Ascension Episcopal Dominates Vermilion Catholic to Stay Undefeated

The Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators maintained their undefeated status by defeating the Vermilion Catholic Eagles 35-14 in a District 5-1A contest on March 15, 2024. This victory showcased Ascension Episcopal’s effective strategy of physical, run-oriented football paired with disciplined ball control, allowing them to dominate the game on both sides of the field.

Strong Performance on Offense and Defense

In a match held in Youngsville, the Blue Gators relied on their running game, amassing over 250 yards on the ground. Their defense also made a significant impact, scoring on a turnover that added to their overall lead. Coach Jay Domengeaux emphasized the importance of physical play and protecting the football throughout the week, a strategy that clearly resonated with his team. “The guys really enjoy that brand of football, and I’m very proud of the way they played tonight,” he stated.

The scoring began early for Ascension Episcopal when quarterback Branon Mitchell executed a 1-yard touchdown run at the 2:21 mark of the first quarter, putting the Blue Gators ahead 7-0. Following this, defensive player Sport Gros intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for another touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.

“When you get a pick-six, or a turnover that you get points out of; that’s the equivalent of special teams points,” Domengeaux noted. This critical play shifted momentum in favor of Ascension Episcopal, giving them the confidence boost they needed.

Key Moments and Turning Points

A third touchdown followed in the second quarter when running back Owen LeBlanc scored from 5 yards out, making the score 21-0. Vermilion Catholic managed to respond just before halftime, with William Simon scoring on a 1-yard run, bringing the halftime score to 21-7. The Eagles had a chance to narrow the gap further at the start of the second half but failed to convert on downs after reaching the Blue Gators’ red zone.