The John Paul the Great Academy Guardians stormed into the championship game with a dominant 64-0 win over the Midstate Storm of Alexandria, powered by an explosive ground attack and stifling defense. The victory marked the Guardians’ most complete performance of the season — all the more impressive considering the team’s short practice week following the junior class pilgrimage to Rome.
Guardians’ impenetrable defense
“Full team didn’t start practicing until Wednesday,” Coach Barrett Richard said. “As a coach, that gives you a little indigestion, but I was proud of the boys. Many of them have been playing together for years, and that showed up Friday night.”
The Guardians racked up 538 total yards, with 458 on the ground and 80 through the air on a single perfect pass from quarterback Daniel Charpentier (1-for-1, 80 yards, TD, 177.1 QB rating). Sophomore receiver Luke Cramer hauled in that pass for a long 80-yard touchdown, electrifying the home crowd.
Junior running back Riley Lormand led the charge with 236 rushing yards on 7 carries (33.7 avg) and 3 touchdowns, breaking free for an 87-yard score. Matthew Guidry added 91 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Nicholas Odinet (35 yards, 1 TD) and Noah Hensgens (74 yards, 1 TD) rounded out the balanced attack.
Lormand #7 in full stride
“Our offense played really good football — the veer, our outside plays, our options — it all clicked,” Coach Richard said. “It’s what you want to see before a championship game, firing on all cylinders.”
The Guardians’ defense was equally impressive, holding Midstate to zero points while forcing constant pressure in the backfield. The team combined for 5.5 sacks, led by Maximus Stewart (2.5 sacks, 3 hurries) and Dominic Cramer (2 sacks). Lormand and Cramer also recorded multiple tackles for loss.
Championship bound Guardians
“Their quarterback is a real athlete — runs sweeps, makes plays — but we kept him contained,” Richard noted. “Our defensive line and linebackers played really well. Everyone just kind of clicked.”
The defense tallied 62 total tackles, including standout efforts from Nicholas Odinet (8 total tackles) and Stewart (8 total, 3 TFLs). Sophomore Dominic Cramer added 7 tackles and a fumble recovery, while freshman Samuel Richard contributed 4 stops.
Coach Richard’s Guardians will face a familiar foe in Acadiana Christian School (ACS) — a team known for physicality and strong running backs. JPGA has beaten ACS twice already this season, but Richard expects a tougher matchup this time.
“They’re running a guy, number 9 – and he’s a horse,” Richard said. “He’s a good running back, and they’re doing some new things out of split-back formations. We know our hands are full. They’ve got good players and great coaches.”
Rain in central Louisiana may prompt a change in time or location, though as of mid-week, the game remains scheduled for Saturday evening at Tioga High, in Ball, Louisiana.
Guardians’ success begins with coaching
“I was told they’re looking at alternate plans due to the weather,” Richard said. “My guess is they’ll try to keep it in central Louisiana and just change the game time.”
The Guardians enter the title game undefeated and peaking, outscoring their last two opponents by a combined 118-0. With only one senior and a core of experienced juniors, Coach Richard’s squad has grown steadily through discipline and chemistry.
“Everybody’s playing well, and that’s what you want before the championship,” Richard said. “We just need to keep clicking.”
