Ascension Episcopal Dominates Vermilion Catholic to Stay Undefeated

The Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators maintained their perfect record this season with a decisive 35-14 victory over Vermilion Catholic on October 20, 2023. The game, held in Youngsville, showcased the Blue Gators’ commitment to a physical, run-oriented style of football that has defined their strategy throughout the season.

Strong performances on both offense and defense led to another win for Ascension Episcopal. The team rushed for over 250 yards while forcing a turnover that resulted in a defensive touchdown. Head Coach Jay Domengeaux emphasized the importance of playing physically and protecting the football. “The guys really enjoy that brand of football, and I’m very proud of the way they played tonight, and the way they’ve played all year,” he stated.

The scoring began with a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Branon Mitchell at the 2:21 mark of the first quarter, giving the Blue Gators a 7-0 lead. The defense quickly followed suit when Sport Gros intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0. Domengeaux noted the significance of such plays, stating, “When you get a pick-six… that puts the other team on their heels.”

Ascension Episcopal continued to dominate, scoring again with 4:38 remaining in the second quarter. Running back Owen LeBlanc added a 5-yard touchdown run, increasing the score to 21-0. Vermilion Catholic managed to respond just before halftime, with William Simon scoring on a 1-yard run to make it 21-7.

The second half began with a crucial moment for Vermilion Catholic. After advancing into the red zone on their first possession, they turned the ball over on downs. “That was huge, because we talked at halftime about how important it was to get a stop right there,” Domengeaux commented, praising his defense for holding strong under pressure.

Mitchell scored again early in the third quarter, this time on a 41-yard run, pushing the score to 28-7. Domengeaux highlighted Mitchell’s versatility, noting, “He can run for a little bit of power when you need it, he can run for a big game-breaker, and he can also throw the ball down the field.”

Vermilion Catholic fought back as Simon scored again on a 13-yard run, narrowing the deficit to 28-14. However, Ascension Episcopal sealed the game with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Mitchell to Preston Peebles at the 6:05 mark of the fourth quarter, resulting in the final score of 35-14.

Coach Domengeaux reflected on the significance of the win, stating, “VC is a quality team, which means this is a real quality win for us.” He applauded his team for their execution, particularly in maintaining control of the football. As the Blue Gators continue their undefeated season, they have demonstrated a consistent ability to perform under pressure and execute their game plan effectively.