Kevin Foote

It’s been two decades since Lafayette High experienced a night like Friday.

The Mighty Lions delivered a statement victory, defeating Acadiana 33-14 to end a drought against the Wreckin’ Rams that began in 2006. The significance of the win was not lost on Lafayette coach Stephen Hearen, who said his team was as eager for this game as any he can remember.

“The kids were excited to play this one,” Herren said. “Everybody in this building was aware of that history. To get this Week 10 win going into the playoffs, I think it gives us a lot of positive momentum.”

For senior quarterback Richmond Saunier, it maybe meant a little more to get this win than it did for most. Saunier’s two brothers – Xan and Grayson – both played quarterback at Lafayette, but never defeated Acadiana. Richmond himself struggled to beat the Rams in his first three seasons.

He said Friday’s win was filled with emotions.

“It means so much,” said Saunier as he fought back tears. “I wanted to get it done so bad. I didn’t get it done my freshman year or sophomore year or junior year. But to do it tonight, senior night, to be able to get this win and to give this to my brothers, it just means a lot.”

Saunier said Hearen and the Lafayette coaching staff acknowledged the drought against Acadiana, but emphasized preparing for the game on Friday more so than history.

“Coach Hearen kept telling us, ‘you can’t play 20 games in one game’,” Saunier said. “Obviously the emotions were high in this one, but we did a good job preparing just like any other football game. The only thing that was going to decide this game was what happened between the lines tonight.”

Hearen said Saunier is an All-State caliber football player and his leadership is second to none. Hearen admitted that his conservative play calling is the only thing keeping Saunier from having explosive statistics every week.

“Richmond gets handcuffed by me cause I’m so conservative in my playcalling,” Hearen said. “No matter what, he does what we need to do to win and he plays anywhere we ask of him. He is one of the best kids and leaders I have ever been around.”

The Lions finish the regular season 7-3 riding a three-game winning streak into the postseason. It’s apparent that Hearen has established a culture of winning around what was once thought to be a dormant program. Hearen said achieving that winning culture hasn’t been as difficult as it may seem.

“It’s not like you have to come in overnight and establish any one thing,” Hearen said. “We establish good habits, get them to come in and do it the next day and the next day.

“People have a misconception about Lafayette High and what it is. This is the best school in the state. Our facilities are second to none. I couldn’t be in a better spot and with the support we have, that’s a bigger reason we are on the right track than anything our staff has done.”