Tigers find motivation in playoff fight

As if the Thibodaux Tigers needed any extra motivation for the remaining two games of the season, the last two weeks have to give them confidence with the playoffs drawing near.

In those two games, the Tigers have outscored their opponents – Assumption and H.L. Bourgeois – 57-0 on their way to a 5-3 record (3-2 in District 8-5A).

With their star player in street clothes for the third consecutive week while recovering from a knee injury, the Tigers have played as though Trovon Reed’s heart was on the field with them.

The Tigers have shown significant improvement since their 21-15 loss to Central Lafourche, limiting turnovers and moving the ball down the field in each of the last two games.

Head coach Dennis Lorio said the team committed to maintain its intensity even when Reed went down.

“Trovon is one of our spiritual leaders,” he said. “His heart is on the field, but he can’t play right now, so the guys who are playing have stepped up.”

Over the last two weeks, the Tigers’ offense appeared to have found their touch, while the defense has reverted to the level fans have become accustomed to despite a roster full of young players.

“Our guys have gotten better all season long,” Lorio said. “We play with a bunch of young guys out there and I love the effort and passion that our young kids on defense are playing with.”

One thing the Tigers have done well all season long is field a successful short-yardage running game.

Senior Brandon Duncan scored three touchdowns from inside the 10-yard line in the team’s 30-0 win over the Braves Friday night.

Credit is due to the Tigers’ offensive line, which opened the holes all game, according to Lorio.

“We look for a good running game,” Lorio said. “We have our strength in our size and our running game. We found a way to score enough.”

But with district nearly out of the way, the Tigers face one of their stiffest district challenges Friday night, the 7-1 South Lafourche Tarpons, in a game that could change the landscape of the district.

A Thibodaux win could open the door for another team to step in and take control of the district, while a win by the Tarpons not only locks up the district for South Lafourche, but puts Thibodaux’s back against the wall.

Based on the results he has seen the last few weeks, Lorio believes his team is up for the challenge as long as they can keep playing with the heart they’ve displayed all season.

Lorio said there is a 50/50 chance Reed will return Friday night.

“You have got to give their coaching staff and kids a lot of credit down there,” Lorio said. “They, together, played tough and physical. We have the confidence, the toughness and the mindset. It should be an interesting rest of the season.”

Thibodaux High running back Terry Ausama (25) tries to elude H.L. Bourgeois’ Adam Berrow (41) during action Friday night. The Tigers’ 30-0 win keep them on pace to earn a playoff berth. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER