The second week of the high school football season around the Acadiana area has brought us many interesting storylines. There were plenty of exciting wins and big performances. Even with all we have learned through two weeks, I have a few matchups circled for the week three slate of games that should tell us even more.
Here are my five takeaways from the second week of action.
- Southside’s offense has not lost a step, but the defense is a few steps behind: The Southside Sharks won a shootout, 49-46 over Cecilia on Friday night to get to 2-0. Despite losing talent from last year’s offense, the Sharks are still sharp on that side. Their rushing attack is incredibly difficult to stop, and that was on full display. However, the defense struggled throughout. They did have a few key starters out, but that group will have to be better moving forward.
- Vermilion Catholic goes as their quarterback Jonathan Dartez goes: The Eagles won a thrilling 30-28 game over Ascension Episcopal on Friday night, and Dartez stole the show. He ran for an incredible 359 yards in the victory. He also threw for 52 yards, meaning he accounted for over 400 yards of offense in one game. The Eagles will put their 2-0 record on the line against another 2-0 team in Loreauville this week.
- Do not count out the Opelousas Tigers: Despite a difficult opening loss at Teurlings Catholic, Jimmy Zachery’s Opelousas High team went on the road to Natchitoches Central and beat a 5A opponent 40-28. If the Tigers can run the football consistently, they are going to be tough for anyone to beat. Also, it is worth noting that they lost to Teurlings last year before winning nine straight to finish the regular season.
- Teurlings is good, but we are about to find out more about them: Speaking of the Rebels, we know they are very good, led by senior quarterback Preston Welch. They dismantled both Opelousas High and Avoyelles in their first two games. This week, however, they will be tested on the road against a 2-0 and talented St. Charles Catholic team. This will be a great measuring stick game for Dane Charpentier’s group.
- For now, STM is the cream of the crop: Another team we will learn a whole lot about this week is the St. Thomas More Cougars. The Cougars are ranked No. 1 in the LSWA Class 4A poll, but a home game against Brother Martin of the Catholic League should give us an idea of just how good this year’s team is.
Dawson Eiserloh is the co-host of “RP3, D-Loh & Meche” which is broadcast weekdays (11-1) on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette and 104.1 Lake Charles — Southwest Louisiana’s Sports Station.