Even without sophomore phenom Kennon Fontenot, the Barbe Buccaneers still got it done Friday night, beating the Sam Houston Broncos 48-7 in Moss Bluff.

Fontenot was replaced at quarterback by junior Ryan Nolen, who led the Bucs to a 382-yard offensive performance.

“If someone goes down, someone else has to pick it up for them and thankfully we have been able to do that consistently,” Barbe head coach Mike Cutrera said.

It was running back Courtney Galentine that stepped up big for Barbe, however, managing 156 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in one half of action.

Sophomore receiver Trey Quinn saw action all over the field, taking snaps at quarterback, running back and receiver. He scored twice for the Bucs.

It was the Barbe defense and specials teams that held the Broncos to 122 yards of total offense, including 10 in the first half.

“The defense has been playing real well,” Cutrera said. “The defensive front is doing a remarkable job. That, along with good play from the linebackers and secondary, has really helped us. Not to mention the defensive coaches have done a great job week in and week out getting these guys prepared.”

Due to an excellent showing from the Barbe kicking game, the Broncos were pinned in their own territory for a majority of the game. In turn, the Bucs had great field position all night.

“They were very good tonight and we struggled to get anything going,” said Sam Houston head coach Vaughn Eggleston. “Our kids were in the right place most of the night, but field position hurt us and made it tough for us to get anything going. Luckily we didn’t have any turnover issues this week though.”

Sam Houston (2-6, 0-4), which used a two-quarterback attack, was led by sophomore quarterback Cliff Reid, who rushed for a team-high 20 yards and threw for 48 yards and a touchdown.

Barbe (5-3, 3-1) is part of a four-way tie for first place in the District 3-5A title race after Acadiana handed Carencro its first loss.

The Bucs will likely need to win their final two games of the season in order to grab a share of the district championship.

“We’re going to take each week one game at a time like we have been all year,” said Cutrera. “We have Sulphur coming up next week; it’s another big week that’s a big rivalry for us and that’s all we’re looking forward to right now.”

The Bucs opened the scoring on the opening drive with a 46-yard field goal by Jamie McGee. McGee later hit a field goal from 22 yards out as well.

Quinn scored later in the first quarter before Galentine unloaded on the Broncos defense in the second quarter, giving the Bucs a comfortable 34-0 lead at the half.

Things didn’t look up for Sam Houston to start the second half, after a quick three-and-out, Marco Richard sprinted 41 yards on an end around to increase the Barbe lead.

Barbe’s final score came on a 35-yard strike from Nolen to junior wide receiver Kade Demarie.

The Broncos’ lone score was a 9-yard touchdown connection from Reid to Collin Kober late in the game.Trey Quinn of Barbe leaps over the Sam Houston defense for a touchdown.

Kirk Meche