Coming into this game, both teams knew what was at stake, being the only undefeated teams in the district and knowing that the winner would walk out of this game as District 6-3A champions. This matchup could not have come at a better time in the season, on Halloween night, being the last regular-season game for Madison Prep and U-Lab’s last big challenge before the playoffs. Madison Prep started the season 0-3 and has not dropped a game since going on a winning streak and sitting at 5-3 on the season coming in. U-High was been dominant all season, with their most notable win being over Catholic, who is considered a top-5 team in Louisiana. Their only loss was a 6-point game vs Rummel in week 2 and have had no drop-off since. This game was expected to bring fireworks and it did not disappoint.
After a slow start to the game, U-High would get into the endzone first breaking the ice. With 2 minutes left in the first, after a good drive, RB/LB Alec Haynes would score a 3-yard touchdown run putting them up. With the heavy rain conditions, the offense would go for 2, but were unsuccessful, keeping the score 6-0.
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Madison Prep’s offense led by QB Tylan Johnson was productive all night and this was the first drive they would finish in this game. RB Alfred McKnight would get most of the carries on the night and he got into the endzone, tying this game up at 6. The Chargers would elect to kick the extra point, amidst the conditions, but the attempt was blocked and left the score tied with a few minutes left in the second quarter.
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Before halftime, the Chargers would be back on the move with the run game working for them. Alfred McKnight would get in for his second TD of the night with 3 minutes left in the half. QB Tylan Johnson would fight in on a QB run for the 2-point conversion putting his team up 14-6. U-High would have 3 minutes left and would drive down the field, but their drive would stall out on 4th down with 12 seconds left in the half. Great coverage across the board would force Picarella to throw the ball up into double coverage, being swatted down and ending the half.
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To start the second half, Emile Picarella and the Cubs offense would quickly march down the field, but the MPA defense was able to force a 4th & 1, just inside the 10-yard-line. A bad/bobbled snap to the U-Lab RB would go over his head, eliminating any chance of them getting the first down and spoiling their great drive. Madison Prep would get the ball back and would march down the field as well. However, similar to U-High’s blunder, they would get down inside the 20 on a well-put-together drive, but a fumble would ruin their drive and swinging momentum back to the Cubs.
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This game was a test of will and Madison Prep was hungry for the win. The importance of their offense in this win can not be looked past but their consistency on defense was what would win them this game, coming down to the final play of the game. Chargers’ safety Javen Holmes would have what fans thought was the game-sealing interception earlier on the drive but was ruled out on the catch and the Cubs would get another chance. Ultimately, it would not matter as, CB Joshua Herbert intercepted Emile Picarella’s heave to the endzone on 4th down, with 2 seconds left, sealing the game for the Chargers.
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Madison Prep leaves from this game carrying over the most momentum they have had all season. With a bye week next week, their first matchup in the playoffs will have to bring their best performance if they want to knock off the Chargers. For U-High, they have Port Allen next week, which should be a win to get them back on track before the playoffs. They know how good their team can be when they play their best with some huge wins early in the year. Injuries have hurt their season but will have to find ways to win in these close games.
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