Welsh runs over, through Lake Arthur

by CASSIDY JUNEAU
special to the American Press

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LAKE ARTHUR —Welsh used a dominant ground game on its way to a 55-20 District 6-2A victory over Lake Arthur on Friday.

The Greyhounds (5-2, 1-0), who have beaten the Tigers (5-2, 1-1) in seven consecutive years, amassed 341 yards on the ground in addition to seven rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Austyn Benoit led all rushers with 116 yards on 18 carries. Jaheim Simon added 109 yards.

“It was just that kind of atmosphere tonight,” said Welsh head coach John Richardson. “The way the game went, we just kind of wore them down and pounded them. They’re very explosive on offense. That also keeps their offense off the field.”

Welsh was first on the board as running back Alec Iguess ran the ball in from 2 yards out. Lake Arthur immediately responded as quarterback Deuce Duhon connected with Daylon Charles on a 78-yard pass.

In the second quarter, Welsh found some breathing room. Simon scored back-to-back rushing touchdowns of 9 yards and 1 yard, respectively. Sandwiched between these touchdowns was an unsuccessful Lake Arthur fake punt.

On Lake Arthur’s next possession, Duhon threw his second touchdown pass of the night. He connected with receiver Tavaris Achane on a 46-yard touchdown to pull Lake Arthur within 21-14.

Welsh threw its second interception on its next possession. However, the Greyhounds defense forced a

Lake Arthur punt to set up Welsh with a final chance to score.

With 16 seconds remaining in the half, Benoit ran in from 13 yards out to give Welsh a 28-14 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, after the teams traded punts, Welsh recovered a fumble at midfield. Benoit then connected with Brian Cormier for a 41-yard touchdown. Lake Arthur’s Charles responded with his second touchdown, this one a 33-yard run. The touchdown kept Lake Arthur within striking distance late in the third quarter.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Iguess scored his second rushing touchdown. Welsh capped its scoring with two Jerome Hebert rushing touchdowns.

“We got beat over the top a couple plays in the first half to keep them in the ballgame,” Richardson said. “Then we got down there one time and turned the ball over. In the second half, I thought we made some good adjustments on both sides of the football. Our defense, other than one play in the second half, really did a great job stepping up and shutting them down.”

WELSH 55

LAKE ARTHUR 20