BREAUX BRIDGE – Natchitoches Central endured its share of heartbreaking losses last season, going 0-4 in games decided by one score, which included a pair of one-point losses.
The Chiefs found themselves on the other end of that equation Friday as Natchitoches Central gutted out a 14-12 win in sloppy conditions at Breaux Bridge, giving coach Brad Laird a victory in his NCHS debut.
“We started off slow, but our guys continued to fight back,” said Laird, who last graced a high school sideline from 2013-2016 after taking over his father Billy. “We’re so inexperienced with just 15 seniors and just two returning starters on offense, but these guys often found themselves on the other end of these close games last year.
“So to go on the road and win a close one, it’s big for the players and the coaches to hopefully build some momentum.”
Quarterback Owen Smith shouldered the load offensively as the leading rusher and passer, having a hand in both Chiefs’ scores.
Breaux Bridge, a Class 4A program that finished 7-5 and won a first-round playoff game in 2023, struck first as running back Dailey Potier plunged in from three yards.
Natchitoches Central’s Dillon Braxton slipped past the Breaux Bridge defense for a 77-yard touchdown on a screen play as the Chiefs built a 7-6 edge thanks to an extra point from kicker Amsden Pasch.
“That screen pass was a huge play, but he made other crucial third-down catches as well,” Laird said. “He brings a lot of leadership.
“He’s also the holder, and he made one great hold that allowed our freshman kicker to kick it through. It’s the first football game (Pasch) has ever played in his life, and he came through with two kicks when every point mattered and allowed us to win.”
Potier boosted Breaux Bridge with a 16-yard touchdown run, putting the Tigers ahead 12-7 with 4:20 remaining in the second quarter.
But that was enough time for the Smith and the Chiefs to find the end zone before halftime. With no time remaining, Smith escaped pressure and scampered 19 yards for what would be the deciding score of the game.
“Owen is a warrior, such a tough individual,” Laird said. “He’s able to make a lot of different plays and a lot of different throws.”
Pasch’s ever important second extra point put the Chiefs ahead 14-12.
The second half featured a defensive standoff in which neither team scored. But Natchitoches Central’s defense continued to challenge the Breaux Bridge offense, which gained just 190 yards.
“Even though we lost the field position battle in the second half, our defense stepped up and made stops and got takeaways,” Laird said.
Potier led the Tigers ground game with 60 yards on 11 carries while quarterback Jaden Broussard threw for 89 yards on 7-20 passing with an interception.
Smith threw for 219 yards on 11-18 passing while adding 59 rushing yards on 14 carries.
Kelton Howard was the most successful rusher not named Smith with 32 yards on five touches.
Braxton emerged as NCHS’s primary receiving weapon after the departure of stud Camryn Davis. Braxton totaled 106 yards on four catches while KJ Newton added 80 yards on three catches.
Laird comes to Natchitoches Central after six seasons as Northwestern State’s head coach after eight non-concurrent seasons as the program’s defensive coordinator in a span from 2003-17. He was head coach at his high school alma mater, Ruston, from 2013-16 and in those four seasons posted a 28-16 record and established the foundation with a junior high feeder program that has turned the Bearcats into one of the Class 5A powers.
Returning to prep football has been refreshing, he said.
“It’s been fun to watch these young men continue to grow, and it’s been great to have an opportunity every day to lead them on and off the field,” Laird said. “To watch them have fun, and then get the win with the way things ended Friday, it’s a been a privilege to be here. I’m thankful to the administration for giving me this opportunity. These guys are fun to be around each and every day.”
Laird will put that valuable high school and college experience to use as the Chiefs begin District 1-5A play with Evangel Christian on Friday in Turpin Stadium.