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By Scott Meyer

For the Daily News

Bayou Lacombe’s suffocating defense propelled the Cardinals to 7-0 on the season with a 16-6 win over the Pike County Titans despite trailing early last Saturday night.

After forcing the Cardinals to punt on their opening possession, the Titans took advantage of good field position after a punt return set up Pike County at the Bayou Lacombe 29. After three false start penalties by the Titans, Pike County quarterback Marcellino Butler hit wide receiver Jermon Jordan on a 12-yard gain to the Cardinals’ 31 setting up a third-and-12 situation. Butler scrambled off left end and scored from 31 yards out. After a missed extra point Pike County led 6-0 with 10:05 remaining in the first quarter.

On Pike County’s ensuing possession, Bayou Lacombe defensive back Dontrell Gordon (North Pike High) intercepted a Butler pass. The first of three first half interceptions by the Cardinals defense. Gordon returned the interception to the Pike County 3 yard line.

Bayou Lacombe needed just one play to get on the scoreboard. Running back Josh Robinson scored from three-yards out. Kicker Lance Foster’s (Duncanville High) extra point put the Cardinals ahead 7-6 with 5:09 remaining in the first quarter. Robinson went to Franklinton High School.

Bayou Lacombe defensive back William Cummings (Block High) was the recipient of Butler’s second first half interception near midfield on Pike County’s ensuing drive after the Cardinals score ending a Titans four-play drive. After a Titans short punt, Bayou Lacombe took advantage of good field position, taking over at the Pike County 43-yard line.

Cardinals kicker Donald Gonzalez (Rutherford High) capped off the five-play drive with a 42-yard field goal with 7:06 remaining in the second quarter. Bayou Lacombe defensive back Markus Conerly intercepted Butler’s desperation pass late in the first half to preserve the Cardinals lead at the break, 10-6. Conerly went to Franklinton High School.

In the second half, Pike County appeared poised to grab the lead when running back Stephen Seals scampered 53 yards to the Cardinals five-yard line. Butler attempted to score from the 5, but lost control of the ball at the 2 with the ball traveling into the endzone and recovered by Pike County, but after a brief discussion by officials the ball was placed at the 2.

Cardinals defensive lineman Garrett Schexnayder (Loranger High) and linebacker Kobe Crain trapped running back Russell Roberts in the backfield for a four-yard loss on second down. After two false start penalties, the Cardinals forced two incomplete Butler passes with Pike County turning the ball over on downs to Bayou Lacombe. Crain went to Franklinton High School.

The Cardinals final score of the evening came after Pike County was forced to go for the first down in their own territory. Bayou Lacombe used six plays and four minutes off of the fourth quarter clock to add their final points on the night. Running back Lawrence Robinson capped off the 32 yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run. Robinson went to Franklinton High School.

The score was set up when quarterback Denizel Ladner (Covington High School) connected with wide receiver Archie Ambo (Northshore High School) for a 21-yard strike near the goal line. A missed extra point left the score at 16-6 with 8:23 left in the fourth.

Pike County threatened to score late in the contest by going on an 11-playm 72-yard drive, but Bayou Lacombe’s defense stiffened and refused to relinquish a late scoring attempt.

Ladner finished the night with 97 yard passing on 8-of-24 attempts.

Ambo led the Cardinal’s receiver with 86 yards on five catches.

Running back Jeremy Griffin and Lander each rushed for 46 yards.

Butler led Pike County rushing for 68 yards on 14 carries and was 10-of-24 on pass attempts for 32 yards.

Up next, Pike County will travel to take on the Louisiana Lightning. Bayou Lacombe has a bye.