Central Catholic looking to top district rival Vermilion Catholic

Central Catholic was solid defensively a week ago in halting Highland Baptist’s Bronte Griffin from continuing his streak of 300-plus rushing games.
Now, a week later and onto District 7-1A rival Vermilion Catholic, the Eagles will look to contain the Screaming Eagles’ air game led by quarterback J.T. Lege. Lege, who has more than 1,200 yards passing this season, threw for more than 300 in last week’s near upset of undefeated Ascension Episcopal in a 40-34 loss.
Lege completed 23 of 40 pass for 303 yards and three touchdowns last week, with five of his receivers hauling in at least three catches.
Vermilion Catholic (2-4 overall, 2-0 in district) and Central Catholic (3-3, 2-1) already have faced each other this season in jamboree action as Central Catholic held off the Screaming Eagles, 20-13, when Samarick Paul intercepted Lege to end the game.
A week ago, Vermilion Catholic had the ball at Ascension Episcopal’s 41 with two minutes left and down 40-34, but Lege was intercepted to seal the Blue Gators’ victory.
Vermilion Catholic had the lead on three different occasions last week.
Last week’s leading receivers for Vermilion Catholic included Chris Constintine with six catches for 87 yards; Gage Broussard, four for 89 yards; and Matthew Fontenot, six for 77.
A week ago, Central Catholic limited Griffin to 131 yards on 22 carries with one touchdown.
In all, the Bears were held to 229 yards of offense, including just 86 yards in the second half.
Offensively, Central Catholic totaled 307 yards (268 rushing and 39 passing).
The Eagles emerged from halftime trailing 14-13 but held Highland Baptist off the scoreboard in the second half.
Meanwhile, the Eagles produced three touchdowns, a third-quarter punt return and two fourth-quarter rushing scores.
Central Catholic’s ground game is led this season by Bailey Badeaux, who has rushed 84 times for 525 yards with six touchdowns.
Teammate Chris Singleton has rushed 58 times for 393 yards and eight scores.
Through the air, Blake Byrne has completed 33 of 70 passes for 609 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions.
Samarick Paul leads Central Catholic’s receivers with 17 catches for 316 yards and three touchdowns, while Gregory Leger has six catches for 222 yards and two touchdowns.
Friday’s game will kick off at 7 p.m.