Lafayette takes advantage of chances, edges Carencro in double-overtime

BREAUX BRIDGE, La. – The Lafayette Mighty Lions won a double overtime thriller 31-28 against the Carencro Golden Bears on Friday night.

Bears junior quarterback Chantz Ceaser was stopped twice at the goal line on both 3rd and 4th and goal by the Mighty Lions defense to seal their victory.

“Stay low and drive, this is what we do,” said Lions head coach Cedric Figaro to his defense on the crucial goal line stand. “Grind it out and make a play and they did.” The Lions defense had an interception in Friday’s game and one fumble recovery.

Each team scored touchdowns in the first overtime before junior kicker Ashton Guilbeau kicked a 30-yard field goal on Lafayette’s next possession for the eventual game winner.

“We train at 5:30 in the morning,” said Figaro. “No one works at 5:30, I told our guys to remember this time, while everyone is getting out of bed at 9:00 in the morning we already have a full day of work in.”

Carencro had to play a home game on the road Friday night because the weather did not allow them to play on their home field. The game was played at Breaux Bridge High School. Despite the different site, the Bears held a 14-0 lead at halftime over the Lions.

A fumbled snap and kick return early in the 3rd quarter helped Lafayette tie the game.

The Bears scored on their next drive to reclaim the lead, 21-14, but the Lions stayed in it.

Penalties hurt Carencro all night. During their next drive after they took the lead a costly holding penalty by the offense and gave the ball back to Lafayette.

The Lions ran a fake punt on their next drive on 4th down which gained 11 yards and a 1st down. A few plays later, juinor quarterback Grayson Saunier threw a touchdown pass to tie it.

Saunier played a big part of the Lions comeback, throwing for 158 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Both touchdowns were caught by junior receiver Luke Schroedter.

“He is our heart, we’re going to go as far as Grayson takes us,” said Figaro. “We get on his back like a backpack and we ride with him.”

Saunier also carried the ball 17 times for 77 and a touchdown. “He (Saunier) has a lot more to learn,” said Figaro. “But boy I can’t wait to see it.”

In a humorous note, five Lafayette players had to leave the game for at least one play because their helmet fell off during the play. Consider it another teaching moment, even after a big victory for Figaro and his squad.

“I am going to have to teach our kids how to strap their helmets,” said Figaro. “Especially (number) 56 (Alveion Richmond Junior defensive end) I am going to have to help him put his helmet on.” Richmond was the main culprit when a Lions helmet was on the ground.

Lafayette’s next game will be next Friday on the road again against the Comeaux Spartans while the Bears will look to bounce back at the Ruston Bearcats, also on Friday.