NEW IBERIA, LA — The John Paul the Great Academy Guardians continued their late-season dominance Thursday night with a commanding 46–0 shutout of the Acadiana Christian School Lions. It was another statement win for a JPG team that has separated itself from the rest of the Association of Christian Educators of Louisiana Athletics (ACEL) field.
A Complete Team Victory
Head Coach Barrett Richard praised the team’s collective focus and veteran leadership.
“ACS is a good football team,” Richard said. “They came out swinging with all they had, and we knew that was going to happen. They’re well-coached and we respect them tremendously. We just happened to play a little better in all those areas that night.”
The Guardians struck early and often, building a 38–0 halftime lead, punctuated by a 40-plus-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Daniel Charpentier to sophomore receiver Luke Cramer just before the break.
“That was our only pass of the game,” Richard laughed. “One for one, one touchdown — his QBR is off the charts.”
Charpentier was also electric on the ground, rushing for 87 yards and two touchdowns, showing command of JPG’s option offense.
“Daniel’s a Swiss Army knife back there,” Richard said. “He understands our offense, knows what we want to do, and stays positive. He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves as an option quarterback, but he’s crucial to our success.”
Lormand Lights It Up Again
Junior running back Riley Lormand delivered another stellar performance, rushing for 77 yards and two touchdowns while also scoring on a 98-yard interception return. His 175 all-purpose yards led the team.
Richard credited his veteran core — including Lormand, Charpentier, and the Cramer brothers — for setting the tone:
“It’s hard to point out just one guy,” Richard said. “The veterans took control of the team and the game as a group. They don’t get shook, and that composure is infectious. It trickles down to the younger players.”
Defensive Discipline and Execution
JPG’s defense was airtight, allowing just 52 total yards and 2 rushing yards on 12 attempts.
“We prepared a lot for their option game,” Richard explained. “We’re an option team, so we know how to prepare for another one. The key was assignment football — don’t chase, don’t try to do someone else’s job. Just do yours.”
That disciplined approach led to two interceptions — one by Lormand for a score and another by sophomore Jacob Angelle — and a total of nine tackles for loss. Richard called it “veteran football.”
“Getting out of position in eight-man football can be bad,” he said. “We preach it all the time — hold your position, do your job — and our guys did that really well.”
Eyeing the Playoffs
The Guardians (9-0) now head into a bye week before opening the playoffs, where they expect to face Mid-State Christian.
Regarding Mid-State, Richard said. “They’re a good football team. We’re not looking past them. We’ll be working technique, pad level, execution — just cleaning things up to make our plays better.”
J. Christian Lewis/AI assisted