West Feliciana sprints past Jennings to reach Class 3A title game

ST. FRANCISVILLE – After three consecutive years of falling a game short in the state semifinals, West Feliciana’s Saints will march into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome after exorcising some demons Friday night.

West Feliciana quarterback Derek Turner amassed 260 total yards and three touchdowns while Derius Davis added a pair of scores en route to a 45-26 victory over Jennings in the Class 3A semifinals.

“I’m so happy for these young men and coaching staff. You don’t know the struggle it’s been to get over this hump,” West Feliciana coach Robb Odom. “It’s pretty damn sweet.”

The Saints won their 10th straight game to advance to Allstate Sugar Bowl LHSAA Prep Classic at 7:00 p.m. Friday to face No. 8 seed Richwood.

West Feliciana led narrowly 14-13 at the break but opened the second half with a 90 yard kickoff return by Harris, a LA Tech commitment. Two plays later, a 28-yard fumble return to paydirt by Taylor Casteel increased the Saints’ advantage to 28-13.

“Our kids played extremely heart but we had a slow start to the third quarter,” said Jennings coach Rusty Phelps. “Once the train got going, we couldn’t get our feet back under us. Congratulations to Coach Odom and West Feliciana. They’re a class program.”

Jennings rallied to within 28-20 on a one-yard run by Darrian Achane but could draw no closer.

Saints kicker Luke Stelly made a 40 yard field goal with 21 seconds left in the third period to make it 31-20. West Feliciana added a 46-yard score from Davis and a 46-yard run by Harris to ice the game.

“The kids had the will to keep going.” Odom said. “I’m just so proud to get this opportunity to go to the ‘Dome.”