The STM Cougars were able to stay afloat the first two weeks of the season, but they sure have been glad runningback Hutch Swilley has been back in the lineup the last couple of weeks.
In the first two weeks, St. Thomas More got over the Comeaux Spartans 45-6 in week one and beat Alexandria Senior High 49-21 in week two. Then, Swilley made it back in time to help the Cougars get a 41-7 win over Brother Martin. Last week was their biggest test yet as they took down Catholic of Baton Rouge 35-28.
Swilley was dynamic and essential in the win as he rushed for 118 yards and a score on the ground and also caught four passes for 79 yards and the game-winning touchdown to keep STM undefeated.
The leg injury isn’t holding up Swilley anymore as he’s ready to contribute to the Cougars getting another state title and over the summer, the senior running back announced his commitment to playing football for Navy.
Question: How does it feel being able to get back on the field and be a spark for this offense?
Answer: It’s been awesome, I knew while I was gone with my leg that I could trust my guys to get it done and they did. Coming back has been great and I’ve been able to trust the guys to help get me to where I need to be.
Q: What can you tell us about that game-winning touchdown last Friday and what you saw on the play?
A: It was a screen to the right. We have been drilling the crud out of it all week during practice and our offensive line really got it that time. They set up a wall for me. Eric Abadie actually had an amazing block all the way down the field for me and I just followed him all the way into the endzone.
Q: What went into your decision to commit to the Navy?
A: The people, the academics, and being set up really. Also, I have the opportunity to serve my country.
Q: After seeing this from both the sideline and on the field, how realistic is it that this team makes it back to the dome?
A: Oh, it’s definite. I think the leadership, the coaches, being able to trust the guys above us, and then allowing the senior leadership to shine through to the younger guys and then their leadership. I think that it’s inevitable that we’re coming back.
Q: What will it take for this team to travel and beat a Denham Springs team that’s 3-1?
A: It’s going to take a lot of focus, especially this week in practice. We’ve been stressing the little things. Coming off of Catholic, we saw a lot of things that we could really improve on and we’ve been really drilling the minor details such as traveling. Last year, on the road against Catholic, we didn’t handle traveling really well and it showed in the game so just working on that and handling our business.
The STM Cougars will travel on Friday as they take on the Denham Springs Yellowjackets. The pregame will begin at 6:30 p.m., kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m. and it all can be heard on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette.