SCHREIVER — Varnado used a fast start to ruin Houma Christian School’s homecoming during Thursday’s District 8-1A game at Warrior Field.

The Wildcats scored 21 first quarter points to roll to a 41-17 win over the Warriors.
On its first possession, Varnado marched 56 yards and the drive was capped off by Desmond Harry’s 5-yard touchdown run. Jaylon Jefferson added the extra point to make it 7-0.

“This time of year, you want to be playing your best ball,” Varnado coach Scott Shaffett said. “We had some adversity early this year, we lost some kids and went through some things. What it comes down to is ‘are you playing your best ball?’ and I think we are playing our best ball.”

Houma Christian’s first drive came to a halt when Damien Pennison was intercepted, giving Varnado the ball on Warriors’ 35-yard line.

After Delrick Abrams sprinted 89 yards for a touchdown, Varnado quarterback D.J. Jefferson connected with Dillon Peters for a 13-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-0.

Varnado (6-4 overall, 4-1 in district) made it 35-0 after an 8-yard touchdown run from Jefferson and a 61-yard touchdown pass from Jefferson to Abrams.

Houma Christian coach Chuck Battaglia said falling behind early was tough. Varnado had 324 total yards — 217 rushing and 107 passing.

“Varnado is one of those very athletic teams,” Battaglia said. “I think they can make some noise in the playoffs.”

Houma Christian got a 40-yard field goal from Sam Trosclair to make it 35-3 at halftime.
With a running clock in the second half, Varnado scored for the final time in the third quarter with a 14-yard touchdown run from Harry.

In the fourth quarter, Houma Christian got a 1-yard touchdown pass from Pennison to Sam Trosclair and a 1-yard touchdown run from Devin Battaglia to cap the game’s scoring.

Houma Christian ended its regular season at 4-6 overall and 3-2 in district.