Varnado takes to the road tonight to face Ridgewood in a District 8-1A contest that is taking place at Jefferson Playground.

“We had a great win last Friday night,” Varnado coach Scott Shaffett said. “I’m really proud of the kids. This week, we’re going to Metairie to play Ridgewood. We’re 1-0 in district. It’s a very important ballgame.

“It determines whether we’re 2-0 or 1-1 in district. We want to be 2-0. It’s a very important week, as far as power points and district standings. It’s very important to put yourself in the best position possible when the playoffs begin.”

Varnado enters this week with a 3-3 overall record and 1-0 record in district. Last week, the Wildcats collected an important win over defending league champion and currently 5-2 Covenant Christian Academy, 52-20.

The Wildcats had a number of players contribute to the offensive success last week.

James Williams threw for 119 yards on 8-of-12 passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Armontee Kemp caught four passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Jadarrell Magee had three receptions for 19 yards and also ran 12 times for 109 yards (9.0 yards per carry) and a touchdown. Desmond Harry had a catch for 18 yards.

Jacorius Bickham gained 42 yards on six attempts (7) and two touchdowns. Desmond Harry recorded 64 yards on six attempts (10.6) and a touchdown.

“One thing I’ll say is that each week, you can’t focus on stopping one person for us,” Shaffett said. “We’ve got numerous guys contributing for us. It’s been different players stepping up week-in and week-out. We’ve got a bunch of guys contributing.”

Defensively, the team allowed just six points in the second half last Friday. Varnado led 22-14 at the break, before outscoring Covenant Christian Academy 30-6 in the second half.

Shaffett said that defensively, it is hard to highlight any one player because they’ve given such a solid performance week-in and week-out.

Varnado won last year’s game, 47-18.

Ridgewood enters this week with an 0-7 record and 0-3 record in district. The Golden Eagles lost to Houma Christian last week, 47-3.

“We’re still searching for our first win,” first-year Ridgewood coach Craig Warren said. “We’re hoping to give 100-percent effort and compete for 48 minutes and keep the game close. I know Varnado has a good team and they’re well coached.”

Ridgewood has struggled with putting points on the board. The Golden Eagles have scored 37 points this season — 27 were against Ecole Classique in a 56-27 loss.

Ridgewood has had some injuries, so players have shuffled around.

Cameron Schwartz, who Warren is probably the team’s best athlete, is the quarterback.

Sean Ohler and Clay Hartman are the running backs.

Jagger Gerard is a wide receiver/running back.

The wide receivers include Luke Ohler and Luka Frankovic will come off the bench.

The top defenders are safety Schwartz, linebacker Hartman and end Jordan Rilleaux.