Championship Top Performers: Catholic (BR) vs. Jesuit
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Catholic (Baton Rouge) clung to a four-point lead Saturday in its lowest-scoring contest all season. But the Bears’ defense matched Jesuit stop for stop all second half of the Division-I state championship game at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium. And with 9:02…
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Continue ReadingCatholic (Baton Rouge) clung to a four-point lead Saturday in its lowest-scoring contest all season.
But the Bears’ defense matched Jesuit stop for stop all second half of the Division-I state championship game at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium.
And with 9:02 remaining, their offense finally strung together one first down after another to run out the clock on a 14-10 victory.
Here were a few of the top performers from each team:
CATHOLIC (BATON ROUGE)
Kylan Dupre Kylan Dupre 5'11" | 185 lbs | P Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA (2022)
5-11, 185 P/K
The senior specialist punted four times for an average of 37.2 yards, including a 49-yarder and three downed inside the 20, to help Catholic in the battle of field position.
Daniel Harden Daniel Harden 6'1" | 180 lbs | WR Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2023 State LA (2023)
6-1, 180 WR
The passing game was inconsistent most of the contest. But when quarterback Daniel Beale Daniel Beale 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2024 State LA needed key completions, his fellow sophomore was a key target with four receptions for 28 yards and the Bears’ lone offensive touchdown, a 6-yard catch for one of that duo’s third-yard conversions.
Emery Jones Emery Jones 6'4" | 295 lbs | OL Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA (2022)
6-4, 295 OL
The offensive line, led by the LSU-committed left tackle, gained strength as the game continued building up to the dominant final drive. Jones has developed into one of Louisiana’s top prospects, an impressive combination of size and strength on quick feet. And he and his teammates up front were explosive in paving space to keep the chains moving.
Harold Lawson Harold Lawson 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2023 State LA (2023)
6-0, 205 LB
A long list of defensive players on either side of the matchup played well as pieces of a pair of well-disciplined units. Lawson was one of a few Bears with five or six tackles, including his 1.5 tackles for loss and a key fourth-down stop.
Taelon Nicholas Taelon Nicholas 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA (2022)
5-10, 190 RB
The senior running back capped a breakout postseason with an Outstanding Player performance in the state championship game. Nicholas was the Bears’ most consistent offensive weapon with 106 yards on 27 carries, including several key conversions.
Josh Robertson Josh Robertson 5'9" | 165 lbs | DB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA (2022)
5-9, 165 DB
Each offense only managed one first-half touchdown before the defenses clamped down even further in a scoreless second half. But the Bears capitalized on an early special teams opportunity when a snap sailed over Jesuit’s punter’s head and toward the end zone. Catholic’s senior cornerback darted and dove for the loose ball for the game’s first score, a touchdown that held up as pivotal in the low-scoring affair.
Jermaine Vessell Jermaine Vessell 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA (2022)
6-1, 215 LB/DL
The senior edge rusher was in the mix with Lawson, Jack Massey, Wesley Woodward Wesley Woodward 6'2" | 250 lbs | DL Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA , Joshua Wax Joshua Wax 5'10" | 155 lbs | DB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA , Brooks Wright and company who made life difficult on the Jesuit offense. Vessel finished with five tackles, including three for loss and a sack on a flea flicker that epitomized the disciplined, team defense.
JESUIT
Dennis Dougherty Dennis Dougherty 6'1" | 230 lbs | LB Jesuit | 2022 State LA (2022)
6-1, 220 LB
As mentioned for Catholic, the Blue Jays’ entire defense played well together to hold their opponent to a season-low scoring output. Dougherty and junior linebacker Dominic Logiudice Dominic Logiudice 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Jesuit | 2023 State LA and senior defensive tackle Joseph Barnett were among the leaders.
Jack Larriviere Jack Larriviere 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB Jesuit | 2022 State LA (2022)
6-2, 210 QB
The Blue Jays’ Outstanding Player completed seven of 15 passes for 137 yards, scrambled his way through the Bears’ stout defensive front for another 22 yards and the team’s lone touchdown and caught another 20-yard pass on a misdirection play.
Jace Larsen (2023)
6-2, 170 WR
The top weapon for Larriviere and the offense hauled in five of his quarterback’s seven completions for 109 yards, including a 56-yarder downfield for the longest play of the day for either team.