Archbishop Hannan’s Hawks notched their first victory of the season last week, downing Rabouin 34-22. Hannan (1-4) is on the road again this week traveling to Welsh (3-2) to battle the Class 2A Greyhounds. Welsh, located about 20 minutes east of Lake Charles, defeated Kinder 48-6 on the road last week.

Hannan second-year coach George Templet said Welsh is a well-established program. “Without a doubt, this week’s game against Welsh, presents our club with a big challenge. They are a good team with some talented athletes,” Templet said.

“We want to try to build on last week’s victory. Our players have to be confident, and know they have a shot to win each week they take the field.”

Archbishop Hannan'€™s Ethan Lopinto picks up yardage in last week'€™s victory over Rabouin. Tonight the Hawks take on the Welsh Greyhounds on the road. (Photo courtesy of Joey Sedtal)

Templet praised the play of his defense.

“We played exceptionally strong on defense in last week’s Rabouin victory. When we get a solid defensive performance, we can be in ballgames.”

The Hawks’ defense held Rabouin to just eight first downs, allowing 120 yards of total offense. Hannan gave up 45 yards rushing and 75 yards through the air.

Templet said senior linebacker Lee Laughlin (6-1, 170) stepped up, and made a lot of big stops in the backfield.

Templet also highlighted the play of junior defensive ends Logan Booksh (6-1, 175) and Kyle Constance (5-10, 200).

“Our ends were able to create pressure, occupying the offensive tackles, which allowed our linebackers to make stops. The ends were able to get steady pressure on the Rabouin quarterback,” Templet added.

Hannan’s offense did enough last week to get the Hawks in the win column. Hannan rushed for 72 yards led by senior tailback Adam Lewis, who tallied two rushing touchdowns, covering 18 and 10 yards. Lewis also scored on a 65-yard kickoff return following a Hawks’ safety. Lewis has five rushing touchdowns and two kickoff returns for scores. In last week’s victory, junior quarterback Andrew Arceneaux went 4-for-10 passing for 82 yards. Arceneaux connected with senior fullback Gino Gioe for a 28-yard TD pass. Gioe also scored on a nine yard run.

Welsh is coached by Robbie Gates, who is in his second-year as the head coach of the Greyhounds. Welsh is primarily a run oriented team based out of a Wing-T run by senior quarterback Michael Caraway (5-10, 175).

Caraway has connected on just 9-of-39 passes for 216 yards with three touchdowns. He has also gained 208 yards rushing on 43 carries with three TDs. Junior tailback Will Guidry tops the Welsh runners with 342 yards on 62 carries and four TDs. Senior fullback Kade Frey adds to the offensive balance with 327 yards on 49 carries and a team-high six touchdowns. Junior Dylan Hebert will also carry the ball for the Greyhounds.

Gates said with Hannan operating out of the shotgun that could create problems for his team if they don’t show up to play.

“We have to guard against giving up the long play over the top. It is obvious Hannan has a young team, and is rebuilding. They give good effort so we have to be ready for them,” Gates said.

Welsh, which runs a 4-3 defense, allows 188 yards per game. The Greyhounds’ defense allows an average of 73 yards rushing, and 115 yards passing per contest.

Junior mike linebacker Jordan Hebert tops the Greyhounds with 35 individual tackles, while senior sam linebacker Emmanuel Broussard has recorded 29 primary tackles for the Greyhounds. Senior defensive end Jared Morvant anchors the line with 16 solo stops.

Welsh senior cornerback Jared Broussard (5-9, 155) is one of the fastest Greyhound players. He has one interception with five broken up passes and 13 individual tackles.

Welsh offensive coordinator Jarrett Granger said after seeing Hannan on film, he feels their quarterback (Andrew Arceneaux) is a pretty good athlete.

“Their fullback (Gino Gioe) is a big kid that runs well between the tackles. We will have to be prepared, and come to play,” Granger said.