ABBEVILLE, LA — In the chilly November air of Abbeville, Louisiana, Vermilion Catholic delivered a masterclass in offensive execution and defensive dominance, cruising to a 60-20 victory over St. Edmund in the third round of the playoffs. Quarterback Jonathan Dartez stole the show, tallying six total touchdowns and demonstrating exactly why he’s been a finalist for the Gridiron Football National Player of the Week multiple times this season.

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A Stellar Night for Dartez

Dartez’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. The senior quarterback accounted for four rushing touchdowns, including a dazzling 57-yard sprint that electrified the crowd in the first quarter. He also added two passing touchdowns, connecting with Allen McLain for 36 yards and later finding Matthew Mollere for a 33-yard strike. Dartez completed 5 of 7 passes for 131 yards and rushed for 187 yards on 22 carries, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt.

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“Dartez was unstoppable tonight,” said Vermilion Catholic head coach Broc Prejean. “He’s the engine that drives this team, and performances like this are why he’s one of the best in the state.”

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A First Half to Remember

The game started with St. Edmund showing promise on an 8:51 opening drive, capped by a 5-yard touchdown pass from Kane West to Blake Moran. However, Vermilion Catholic responded immediately, with Dartez breaking free for his 57-yard touchdown run on the very next play.

The second quarter was all Vermilion Catholic, as the team put up 34 unanswered points. Dartez added touchdown runs of 9 and 18 yards and threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to McLain. Tevin Hebert contributed a defensive touchdown with a 40-yard interception return. By halftime, Vermilion Catholic held a commanding 41-6 lead.

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Dominant Defense

While the offense stole headlines, Vermilion Catholic’s defense was equally impressive. The unit forced two interceptions, both returned for significant yardage. Hebert’s 40-yard pick-six was a pivotal moment that crushed St. Edmund’s hopes of mounting a comeback. Jyrin Bessard also intercepted a pass, returning it 80 yards deep into St. Edmund territory.

The defensive line, anchored by Seth and Gabe Boudreaux, recorded two sacks and consistently pressured St. Edmund’s quarterback, forcing hurried throws and negative plays. The unit also held St. Edmund to just 1 of 9 on third-down conversions​.

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Second-Half Resilience

Although Vermilion Catholic had a significant lead, St. Edmund showed heart in the second half. Running back Henry Summerlin was a bright spot for the Blue Jays, rushing for 213 yards on 25 carries and scoring two touchdowns, including a 43-yard burst in the third quarter. However, Vermilion Catholic’s defense tightened in critical moments, preventing any sustained momentum.

Dartez added his fourth rushing touchdown in the second half, a 2-yard plunge late in the fourth quarter, solidifying Vermilion Catholic’s dominance. Joe Langlinais also contributed a touchdown run, capping off a 41-yard drive​.

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Key Statistics

• Jonathan Dartez: 22 rushes for 187 yards and 4 touchdowns; 5-of-7 passing for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Henry Summerlin (St. Edmund): 25 carries for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Total Offense: Vermilion Catholic gained 339 yards on just 35 plays, showcasing remarkable efficiency​.
• Turnovers: St. Edmund committed three turnovers, two of which directly led to Vermilion Catholic touchdowns​.

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Coach’s Perspective

Dartez’s performance didn’t surprise anyone familiar with his season. Having already been recognized as a Gridiron Football National Player of the Week finalist multiple times, his dual-threat ability was on full display. His seamless transition between passing and rushing kept St. Edmund’s defense guessing all night.

Head coach Broc Prejean emphasized the team’s preparation:

“Our guys came ready to play. We knew what was at stake, and Dartez’s leadership on the field set the tone for the entire game.”

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St. Edmund’s Effort

Despite the lopsided score, St. Edmund showed grit. Quarterback Kane West connected on 10 of 16 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown, but two costly interceptions marred his performance. The Blue Jays’ defense had moments of promise, with standout contributions from Owen Cart and Wyatt Dubois, who each tallied 8.5 tackles​.

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Looking Ahead

With this win, Vermilion Catholic advances to the state semifinals, riding high on an undefeated record and the momentum of a dominant playoff performance. Dartez’s leadership and the team’s balanced attack make them a formidable contender for the state title.

For St. Edmund, the loss marked the end of an impressive season. While their playoff run fell short, players like Summerlin and West gave fans plenty to cheer about and set a strong foundation for next year.

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Conclusion

On a crisp night in Abbeville, Vermilion Catholic put on a clinic, showcasing why they remain undefeated and a favorite for the state championship. With Jonathan Dartez at the helm, this team has the talent, discipline, and determination to go all the way. As the playoffs continue, all eyes will be on Vermilion Catholic to see if they can sustain this level of excellence.