Newman-St. Charles Catholic highlights busy Thursday area schedule

A showdown looms tonight in an outstanding venue as St. Charles Catholic battles Newman in a District 11-2A showdown.

The game at Strawberry Stadium in a Hammond will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network.

In last year’s meeting, Newman prevailed 14-7.

The Greenies (4-0) advanced to the Division III semifinals, falling to Lafayette Christian 21-7.

St. Charles Catholic (4-0) advanced to the Division finals, also losing to Lafayette Christian 12-7 in the title game.

Two years ago in LaPlace, St. Charles Catholic fought off Newman in a 28-27 thriller despite three touchdown passes from Arch Manning.

Newman averages 51.5 points per game, scoring 49, 59 and 70 points in their last three games while St. Charles Catholic allows just four points per game, led by senior nose guard Moses Clark. The Comets have posted three shutouts.

The winner not only will be the eventual district champion but could be fighting for a higher seed, if not the top seed, in Division III.

Currently, Notre Dame (5-1) and Lafayette Christian (5-1) are the top two teams in the Division III power rankings but the Pios and Knights play tonight.

“We know it will be a challenge,” St. Charles Catholic coach Wayne Stein said.
“Everyone talks about their offense but their defense is solid, as we saw last year. What makes Manning special is he is an accurate thrower who can make all the throws but he is athletic. We know they will make plays. We simply have to limit them.

Newman coach Nelson Stewart knows the challenge the Comets present.

“They are so well coached and are so strong every year,” Stewart said. “Wayne does a tremendous job with their defense and they are very, very tough. Their offense can control the football. They are always outstanding in the kicking game and you must be prepared for everything.”

Expect another classic in this trilogy.

Another big district showdown takes place at Joe Yenni Stadium where unbeaten East Jefferson hosts Chalmette with first place and a possible District 8-5A championship on the line.

The Warriors (3-0, 3-0) have not been tested yet in wins over Riverdale, Bonnabel and Grace King, averaging just over 40 points per game, led by outstanding quarterback Arthur Oliver.

The Owls (3-1, 3-0) have played the tougher schedule and have huge district wins over John Ehret, which has dominated the league recently, along with West Jefferson and Grace King.

In other games tonight, Abramson Sci Academy faces Douglass at 7:30 at Pan American Stadium, Country Day meets West St. John at 6:30 p.m. at Joe Keller Stadium, Covington battles Hammond at Lakeshore in District 6-5A, Independence is on the road at Pine, Kenner Discovery faces Lusher Charter at Tad Gormley Stadium, McDonogh 35 faces M.L. King Charter at Joe Brown Stadium and John Ehret hosts Riverdale at Hoss Memtsas Stadium at 6:30 p.m.

Louisiana Prep Football Schedule for Thursday, Oct. 14

(All games at 7 p.m. unless noted)

Abramson Sci Academy vs. Douglass, 7:30 p.m. at Pan American Stadium

Benton at Byrd

Chalmette at East Jefferson, 6:30 p.m. at Joe Yenni Stadium

Country Day vs. West St. John, 6:30 p.m. at Joe Keller Stadium

Covington vs. Hammond at Lakeshore

Evangel Christian at Northwood

Gueydan at Merryville

Houma Christian at Thrive Academy

Huntington at Woodlawn (SH)

Independence at Pine

Kenner Discovery vs. Lusher Charter at Tad Gormley Stadium

Kinder at Oakdale

Lafayette Christian at Notre Dame

Logansport at LaSalle

Magnolia School of Excellence at Calvary Baptist

McDonogh 35 vs. M.L. King Charter at Joe Brown Stadium

McKinley at Catholic (BR)

Newman vs. St. Charles Catholic at Strawberry Stadium

Pineville vs. Alexandria at Butch Stoker Stadium

Riverdale vs. John Ehret, 6:30 p.m. at Hoss Memtsas Stadium

Vandebilt Catholic at South Terrebonne