There weren’t any previous experiences for West Feliciana to draw from Friday night.
The Saints had to negotiate a 2 1/2-hour trip, handle persistent rains and deteriorating natural grass field conditions in order to reach their first state semifinal in five years.
Quarterback Joel Rogers accounted for all four of his team’s touchdowns and No. 2 West Feliciana turned a close game near the end of the first half into a comfortable 30-0 victory at No. 23 North Vermilion in Friday’s Division II nonselect state quarterfinal playoff.
“This was kind of a rough challenge,” West Feliciana defensive tackle Jermarian Jackson said. “We didn’t play on any real grass (field) that was wet and slippery where all kinds of things can happen, but we pushed through it.”
West Feliciana (12-0) returns home next Friday to host No. 6 Lutcher, a 45-8 winner over Lakeshore, in a semifinal matchup.
“I think we showed we’re not just a finesse, spread team and I’m proud of our guys for doing that,” West Feliciana coach Hudson Fuller said.
Rogers, who totaled 167 yards and had an interception on defense, helped West Feliciana gain separation after a 16-point conclusion to the first half. The Saints made it 23-0 on their first series of the third quarter when Rogers kept it on a 17-yard score and the added his third rushing touchdown, an 11-yard keeper, with 4:08 to play.