Blue Jays look to halt WCA streak

By Tom Dodge
tom.dodge@eunicetoday.com

It seems as if every game on their schedule has been against a rival team.
St. Edmund lost on a last-second touchdown against Basile, but grabbed wins over Iota and Opelousas Catholic
This week, former district rival Westminster Christian Academy comes to Blue Jay Field.
Aside from a few jamborees contests, the Blue Jays have never beaten the Crusaders.
St. Edmund has been out scored 247-76 in the past seven contests, including Westminster Christian Academy’s 47-21 win last season.
St. Edmund head coach Thomas David is hoping his team makes history Friday night as St. Edmund (2-2) entertains WCA (1-3) in a non-district clash.
“Hopefully we can do the things we need to do be competitive and pull a win at the end.”
WCA opened the season with losses to Ville Platte (38-14), Port Barre (27-13) and Kaplan (51-0) before earning a 26-15 win over White Castle.
“They are a very talented team,” David said. “Coach (Tommy) Badon has a good program in place over there.”
The Crusaders are led by running back Donyell Young (85 carries for 530 yards, 4 TDs) and quartertback Richard Hebert (36-of-87, 429 yards, 3 INT, 2 TDs).
Wide receiver Bryce Badon leads WCA with 18 catches for 203 yards and a touchdown on a team that has gained 429 yards passing and another 743 on the ground.
“They have a good size offensive line,” David said. “They like to hammer the ball and move down the field with a good physical running game.”
The Crusaders have allowed 1,209 yards on the ground and just 293 yards passing through the first four games.
“They have faced mostly running teams so far this season,” David said of WCA. “Hopefully we can find some part of our offense that will work against them in one way or another.”
The Blue Jays have a balanced offense so far this season with 709 yards passing and 645 yards on the ground.
Quarterback Drew Brown has completed 55-of-100 passes for 699 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has also gained 302 yards on 67 carries with four touchdowns.
Chase Dupre has 16 receptions for 309 yards with four scores, while Stone LeJeuene has 20 catches for 267 yards and five touchdowns for the Blue Jays this season.
The Blue Jays grabbed a 36-35 overtime stunner over Opelousas Catholic last week and David said he hopes the momentum carries over against another former district rival this week.
“It was a good win as we hung around long enough and found a way to win it at the end.
“It was the opposite of the Basile game,” he said. “We had opportunities in that game and we didn’t get it done.
“We have a chance to move the ball against anybody if we execute,” David said. “It is more about us than who we play.”