Guardians Dominate ACS for Fourth Straight ACEL Title
BALL, LA – The John Paul the Great Academy Guardians secured their fourth consecutive Association of Christian Educators of Louisiana (ACEL) 8-man football championship on Saturday night, defeating the Acadiana Christian School Lions 38–14 at Tioga High School. The win extends JPG’s dynasty that began in 2022, with Berchmans Academy remaining the last other program to claim the title back in 2021.
“This one was special,” said Guardians Head Coach Barret Richard. “I was really proud of how well the boys played. I thought we played a really, really good football game—penalties aside.”
Methodical Domination
The Guardians’ opening drive set the tone for the night. Running backs Riley Lormand and Daniel Charpentier powered an offense that methodically moved the ball downfield, consuming the entire first quarter in one marathon drive.
“We had the ball the whole first quarter,” Coach Richard recalled with a laugh. “Four yards, five yards, four yards, five yards—we just kept moving it. We didn’t score until the second quarter, and it was still our first drive. I’ve never seen anything like that.”
That drive—and the physical dominance that came with it—defined JPG’s night. The Guardians racked up 249 rushing yards on 39 carries, led by Lormand’s 118 yards and Charpentier’s 77. Sophomore Lucas Salvatierra added 50 yards, including a 43-yard burst that showcased JPG’s balance and speed.
Charpentier accounted for three total touchdowns (two rushing, one passing), while Lormand added another rushing score and a touchdown reception. Senior Jacques Odient rounded out the scoring with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
Line Play and Defense Lead the Way
While the offense controlled possession, the defense suffocated ACS. “Before the fourth quarter, I think they only had maybe three or four possessions,” said Richard. “They ran less than 20 plays total before we started running the clock.”
The Guardians’ front seven—anchored by Dominic Cramer, Maximus Stewart, and Nicholas Odinet—recorded 2.5 sacks and five tackles for loss, holding ACS to minimal yardage and forcing repeated three-and-outs.
But it was the offensive line that drew Coach Richard’s highest praise. “I really challenged the offensive line during the week,” he said. “Watching the film, I felt like they played a phenomenal game—better than usual. Pad level, drive, everything. They were incredible.”
He singled out sophomore tackles Luke Cramer and Jacob Angelle for their growth and poise against ACS’s veteran defenders. “They really exceeded my expectations. They took pride in doing things right, and it showed.”
Hard Work, Fortitude, and Brotherhood
Richard’s message to the team after the win focused less on statistics and more on character. “It’s so important for them to hear that their results were directly related to their hard work,” he said. “All the time and effort they put in is the reason they performed well. There’s no magic to it—just consistent effort, week in and week out.”
As he reflected on the season, Richard emphasized the deeper lessons of football and manhood:
“People think you have to love something before you commit to it. But often, you end up loving what you decide to commit to. Success comes through fortitude—doing the work, day in and day out, even when you don’t feel like it.”
A Dynasty of Faith and Fortitude
Since 2022, John Paul the Great Academy has been the gold standard for 8-man football in Louisiana. Their four-year reign—2022 through 2025—has been marked by discipline, physicality, and character development that extends beyond the field.
“As time goes on, I get more and more proud of what they accomplished,” Coach Richard said. “Championships are surreal at first, but when you reflect, you see what really made it happen—their consistency, their humility, and their willingness to give everything they had.”
With a strong returning core—including Charpentier, Lormand, Salvatierra, and much of the offensive line—the Guardians’ legacy may just be getting started.
J. Christian Lewis/AI assisted