Blue Jays face WCA in crucial game

With three games left in the regular season, the Blue Jays need to finish strong to earn a playoff spot.
“We are down to the most important games of the season,” St. Edmund head coach Thomas David said. “If we stay focused and continue to work, I think we have a good chance to finish strong.”
Their first challenge is a road trip to Westminster Christian Academy (4-3, 0-2) Friday night.
“I am sure they will run the ball at us and make us stop them,” David said of the Crusaders.
WCA opened the season with wins over Covenant Christian (10-7) and Merryville (21-8) before a 41-20 loss to Dunham.
The Crusaders then earned victories over Ascension Christian (40-20) and Morgan City (28-21) before opening district with losses to Catholic High of Pointe Coupee (28-23) and Basile (33-13).
Basile rolled up 365 yards on the ground against WCA and only attempted two passes.
By contrast, the Blue Jay quarterback Drake Brunet completed 17-of-28 passes for 235 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the Blue Jays’ 44-30 loss to Catholic High of Pointe Coupee.
Blue Jay running back Gibson LaFleur had nine catches for 143 yards and scored twice on 38 yards rushing.
So far this season, Brunet has completed 111-of-215 passes for 1,546 yards with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
LaFleur is one of the top receivers in the state as he has 56 catches for 844 yards and five touchdowns.
LaFleur also leads the team with 276 yards rushing on 51 carries with seven touchdowns.
“We do what we can do on offense,” David said of the Blue Jays (2-5, 1-1). “We need to execute in the red zone and cut down on penalties.”
David said they realize they have to play well to keep their hopes alive for the playoffs.
Presently, the Blue Jays are ranked 27th in the LHSAA Class 1-A power rankings.
In the playoffs, 26 teams earn spots in the Class 1-A Non-Select bracket, while only 16 teams make the Select Team bracket.
“We still have an outside shot to at least a share of the district championship if we win out and someone beats Catholic High of Pointe Coupee, “ David said.
“There is still a lot to play for the last three weeks,” he said.
Last week in the loss to Basile, the Crusaders managed 238 yards of total offense.
Kaleb Prudhomme completed 10-of-18 passes for 135 yards.
Jonah Manuel had four catches for 89 yards and he scored on a 4-yard run.
Noah Launey led WCA with 79 yards on 21 carries, while Jon Thibodeaux hit field goals of 29 and 32 yards for the Crusaders.
Basile was led by Gabe Fontenot who finished with 257 yards on 20 carries and scored five times.
“We need to begin the game strong and take advantage of every opportunity,” David said.