Powerhouse Guardians Face Northshore Vultures Friday
NATCHITOCHES, LA — September 11, 2025 8-Man Extreme ranks John Paul the Great Academy Guardians #9 in the South. The Guardians lived up to the ranking Thursday night in Natchitoches, overwhelming the Freedom Life Academy Patriots 74–6 in one of the most lopsided victories in program history. With the win, the Guardians continued their undefeated march through the season, showcasing explosive offense, stout defense, and a glimpse at the depth of their younger players.
Eagles ready to break through circling Vultures
Offensive Efficiency
Quarterback Daniel Charpentier (Jr.) set the tone early, completing his only pass of the night for a 48-yard touchdown strike to Riley Lormand (Jr.). Charpentier also added 59 rushing yards on just four carries.
Lormand was unstoppable in all phases. He finished with four touchdowns — one rushing, one receiving, and two on special teams (including a 70-yard kickoff return). He totaled 220 all-purpose yards, highlighted by 127 kick return yards and 48 receiving yards.
The backfield was deep and productive:
Luke Salvatierra (So.) rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown, while also adding a punt return touchdown.
Noah Hensgens (Fr.) punched in another rushing touchdown.
Nicholas Odinet (So.) added 41 rushing yards and two two-point conversions.
Matthew Guidry (So.) ran for 48 yards and a score.
By the end of the night, the Guardians had piled up 317 yards of total offense while also scoring on defense and special teams.
Guardians’ 4-3 Dominated
Defensive Dominance
The defense held the Patriots to a single score, flying to the ball and creating turnovers. Maximus Stewart (Jr.) was a force in the trenches with nine tackles, including five tackles for loss and a sack. Dominic Cramer (Jr.) chipped in with four quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery. Jacob Angelle (So.) recorded an interception, while Grant Thompson (So.) and Jacques Odient (Sr.) each recovered fumbles.
Coach Richard praised not just his starters but also his young reserves:
“What I was most happy to see is we put in our second-string defense, and they played really well. They’re young, but they played their hearts out, and it made me realize we have a bright future at JPG.”
Respect for the Opponent
Despite the lopsided result, Richard emphasized respect for Freedom Life, a first-year program:
“They clearly had guys who have played football before. They’ve got some very good young players, and when they’re sophomores and above, they’re going to be a really good football team. Great group of coaches, good organization.”
Rankings and Bigger Picture
8-Man Extreme Ranks JPG #9 in South
With the Guardians’ dominance and ranking among the top ten eight-man programs in the South. Richard, however, downplayed the recognition:
“There’s a part of you as a coach that’s proud of recognition, but I don’t want to hang my hat on it. We haven’t played those other teams. Our focus is on winning the games in front of us.”
Looking Ahead
The Guardians now turn their attention to the Northshore Vultures (1–5), who they defeated 64–6 back on August 23. The rematch will be played on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Clark Field in Lafayette, which will also serve as Homecoming night.
Coach Richard expects a tougher challenge this time:
“Their execution has gotten better throughout the season. We’re preparing for what we saw earlier in the year, but we expect them to be sharper. They’ve got a good coach and good kids, so we have to be ready.”
With a short turnaround before facing First Baptist and ACS to close the season, Richard emphasized focus:
“As one of my mentors told me, you can only win the games you play and beat the teams you face. That’s all I should ask of my football team, and that’s where our focus is.”
