Top Performers: Edna Karr vs. John Curtis
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Two of Louisiana’s most prominent programs helped bring high school football back to New Orleans three weeks after Hurricane Ida. And, with even a national ESPN2 audience watching the occasion, one of the state’s brightest stars exploded in game-breaking fashion…
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Continue ReadingTwo of Louisiana’s most prominent programs helped bring high school football back to New Orleans three weeks after Hurricane Ida.
And, with even a national ESPN2 audience watching the occasion, one of the state’s brightest stars exploded in game-breaking fashion to left Edna Karr past John Curtis, 33-19.
Aaron Anderson Aaron Anderson 5'10" | 180 lbs | WR Edna Karr | 2022 State LA — 5-10, 180 WR — Edna Karr (2022)
The LSU commit would be the best place to start, alphabetical or not. The electric receiver returned not one, not two, but three separate kicks — two punts and a free kick — about 250 yards for three touchdowns. Anderson caught everyone’s attention as a speedy freshman in the return game three years ago and has continually developed into a more complete player every step of the way since then and garnered increasing praise from coach Brice Brown as a leader.
Jonathan Bax Jonathan Bax 6'3" | 235 lbs | LB Edna Karr | 2023 State LA — 6-3, 220 DL — Edna Karr (2023)
The athletic edge rusher had his moments as a sophomore and could be one of the biggest breakout candidates for the perennial Class 4A powerhouse with the graduations of defensive ends Cahn Meads Cahn Meads 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Edna Karr | 2021 State LA and Karl Odrick Jr. from last year’s roster. Bax helped bring pressure throughout the night, but particularly once Anderson’s returns provided the Cougars a lead and forced John Curtis to the air. Bax forced a hurried throw and near-interception on one play, then corralled a sack for a safety to help stop some second-half Patriots momentum.
Tygee Hill Tygee Hill 6'3" | 285 lbs | DL Edna Karr | 2022 State LA — 6-3, 260 DL — Edna Karr (2022)
Another LSU commit, defensive tackle Tygee Hill Tygee Hill 6'3" | 285 lbs | DL Edna Karr | 2022 State LA , and his fellow interior linemen helped stuff and almost entirely shut down the John Curtis rushing attack save for a handful of plays.
Skylon Jean-Louis Skylon Jean-Louis 6'0" | 190 lbs | LB Edna Karr | 2022 State LA — 5-11, 200 LB — Edna Karr (2022)
Another notable piece of the Cougars’ 2020 defense who figures to play an even bigger role this fall and potentially earn himself some college opportunities along the way, the linebacker/safety is active all over the field and was so again in his team’s opener, including helping rush the backfield and create the disruption that became Bax’s safety.
Patrick LeBranch III Patrick LeBranch III 5'8" | 180 lbs | ATH Ponchatoula | 2023 State LA III — 5-8, 180 ATH — John Curtis (2023)
The junior speedster was the Patriots’ biggest home-run threat during the first half with a 50-yard kickoff return into Karr territory and few runs on which he showed his explosiveness and acceleration, but was caught up by a final defender before hitting open field. He also hauled in a third-down catch for a third-quarter conversion.
Patrick “PatPat” LeBranch III (@patricklebranch) damn near houses the ensuing kickoff.
Underrated 2023 speedster for John Curtis. pic.twitter.com/SrS6zDmbAi
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) September 17, 2021
Buddy Taylor Buddy Taylor 5'11" | 160 lbs | QB John Curtis | 2022 State LA — 5-11, 160 QB — John Curtis (2022)
The speedy quarterback was the weapon who finally broke through for Curtis after a scoreless first half. Taylor rushed 18 times for 181 yards, including long touchdowns of 59 and 41 yards, and threw another touchdown deep downfield to a young receiver in stride.
Michael Turner Michael Turner 6'1" | 145 lbs | ATH John Curtis | 2024 State LA Jr. — 6-1, 145 ATH — John Curtis (2024)
The sophomore caught three passes for 87 yards in the run-heavy veer offense, including Taylor’s lone touchdown throw.
Chris Vasquez Chris Vasquez 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Edna Karr | 2023 State LA — 5-9, 195 RB — Edna Karr (2023)
The junior running back provided a nice compliment to the talented wide receiver corps, including a couple key short conversions, and also hauled in a leaping, one-handed catch late to show his ability to help quarterbacks A.J. Samuel and Khamani Simmons Khamani Simmons 5'10" | 165 lbs | WR Edna Karr | 2022 State LA in that capacity.
Blake Wibel — 5-10, 165 DB — John Curtis
The Patriots’ strong safety snatched a first-half interception and ran 17 yards back on the return. Wibel also finished with five tackles.
Blake Wibel coming back the other way with a John Curtis interception. pic.twitter.com/0IbGhrmP2s
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) September 17, 2021