In August before this season started, anyone who follows high school football in the region never would have predicated Chalmette and Jesuit meeting with matching 5-0 records to open District 9-5A action.

Coach Jason Tucker made the point about playing in this league, “If you want to be a good team, you have to play good teams.”

A key to playing in this league, Tucker noted, “in our program, everybody is looking forward. You can enjoy the memories of past teams, but this a new year and a new league and we look forward to see where we stand in the state’s highest classification against the state’s best teams. (Entire district has only one loss).”

Wanting to create its own identity from last season’s 7-3 state playoff team which featured many record-setting players, Owl coach Tucker and his staff have tweaked both the offense and defense, making it possible to have strong defensive players like Mason Rucker and David Smith get some time in on the offense as well.

Defensively, the Owls are up to the task for district as they have intercepted seven passes and recovered eight fumbles and held opponents to less than half (621) the rushing yards of the offense (1301). Which is something the Owls will need going into the game. Jesuit has a heavy running game with Austin Duncan, Paul Stanton and alternating quarterbacks Derrick Dobbins and David Lee. But the Chalmette defense also have tight end Stefan Oddo to look for in the open field.

“The last time we were in this league with the Catholic schools (four years ago), we weren’t prepared to compete at this level…we prepare to win, but don’t expect to win,” Tucker said, fully-aware of the difficult schedule his team faces.

Tucker said he has enjoyed seeing the improvement is the special team’s play. Cody Williams averages 32 yards a punt and booted one 55 yards.And Chance Riess is the team’s scoring leader with five field goals and 13 extra points for a total of 28 points, and could break the school’s season field goal record this year.

On the offense, Cameron Cosie leads the team with 616 yards on 76 runs over the first five games. Michael Mercadel has also gone for 355 yards on 50 totes, and Daniel Davis has gained 108 yards on 24 bruising runs. Overall, the Owls are averaging 260 yards a game.