Bogalusa erased a 14-0 deficit through the first quarter and scored 26 unanswered points over the final three periods to defeat South Plaquemines, 26-14, on the road Friday.
Following the first quarter, the Lumberjacks chipped away at the lead. They trailed 14-7 at halftime and 14-13 through three quarters.
“We finished strong, and what helped us was that we didn’t have any turnovers on offense,” Bogalusa coach David Roberts said. “I think we wore them down, too. We have guys that play both ways and I think all of their guys play both ways. It looked like our heavy sets wore them down at the end.”
Roberts also said the defense played well.
“Defense really stepped up. It always helps to get your all-district linebacker back (O’Trevious Gatlin),” Roberts said. “Getting him back definitely helps. He’s a two-time all-district linebacker. Then, we can put Isaac (Carson) back at the position he’s confortable at (strong safety), and then the defensive line is getting much better. They’re taking on blocks and it’s allowing the linebackers to make plays.”
Bogalusa went up 19-14 with about 1:50 left in the fourth quarter and then the teams combined for four turnovers in an unusual sequence of plays.
Carson intercepted a pass, but fumbled after the pick. South Plaquemines recovered, but Gatlin intercepted a pass on the next play and took it back for a touchdown to make it 26-14. Following the kickoff, A.J. Mingo picked off a pass and then Bogalusa ran out the clock in the 26-14 victory.
Gatlin led the Lumberjacks’ defense with 12 tackles and the pick-six.
Dianté Lenoir had a huge night on both sides of the ball. Lenoir recorded eight tackles, including one for a loss, and he tallied 142 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Cody Sumrall made seven tackles, two sacks and two tackles for a loss.
Carson and Mingo both intercepted a pass in the victory.
Offensively, Jay Baham threw for 53 yards and ran for 67.
The win made Bogalusa 2-3. Friday’s game was the Lumberjacks’ final non-district game of the regular season. Bogalusa opens District 7-3A play Friday by traveling to Albany. The Hornets come in with a 5-0 record after defeating Science Academy, 58-40 last week.