Central Hosts Ponchatoula in Playoffs

Round One: Central Hosts Playoff Friday

by Woody Jenkins, Editor

CENTRAL — For the Central High Wildcats, there’s been little time to celebrate their 9-1 record and 5th straight District 4-5A Championship.  The Wildcats did have a bit of fun last Friday night as they whipped Live Oak 56-27 at Central’s annual “pink out” game which highlights the community’s commitment to fighting cancer.  The Wildcats wore new pink uniforms and scored on almost every offensive series.

This Friday, Central (ranked 4th in the state) hosts Ponchatoula in Round One of the State 5A Playoffs.  Ponchatoula is highly regarded.  Central head coach Sid Edwards is quick to remind his coaching staff and players that last year Ponchatoula eliminated Dutchtown, one of the top teams in the state in the first round of the playoffs.  “We were ranked 33rd in the state that week and beat No. 1-ranked St. Paul’s.  That victory got a lot of attention.  That was the same week Ponchatoula beat Dutchtown.  This year, the roles are reversed, and we are on high alert,” he said.

Coach Sid had high praise for Ponchatoula head coach Hank Tierney, whom Edwards considers one of the “legends” of the game.

“When we take the field against Coach Tierney, we’re playing a future Hall of Famer,” he said.  Tierney, who has won three state championships, is in his 34th year of coaching.  Most of his career was spent at Archbishop Shaw and then West Jefferson before coming to Ponchatoula after Hurricane Katrina.

Tierney has a career record of 221-78 and is ranked 28th among all high school coaches in state history.

HHH

Central assistant coach and offensive coordinator David Simoneaux praised Live Oak, even after last week’s blow out.  “This is a gutsy Live Oak team, very tough.  They have a high belief level.  They will be in the playoffs this week too.  Whoever their opponent is had better be ready.”

Simoneaux said his offense had a good night against Live Oak.  “Gary Triplett had a stellar night.  He had some electrifying runs.  Jake Myer also had a great night.

Regarding Ponchatoula, Simoneaux said, “This is a very good Ponchatoula team. They run the triple option double slot.  They like to score a lot of points and then keep the ball away from you.  On defense, they have six returning starters.  They’re big up front and have a very athletic secondary.  At this point, all 5A teams are good.  You have to come prepared and ready to play.”

Simoneaux said the Wildcats have had a good week of practice.  “Monday and Tuesday were two of the best days I’ve seen in Wildcat football.  The kids are excited about the opportunity they have Friday night.”

“At Central High football, we have high calibre young men, and they’ve done everything we’ve asked.  We’re challenging them to stay focused, come to work, put their hard hats on, and do their jobs,” Simoneaux said.  “This team has the ability to go down as one of the greatest teams in Central history.”