After claiming a 22-7 victory over St. Frederick in the first round of the Division IV playoffs, the St. Edmumd Blue Jays (10-1) are now focused on their quarterfinal round opponent, the Ascension Catholic Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs (9-2) routed Houma Christian in the opening round of the playoffs by a 63-7 margin.
Blue Jay head coach Andy Hargroder knows that his team will be challenged by the Bulldogs. “They are the best team we’ve seen all year. They have two 1,000-yard rushers and an athletic quarterback. Their only two losses came against Kentwood and Soutern Lab.”
The Blue Jays will be missing quarterback Brad Miller, who suffered an ankle injury in the win against St. Frederick as well as having to deal with an appendectomy.
Miller has rushed for 1,107 yards for the season (6.4 yards per carry) and passed for six others touchdowns.
Coach Hargroder will look to Jack Miller and Peyton Marcantel to help out at the quarterback position. Running back Luke Doucet, who has averaged 7.4 yard per carry and netted 1,530 yards with 15 touchdowns may be in line for more touches as well.
Marcantel was successful on a 28-yard field goal in the victory over St. Frederick. He also ran for an 80-yard touchdown late in the game.
The quarterfinal game is set for a 7 p.m. start at the Blue Jay Field.