REPLAY: St. Charles Catholic handles Franklinton, 35-6

The defense never rests.

St. Charles Catholic is always known for its defensive prowess. The Comets had already recorded two shutouts on the season.

The defense was great again Thursday night while the offense got going in the third quarter in a convincing 35-6 victory at Demon Stadium in the LHSAA Thursday Night Football Game of the Week seen live on Crescent City Sports.

The Comets forced four turnovers and took total advantage of them.

After forcing a three-and-out to start the game, the Comets capitalized on a one-yard punt, driving 14 yards in three plays with Philip Tran scoring on an 8-yard run to make it 7-0 with 8:59 to play in the opening quarter.

The Comet offense got it going in the second quarter, driving 75 yards in 11 plays with quarterback Zach Vicknair scoring on an 11-yard run to make it 14-0 with 4:28 to play in the half.

St. Charles Catholic erupted for 21 points in the third quarter. The Comets took the second half kickoff and drove 60 yards in six plays with Vicknair scoring on a 19-yard run to make it 21-0.

On their next possession, the Comets drove 43 yards in seven plays with Tran scoring on a 1-yard run and it was 28-0.

Bryce Bertucci then recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and that led to a 3-yard touchdown run by Kaiden Jones to complete the uprising.

The Demons (4-3) averted a shutout when Bryan Williams scored on a 3-yard run with 35 seconds left.

Vicknair finished with 10 carries for 74 yards and two touchdowns while Keeenan Gauff had nine carries for 64 yards and Tran finished with nine carries for 30 yards and two scores. Eli Ory forced and recovered a fumble while Samuel Joyce and Josh Tamplain each came up with an interception for the Comets (5-1).

Both teams open district play next Friday night with very tough challenges. St. Charles Catholic will face a huge District 11-2A showdown against unbeaten Newman in LaPlace while Franklinton opens District 8-4A play against unbeaten Lakeshore.

Final
SCC 7 7 21 0 35
FHS 0 0 0 6 6

Scoring:
1st Qtr.
SCC—Philip Tran, 8-yard run (Carter Chauvin kick)

2nd Qtr.
SCC—Zach Vicknair, 11-yard run (Carter Chauvin kick)

3rd Qtr.
SCC—Zach Vicknair, 19-yard run (Carter Chauvin kick)
SCC—Philip Tran, 1-yard run (Carter Chauvin kick)
SCC—Kaiden Jones, 3-yard run (Carter Chauvin kick)

4th Qtr.
FHS—Bryan Williams, 3-yard run (conversion failed)