Morgan City to host South Lafourche in district opener Thurs.

Morgan City High School will look to bounce back from a tough loss to Westminster Christian Academy last week when the Tigers open District 7-4A action Thursday at home against South Lafourche.
The Tigers, who fell 20-14 a week ago, originally were scheduled to host South Lafourche Friday, but the game was moved up a day. The change was made because Morgan City (3-2), like the rest of St. Mary Parish schools, begins fall break Friday.
South Lafourche comes into Thursday’s matchup with a 1-4 mark, but the three teams they have lost to have a combined record of 14-6. After winning their opener against Bonnable (40-24), the Tarpons have fallen in four straight contests. Two of those losses were to 5A teams.
The Tarpons are led by first-year head coach Brandon Nowlin, who spent the 2010-2012 seasons at Morgan City in the same position.
South Lafourche’s top players are quarterback Jaydon Cheramie, running back Corbin Allen and defensive lineman Daniel Dickinson.
Morgan City fell last week for the first time since a week 1 loss to Berwick.
The Tigers led 14-13 at halftime and after three quarters, but Westminster scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
While Morgan City limited Westminster to 131 yards of offense, the Tigers’ offensive and special teams mistakes hurt them.
Westminster’s first touchdown drive was set up inside Morgan City’s red zone following a bad snap that resulted in a 30-yard loss for Morgan City on fourth down.
Later in the quarter with Morgan City ahead 7-6, a pooch kick attempt was returned by Westminster 55 yards for a score for a 13-7 Westminster lead.
While Morgan City overcome the deficit and went into halftime up 14-13, the Tigers again turned the ball over late on a fumble on its 12-yard line in the fourth quarter.
Westminster capitalized on the turnover with what proved to be the game-winning touchdown.
In the loss, Morgan City rolled up 270 yards of offense.
Freshman Devonta Grogan led Morgan City’s rushing attack with 14 carries for 151 yards and a score.
Morgan City’s Alex Brocato, who saw time at quarterback along with fellow junior Isaiah Escort, completed 1 of 6 passes for 43 yards and a score.
Junior Kalen Hillen caught two passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Grogan leads the Tigers’ run-game this season with 30 carries for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Ethan Scioneaux has caught 46 passes for 226 yards and two scores.
Escort leads the Tigers’ passing game as he has completed 19 of 53 pass attempts for 293 yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions.
Hillen leads Morgan City’s receivers with 10 catches for 228 yards and two scores.
Morgan City is averaging 226 yards a game rushing and surrendering 168.2 yards a game in total offense.
Additional reporting by www.bayoupreps.com