Game of the Week – Catholic Bears continue their winning streak with big win over West Monroe
Writer/Contributor: Jo Eddlemon
It was the first time in school history and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Catholic High had never beaten the top rank West Monroe Rebels; even though, the two teams had a long standing history of playing each other. The biggest contest between the two was back in 1996 when Travis Minor was on the field for the Bears.
#20 nationally ranked and #1 ranked by the LSWA, Catholic High Bears brought their 2-0 start to Rebel Field on Friday night and walked out with a win. This was the first time the Bears had defeated the Rebels in their long standing history.
It was a game that didn’t disappoint as both teams fought hard both in the trenches and in the open field. The run and pound offensives of both teams also saw explosive plays in the secondary. that had the Bears come out on top 30 to 19 in the final score.
Offensively for the Bears, Tae Nicholas led the rushing attack with 94 yards rushing on 16 carries with 2 touchdowns. Corey Singleton added 85 yards rushing on 13 carries.
Shelton Sampson made his return to the field Friday night for the Bears. He contributed to the offensive firepower by have 2 dramatic catches that totalled 77 yards, an average of 45 yards per reception.
Overall, as with the previous Catholic High games, it was a balanced attack from every part of the team. Kylan Dupre, who last week had a 72 yard punt, punted 4 times for a total of 180 yards. (45 yard average, 57 was his longest kick of the night) Field goal kicker Landon Carter added 3 field goals on the night of distances of 42 yards, 26 yards, and 27 yards respectfully.
Defensively, Harold Lawson was all over the place for the Bears and lead the defense with 11 tackles, one tackle for loss. Wesley Woodward followed with another exceptional game adding 7 tackles, 2 for a loss. Key defensive plays by Jermaine Vessel, Josh Robertson, and Jordy Toaston rounded out a total defensive effort.
West Monroe was lead by La Tech commit Rayshawn Pleasant who carried the ball for 109 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown.
Scoring Summary:
1st Qtr:
11:16 WM – Caden Willis 22 yd interception return (Caden Willis kick failed) 0-6 West Monroe
09:55 Catholic – Taelon Nicholas 9 yd run (Taelon Nicholas rush failed) 3 plays 55 yards 1:13 off the clock 6-6 Tie Game
05:11 WM – Noah Norman 2 yd run (Caden William Kick good) 12 plays 80 yards 4:44 off the clock 6-13 West Monroe
03:47 Catholic – Landon Carter 42-yd field goal, 6 plays 41 yards 1:18 off the clock 9-13 West Monroe
01:08 Catholic – Lloyd Benson 19 yd pass from Daniel Beale (Landon Carter kick) 3 plays 36 yards 1:42 off the clock 16-13 Catholic
2nd Qtr:
07:39 Catholic – Team Safety 18-13 Catholic
01:39 WM – Rayshawn Pleasant 15yd run (Pleasant, rush failed) 12 plays 71 yards 4:58 off the clock West Monroe regains the lead 18-19 West Monroe
3rd Qtr:
05:31 Catholic – Taelon Nicholas 3 yd run (Daniel Beale pass failed) 10 plays 53 yards 4:32 time off the clock Bears regain the lead 24-19 Catholic
4th Qtr:
07:16 Catholic – Landon Carter 26 yd field goal, 5 plays 25 yards 2:10 time off the clock 27-19 Catholic
00:56 Catholic – Landon Carter 27 yd field goal, 6 plays 21 yards 2:21 off the clock 30-19 Catholic
