McDonogh 35 scores in final minute to beat Carver in Wayne Reese Classic

The third annual Wayne Reese Classic was just that – a classic.

Santana Price connected with Dameon McCloud on a 62-yard touchdown pass with 34 seconds left in the game Thursday night to lift McDonogh 35 to a dramatic 13-10 victory over Carver at Pan American Stadium in a key District 11-4A matchup.

Reese, who coached at both schools, passed away from complications resulting from COVID-19 in 2020.

In a defensive battle, McDonogh 35 took the lead early, scoring on its first possession on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Price to McCloud to take a 7-0 first quarter lead.

Carver tied the game in the second quarter on a five-yard touchdown pass from Jaden Varrett to Tyron Johns to make it 7-7.

After a scoreless third quarter, Carver took the lead on a 29-yard field goal by Jhony Casildo with 3:29 to play in the game, setting the stage for the winning score.

McDonogh 35 coach Frank Daggs, who coached under Reese for 17 years with the Roneagles, praised his team’s effort.

“We found a way to win,” Daggs said. “Our defense played a heck of a game. We gave up the field goal and our offense finally made a big play to win. We work on the two-minute drill frequently and it paid off. It was man coverage, we split the corner and safety and made the play. We have found a way to win much of the year.”

McDonogh 35 (6-2, 2-0) returns to district play next Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. against Douglass.

Carver (3-5, 1-2) has lost three of its games by a total of 10 points. The Rams enjoy a week off before playing Douglass on the final weekend of the regular season.

Carver had won the first two Wayne Reese Classic meetings.

“Getting the trophy back and putting it in our office means a lot to the kids, our coaches and the school,” Daggs said. “It means a lot. It is good to have it here. It has Coach Reese’s name on it. We have to focus on winning a district title now.”

Louisiana Prep Football Scores from Thursday, October 20:
Airline 48, Byrd 28
Ascension Episcopal 24, Loreauville 0
Baker 20, Capitol 12
Barbe 40, Lafayette 17
Belle Chasse 42, Higgins 0
Carroll 29, Franklin Parish 8
Central Catholic 60, Hanson Memorial 14
Church Point 58, Ville Platte 20
East Beauregard 55, Merryville 32
East Jefferson 14, West Jefferson 13
East St. John 35, Terrebonne 12
Jesuit 31, Booker T. Washington (NO) 8
Kinder 34, South Beauregard 0
Lincoln Prep 34, River Oaks 8
Livonia 30, Crowley 15
Logansport 38, LaSalle 0
McDonogh (35) 13, Carver 10
Rayne 49, Washington-Marion 20
Rayville 50, Northwood-Lena 6
Southern Lab 35, Avoyelles 14
St. Louis Catholic 38, South Lafourche 6
Varnado 52, Crescent City Christian 6
Warren Easton 20, Madison Prep 14
Westminster Christian-Lafayette 14, Lafayette Renaissance 6