There were chants of “Bearcat boudin” and “Blue Jay gumbo” early in the game.
When it was over, St. Edmund grabbed a 28-7 win over district rival Basile at Blue Jay Field.
“It was good to open district with a win,” St. Edmund head coach Andy Hargroder said. “It was important to get a lead and make plays of defense.”
St. Edmund’s defense took control of the game in Basile’s openimg possession as Blue Jay defensive back Peyton Marcantel picked off Dawson Ashford’s pass and raced 52 yards before he was stopped at the Bearcat 10.
It took just one play for the Blue Jay offense respond as Brad Miller scored from 10 yards out.
Marcantel’s PAT gave the Jays a 7-0 lead with 8:43 left in the first period.
After forcing a Bearcat punt and then stopping Basile on fourth down, the Jays went 70 yards in just to plays.
Brad Miller connected with Marcantel for a 63-yard toss and then Miller scored from three yards out.
Marcantel’s kick increased the Jays’ lead to 14-0 with 45 seconds left in the quarter.
St. Ed’s forced another Bearcat punt and the Jays then went 63 yards in six plays to score the only points of the second period.
Luke Doucet had three strong runs on the drive, including an 11-yard touchdown rumble.
Marcantel’s PAT pushed the Jays ahead, 21-0 with 9:16 left in the first half.
The Blue Jays fumbled the ball on the opening possesion of the second half and the Bearcats then mounted their longest drive of the game.
Ashford connected with Jaylon Thomas and Logan David added several impressive runs to help Basile move inside the Blue Jay 20.
Three runs by Andre Reed was followed by a 1-yard plunge by Ashford.
Jacob Guillory added the PAT as the Bearcats closed the gap to 21-7 with 3:19 left in the third period.
It took just one play after the kickoff as Doucet raced 62 yards through the middle of the Bearcat defense for the score.
Marcantel’s PAT gave the Jays a 28-7 lead with 2:56 remaining in the third period.
Early in the fourth quarter, Basile recovered a Blue Jay fumble near midfield.
The Bearcats moved the ball to the St. Ed 10 after a pass interference call, but the Blue Jay defense later forced an incomplete pass on fourth down to stop the drive at the 8.
The Blue Jay offense took over and earned five first downs on 16 plays to run out the clock and seal the district opening win.
Doucet finished with 218 yards on 25 carries and two scores to lead the Blue Jay offense.
Ashford completed 8-of-21 for 86 yards, while Reed gained 69 yards on 16 carries and Thomas had six catches for 75 yards to spark Basile.
St. Edmund (3-1, 1-0) travels to South Cameron Friday night, while Basile (1-3) entertains Merryville.
“We are learning the process and learning how to win,” Hargroder said. “It is important for these kids to learn how to win and get confidence to battle in close games.”