LAFAYETTE, LA -(Cover: Guardian’s unstoppable ground game) Two area Christian football programs turned in dominant performances last week, as John Paul the Great Academy and First Baptist Christian School combined to outscore their respective opponents 130-8.
The Guardians overwhelmed Midstate Homeschool of Alexandria, 68-0, at Clark Field on August 27, while the Eagles rolled past the Northshore Vultures of Covington, 62-8, at the Broussard Sports Complex.
JPG Explodes Early in 68-0 Shutout of Midstate
John Paul the Great Academy wasted little time taking control against Midstate, scoring 30 points in the opening quarter and 22 more in the second on the way to a 68-0 victory.
The Guardians led 52-0 at halftime before adding eight points in each of the final two quarters.
For Coach Barrett Richard, the performance began with his offense recognizing what Midstate’s defense was trying to take away and responding accordingly.
“Execution by the offense was really, really good,” Richard said. “Adjusting to a unique defensive scheme that they were running, it was really a matter of, ‘If this is their defensive alignment, these are plays we know will work.’ Go out and execute them well, and they did.”
Richard said Midstate appeared determined to clog the middle of the field and prevent JPG from running between the tackles. With defenders packed tightly around the interior, the Guardians adjusted and attacked the edges.
“You take what the defense gives you,” Richard said. “You’ve just got to be ready to execute those plays when you see it.”
The results were emphatic.
Riley Lormand turned in one of the Guardians’ top offensive performances, averaging more than 20 yards per carry, according to Richard.
Maximus Stewart also earned praise from his coach for his work in the middle and his attention to the details of the Guardians’ option attack.
“Maximus Stewart had a real good game controlling the line of scrimmage,” Richard said. “He’s really taking it as a point of emphasis to do all the little things right.”
The Guardians were just as dominant defensively, keeping Midstate off the scoreboard for all four quarters.
Midstate attempted to attack through the air, but Richard said JPG’s cornerbacks repeatedly answered the challenge.
“Our corners are playing better and better,” he said. “They’re working on their technique. They’re not giving up on plays. Sometimes the receivers have it in their hands, and our corners come and get it out.”
Despite a 68-point victory, Richard saw plenty for the Guardians to continue sharpening. He wants more pressure from the defensive line and greater precision from the offensive line, particularly in the technical details that can determine games against stronger competition.
“Little things actually are big things in regards to winning a game,” Richard said. “When you’re going against a tough team and you misstep, you pay for it.”
His message to the Guardians after the blowout was therefore less about celebrating the margin of victory and more about avoiding complacency.
“We need to treat every week like we’re going up against the Baltimore Ravens,” Richard said. “That’s the attitude we’ve got to take.”
JPG now turns its attention to the Northshore Vultures — the same team that faced First Baptist Christian School last week.
“Complacency will kill you,” Richard said. “We’re focusing on that and making sure we’re prepared and doing the things we need to do to be a good football team.”
Eagles Clean Up Turnovers, Race Past Northshore 62-8
First Baptist Christian School continued its offensive surge with a 62-8 home victory over Northshore, giving the Eagles 60 or more points in consecutive games.
For Coach Grayson Standiford, however, one of the most encouraging developments wasn’t simply the 62 points on the scoreboard. It was how the Eagles took care of the football.
“The key to the win was cutting out turnovers,” Standiford said. “We did much better. We also fixed issues with the center-quarterback exchange.”
Those miscues had frustrated FBCS in its previous game despite an explosive offensive performance. Against Northshore, the Eagles were much cleaner.
The result was another big night for the FBCS offense.
“We ran the ball well,” Standiford said. “Benji Moore continues to have good games.” Moore finished with 122 rushing yards. His teammate in the backfield quarterback Luke Smith finished with 89 yards in the air and 3 touchdowns. Receiver Luke Page caught 2 passes for 48 yards, both going for touchdowns.
While the offense put up another huge number, the Eagles’ defense limited Northshore to just eight points. Nate Hill led the way with 6 tackles, 3 for losses.
Standiford credited his defensive front and the Eagles’ ability to keep the Vultures from finding success outside.
“Our defense controlled the line of scrimmage and defended the perimeter,” he said.
Standiford also singled out eighth grader Andrew Lambert, whose willingness to compete against older players continues to impress his coach.
“I continue to be pleased with eighth grader Andrew Lambert,” Standiford said. “He sticks his head in there and doesn’t back down.”
The victory moved First Baptist to 2-1 on the season while Northshore fell to 0-3.
For the Eagles, the last two weeks have demonstrated just how explosive their offense can be. FBCS has now topped 60 points in back-to-back games, with the Northshore victory showing that the Eagles can pair that firepower with improved ball security and a defense capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
And for Lafayette’s two Association of Christian Educators League programs, the week could hardly have been more decisive.
JPG and FBCS scored 130 points between them.
Their opponents scored eight.
The Eagles renew their rivalry tonight at 7:00 pm with SWLA at Broussard Sports Complex.
J. Christian Lewis/ AI assisted