Catholic-BR Controls Clock; Takes Advantage of Jesuit Miscues To Win Division I Title, 14-10
NEW ORLEANS – Catholic High of Baton Rouge controlled the clock and took advantage of several miscues to score its second consecutive “on-field” Division I state championship Saturday night.
The Bears (12-1) burned nearly 18 minutes off the clock in the second half in order to protect a 14-10 lead that eventually led to the win over Jesuit. Both of Catholic’s touchdowns in the first half occurred following a Jesuit turnover.
Catholic’s victory is the first state championship for David Simoneaux, who is serving in his first season as head coach. Simoneaux had previously led Catholic-Pointe Coupee to a state title appearance.
Jesuit fell to 10-1 with the loss in its first state championship since 2014. The Blue Jays were led to the title game by first-year head coach Ryan Manale, who had previously led De La Salle to title appearances the last two seasons.
“Tae” Nicholas was voted Most Valuable Player for Catholic who finished the game with 140 total yards in the game, including 109 rushing and 31 receiving. Quarterback Daniel Beale was 10-of-21 for 90 yards in the game including one touchdown pass.
Jack Larriviere, named Most Outstanding Player for Jesuit, was 6-of-13 for 112 yards along with one rushing touchdown in the contest. Kicker Aiden Corbello converted a 26-yard field goal and added an extra point to the Blue Jays total.
HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST QUARTER
• 10:45 – CATHOLIC | Josh Robertson recovered a failed snap attempt in the endzone to give Catholic the early lead in the championship game.
• 04:14 – CATHOLIC | The Bears took advantage of yet another Jesuit turnover as Daniel Beale found Daniel Harden on a six yard pass to up the score to 14-0 over the Blue Jays.
• 03:03 – JESUIT | The Blue Jays struck back with a 26-yard field goal from Aidan Corbello to cut the lead to a 14-3 score.
SECOND QUARTER
• 05:20 – JESUIT | Jack Larriviere scored on a three-yard quarterback keeper to bring Jesuit to within four points.