Rematch games highlight Division I regional playoff round

Although the playoff format has changed and there are now more teams I the Division I playoffs, the rematch theme which has been so prevalent in recent years has reared its head once again in the regional round of the LHSAA postseason this Friday night.

That includes two rematches involving four teams from the Catholic League and another matchup of powers accustomed to seeing each other in the playoffs.

No. 3 seed John Curtis Christian hosts No. 19 Jesuit at 7 p.m. at Joe Yenni Stadium.

The Patriots (8-2) pulled away late to handle the Blue Jays 28-10 on Sept. 23 in District 9-5A action.

The only two losses this season for John Curtis were to Zachary and Karr, a pair of perennial powers.

Jesuit (5-6) has won four straight games after starting the season 1-6 against a very challenging schedule.

The Blue Jay defeated John Curtis twice in the 2021 season, including a 14-13 win in the Division I quarterfinals.

John Curtis defeated Jesuit 27-14 in the 2018 Division I quarterfinals and 34-27 in the 2019 quarterfinals.

Jesuit defeated John Curtis 17-14 in the 2014 Division I state championship game.

Another rematch of 9-5A rivals is set as No. 4 St. Augustine takes on No. 13 Brother Martin at Tad Gormley Stadium at 7 p.m. You can watch the game live on CrescentCitySports.com.

The Purple Knights (7-2) edged the Crusaders 14-13 just two weeks ago on Nov. 4.

St. Augustine has a notable victory at Zachary and its only losses were to Karr and John Curtis Christian.

Brother Martin (6-5) snapped a 3-gamel losing streak, rallying from a 20-0 deficit to down Woodlawn of Baton Rouge 45-20 in the opening round of the playoffs.

At Memorial Stadium in Baton Rouge, No. 15 seed Archbishop Rummel faces a tall task against Catholic of Baton Rouge at Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m.

The two sides have played some tremendous games in recent years.

The Raiders lead the overall series 4-3 over the Bears.

Rummel defeated Catholic 14-10 in the 2019 Division I championship game at Yulman Stadium.

The Bears edged the Raiders 31-28 in the 2015 Division I state championship game in the final game of the brilliant career of Bears coach Dale Weiner.

In 2018, Catholic edged Rummel 13-10 at Memorial Stadium in the quarterfinals in the final game of the brilliant career of Raiders coach Jay Roth.

History repeats itself as Catholic downs Rummel on last second field goal

In 2020, the Bears rallied late to overcome the Raiders 42-35 in the quarterfinals, also at Memorial Stadium.

The Bears (9-1) has not lost in-state, falling only to Our Lady of Good Counsel of Maryland (38-35).

Catholic has been extremely impressive, beating top playoff seeds in Warren Easton and St. Thomas More, along with defending state champions in Zachary and University Lab, along with Carver-Montgomery (Alabama).

Rummel (6-5) is a decisive underdog, this time around. The young Raiders team has good wins over University Lab, Brother Martin and Ouachita Parish. Rummel advanced with a 31-24 win in the opening round over John Ehret.

Should the seeds hold, a matchup that likely would have happened in December in The Caesars Superdome will take place in the quarterfinals with No. 7 Karr heading to Memorial Stadium to face Catholic.

The Cougars, who have dominated all opponents, had to forfeit three wins due to the use of an ineligible player, taking them from being the No. 1 seed to the No. 7 seed.

Both Karr and Catholic have a regular season win over top seed Warren Easton.