Tigers roar to 5-0 after shutout victory over Livonia

For the third time this year, Donaldsonville stepped up to Class 4A, and for the third time, they came away with an overpowering victory.

The Tigers made the long trip to Pointe Coupee Parish on Friday night to play Livonia. They used stout defense and a three-touchdown effort by quarterback Jaylin Williams on offense to blank the Wildcats, 30-0.

Each team had promising drives in the first quarter, but they weren't able to finish, resulting in a scoreless first 12 minutes.

Though, Donaldsonville got down to business in the second period as Williams got the ball to James Gipson and Gipson exploded for a 95-yard touchdown.

The Tigers converted the ensuing 2-point try to give them an 8-0 lead.

Livonia looked to have an answer. They put together an impressive drive that reached the Donaldsonville 6-yard line, but the Tiger defense would let them inch no closer.

Donaldsonville forced them to turn the ball over on downs.

The Tiger offense fed off of the big stop as they put together a 94-yard drive that was highlighted by a 29-yard run by Ladarius Jackson.

Williams finished it off with a one-yard touchdown run, and after another successful 2-point conversion, Donaldsonville took a 16-0 advantage into the half.

Livonia had another opportunity to make things interesting in the third quarter as they recovered a botched Tiger kick and returned it to the Tiger 8-yard line.

But, once again, Donaldsonville's defense came up with a big stop and turned the Wildcats away with no points.

Christian Bell scored on a 12-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and one minute into the fourth, Williams scored from three yards out to give Donaldsonville a commanding 30-0 lead.

Livonia's final chance to prevent the shutout came on the ensuing kickoff as they returned it 68 yards to the Tiger 22-yard line. Still, they were not able to score.

Donaldsonville rolled up 366 total yards. Williams led the effort as he chalked up 207 yards and a touchdown on just eight completions, while rushing for two additional scores.

The Tiger defense pitched the shutout. In doing so, they held Livonia to just 168 total yards--including just 56 on the ground.

Donaldsonville was led on the ground by Rae’land Johnson and Jemon Pleasant, who had 83 and 66 rushing yards, respectively.

Gipson had 150 yards and a touchdown on just two catches. Jackson had five catches for 80 yards.

Donaldsonville had to suffer through its share of growing pains last season as they broke in many new and inexperienced starters. It's paying off for them this year.

The Tigers have now improved to a perfect 5-0 for the first time since 2010. That year, they finished 8-2.

Donaldsonville has been dominant in their five wins. Their lowest margin of victory was 9 points against 4A Assumption in week one.

They're averaging 41 points per game, while only surrendering 11 points per contest.

Though, this week, they'll face their toughest test of the season when they open up play in their new district against rival St. James at home.

St. James is 4-1. They lost their first game of the season last Friday night against 5A St. Amant, 41-27.