The fourth annual Mike Roach Classic between two winning programs that the long Baton Rouge area head coach was a big part of in Madison Prep and Southern Lab went up against each other in this Week 2 matchup at Scotlandville High School between two of the area’s best programs.
The Madison Prep Chargers went down the field and scored on the opening drive as a 47-yard touchdown run by Tony Lewis set up an eight-yard touchdown run from quarterback Tylan Johnson to put the Chargers up 7-0.
From that point on, the Chargers never relinquished the lead, but the Southern Lab Kittens were always within striking distance. At the end of the first quarter, the Kittens responded with a long, methodical 15 play, 80-yard drive that resulted in a one-yard touchdown plunge from Joshua Davis. A great diving grab by Douglas Thornton set up the touchdown to pull within a point at 7-6 as the Kittens’ two-point conversion proved to be unsuccessful.
After a scoreless second quarter, Madison Prep added to its lead at 13-6 with a fourth down one-yard touchdown run from Tony Lewis. Prior to that touchdown run, a deep completion from Johnson to wide receiver Nick Spears set the Chargers up in the red zone.
Southern Lab responded again as their quarterback Marlon Brown completed a 36-yard touchdown pass to a diving Denim Hunt to make it 13-12 in the fourth quarter, but once again, the Chargers’ defense holds and does not give up the potential go ahead two-point conversion.
Most of the game was a physical, intense contest between the two Baton Rouge rivals as both defenses were constantly making plays only giving up a combined 476 total yards between both offenses. Both quarterbacks turned the football over once as Brown threw an interception to Zakarri Hogan early in the game and Johnson threw an interception to Chase Square to set up the Kittens’ second touchdown drive.
Of course, with the many big hits and great defensive play throughout the night, the game was won on a defensive play. Trailing by a point with under two minutes left to play, Brown was trying to pick up the first down for Southern Lab, but was tripped up just a yard short to turn the football over on downs.
Tony Lewis, who ran for 130 yards and a touchdown on only 11 carries, sealed the deal and put the game on ice to give the Chargers a 13-12 victory.
In this series, the Chargers have dominated the head-to-head record by winning all four matchups. Head Coach Landry Williams says it’s a honor to win the Mike Roach Classic since Coach Roach was one of his coaching mentors.
“It’s an honor to play under his name. He has been a big cornerstone of our community and he happened to be one of my coaches in high school. I am just happy to be a part of it.”
Madison Prep Head Coach Landry Williams
Being physical at the line of scrimmage and playing great defense was a key catalyst in the Chargers’ big victory as indicated by Williams giving the game’s MVP trophy to his defensive end/outside linebacker Jonathan Profit Jr.
“The defense got in a groove and they locked in tonight. They played lights out. We gave up some big plays, but again, if you are playing against a championship caliber team, that’s going to happen. Our offensive line stepped up without a doubt. They stepped up and we basically ran the football down their throats. Tony Lewis had the night he was supposed to have on both sides of the football. He is also our emotional leader on both sides of the football. He’s our guy and down the stretch, he closed the game out for us.”
It was a physical night tonight and I am sure the guys are going to get their rest tomorrow.”
Madison Prep Head Coach Landry Williams
It was a great bounce back win for the Chargers after they got shutout in Week 1 against Brother Martin, but this win was a great boost for the team, especially against another high quality opponent in Southern Lab. The Chargers even their record at 1-1 and will set their sights on Scotlandville next week.
Meanwhile, the Southern Lab Kittens will also even their record at 1-1 and will look to get back on the win column next week against Opelousas Catholic.
Check out below for all the photos taken by me during the game last night!
Check out Jace’s game recaps as from high school scrimmages to the Superdome, Jace will go and cover at least one game a week. Check out our other game recaps below!
Scrimmage Week: Zachary vs. E.D. White, East Ascension vs. Hammond
Jamboree Week: Battle on the Ridge, Newman Jamboree
Week 1: U-High vs. Woodlawn
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