state a year ago in 5A last year and first team all-metro and he’s exceeded all of that this year. He has put the team’s success and team goals ahead of himself. He’ll play some cornerback as well.

Favre is leery of facing Comeaux.

“It is not the kind of draw you want for being a sixth seed,” Favre said. “Comeaux is extremely athletic. They have a quarterback going to Louisiana Tech. They have a receiver with tremendous speed. They give us a lot of problems. There is no easy draw this time of the year.”

Favre says his team is motivated by what happened last year.

“Our theme is unfinished business,” Favre said. “Against East Ascension, we were winning the whole game and then with three minutes left, it all came apart. That left a really bad taste in our mouths. We thought we should have went to the quarters last year. We have unfinished business.”