John Curtis rebounds with 33-6 district win over Shaw

It was highly unlikely that John Curtis Christian would lose a third straight game.

After all, the Patriots had not lost two consecutive games since 1979, prior to last weekend.

The Patriots took care of business Thursday night, handling Archbishop Shaw 33-6 in the Catholic League opener for both teams at Muss Bertolino Stadium in Kenner.

The Eagles were playing for the first time since Oct. 3, having missed the last two weeks due to COVID-19 issues.

The Patriots jumped out front in the first quarter, driving 73 yards in eight plays. Quarterback Buddy Taylor connected with Javon Davis on a 10-yard touchdown pass and Ronald Poole ran in the two-point conversion to give Curtis an 8-0 lead with 7:17 to play in the opening quarter.

In the second quarter, the Patriots took advantage of very short fields twice to stretch out the lead.

Early in the second quarter, Curtis pinned Shaw deep in its own territory and a very short punt, the Patriots drove 27 yards to increase the lead to 15-0 on a 15-yard touchdown run by Charles Quinn.

Then, the Patriots capitalized after another short punt and a penalty on Shaw, driving 21 yards in just three plays with Caleb Spann scoring on a 5-yard run to increase the lead to 21-0 after a missed extra point with 6:38 to play in the first half.

Curtis extended the lead on its next possession as Taylor raced 23 yards for a score and it was 27-0 with 2:54 to play in the half after the extra point was blocked, finishing off a 70 yard drive in six plays.

There was one score in the third quarter as Taylor increased the lead to 33-0 with a 15-yard touchdown run with 6:42 to play in the quarter after another failed extra point. The drive covered 70 yards in nine plays.

The Eagles averted a shutout when David Kency raced 78 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to account for the final score after a missed extra point as the Patriots played reserves.

Taylor finished 5-of-11 for 53 yards and a touchdown and he rushed 12 times for 100 yards and two scores. Patrick LeBranch rushed nine times for 84 yards. Davis had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Patriots coach J.T. Curtis was pleased with the win.

“I thought it went well. We got a lot done and got a lot of guys in the game,” Curtis said. “I thought we got accomplished what we wanted to. Shaw is better. I told Tommy Connors that his team was improved. Buddy has played well for us. He is a good athlete who is learning on the job against good competition. He will continue to get better. It was good to get back to winning.”

Both teams return to District 9-5A action next weekend. Curtis (2-2) will face Jesuit next Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Joe Yenni Stadium while Shaw (1-1) hosts Brother Martin next Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.

FINAL
JC 8 19 6 0 33
Shaw 0 0 0 6 6

Louisiana Prep Football Scores from Thursday, Oct. 22

Ascension Catholic 64, White Castle 22

Basile 21, Port Barre 12

Beekman Charter at Delhi Charter

Belle Chasse 35, Franklinton 7

Bolton 58, Delhi Charter 0

Brusly 56, Baker 6

Byrd 42, Parkway 7

East St. John 43, Helen Cox 19

John Ehret 48, Bonnabel 14

Episcopal 50, Capitol 14

John Curtis Christian 33, Archbishop Shaw 6

H.L. Bourgeois 34, Central Lafourche 6

Kentwood 42, Independence 14

Lake Charles College Prep 73, Westlake 0

Livonia 23, Beau Chene 7

Madison Prep 52, Glen Oaks 6

Neville 44, Franklin Parish 7

North Vermilion 35, Crowley 20

Oberlin 28, Grand Lake 14

Ouachita Christian 50, Cedar Creek 20

Plain Dealing 52, Lincoln Prep 14

Tara 49, Broadmoor 0

Woodlawn (BR) 26, Dutchtown 24

Woodlawn (SH) 30, Evangel Christian 10