Thomas Jefferson overcomes small numbers for big13-0 win over Haynes

While it may never be construed as an important game to most of the general public or for championship aspirations, the annual “Magnet Bowl” is as important a game as any for two outstanding academic institutions in Jefferson Parish.

While Thomas Jefferson and Haynes Academy win regularly in the classroom with excellent students performing in excellent fashion via a challenging curriculum, the Jaguars and Yellow Jackets struggle for an identity and for credibility on the football field.

When the two schools hook up on the gridiron, there is a host of pride on the line along with bragging rights.

Friday night at Hoss Memtsas Stadium, host Thomas Jefferson played stellar defense from start to finish and emerged with a 13-0 shutout win over Haynes.

It was a great accomplishment for the Jaguars, who dressed out just 20 players for coach Kenny Bush.

“We started the season with 27 but we’ve lost a lot of kids throughout the season,” Bush said. “This has been a tough season. Our kids never gave up and always come to work and play extremely hard.”

In the first quarter, Carlos Flores recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown and it was 6-0 Jaguars.

Near the end of the third quarter, Destin Pitre hit Jonas Louis for 22 yards to the Haynes 1-yard line. Pitre then snuck it into the end zone to make it 13-0.

Freshman Bryce Wilkerson had a key sack to stop a Haynes drive to preserve the shutout. Freshman Derek Watson and Merlin Green were also stars on defense.

Holden Gonzales was a standout at linebacker for the Jaguars. Alejandro Verla, normally an offensive tackle, played defense and was outstanding.

“Holden, Alejandro Bryce, Derek and Merlin was all good for us,” Bush said. “We like our young players and their futures in our program.”

“Our defense played outstanding,” Bush said. “We forced three fumbles. Our offense moved the ball some, though we missed some opportunities. We were able to score that second touchdown to seal the game. To win a game mean so much. The kids have been practicing and working so hard.”

The win was significant for another primary reason.

“t was really special because it was Homecoming and it was against Haynes,” Bush said. “The kids are excited. It is great to see the smiles on their face. It was a thrilling experience. I love the work ethic and the attitude of our kids. Just to see the result is very rewarding. They deserve it.”

Thomas Jefferson (2-5, 1-1) will play powerful De La Salle at Hoss Memtsas Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. next week.

“We will show up and we will play hard,” Bush said. “It is always about putting forth maximum effort.”

Bush and his Jaguars have certainly accomplished the latter in 2021.