At Chocktaw Stadium, former home of the Rangers, St. Edmund entered the Catholic Bowl in Texas with a chance to extend its winning streak. On this crisp evening, the Blue Jays made sure that opportunity didn’t slip away, improving to 3‑0 at the Catholic Bowl with a decisive performance that will be remembered for years to come.
The standout moment arrived early in the first quarter. Quarterback Nathan Zaunbrecher dropped back, scanned the field, and launched a perfect 97‑yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Max Smith. The ball sailed beyond defensive backs and into Smith’s hands, setting a new St. Edmund school record for the longest pass play in school history. It was the kind of explosive play that shifts momentum and sends a message: this team is special.
Offense: Rifles, Runs, and Big Plays
Zaunbrecher’s stat line: he completed 6 of 7 passes for 253 yards, with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Smith’s catch of 97 yards showcased the explosiveness that St. Edmund’s offense is capable of on any given snap.
The ground game relied heavily on Nathan Driggs and Wyatt Dubois. Nathan Driggs carried the ball five times for 117 yards and one touchdown averaging 23.4 yards per carry, and Wyatt Dubois carried the ball two times for 84 yards and two touchdowns averaging 42 yards per carry. This game was dominated by big plays by the Blue Jays.
Other receiving contributions included:
- Carson Simon completed one pass in one attempt for a 52 yard Touchdown
- Hudson Simon had 3 receptions for 61 yards and one touchdown
- Bryer Guillory had one reception for 72 yards and a touchdown
- Jack Aucoin had one reception for 52 yards and a touchdown
Defense & Special Teams: Keystone Performances
Defensively, St. Edmund flew around. Leading the tackles was Clay Aguillard (#52) with a team‑high 8.5 total tackles, followed by Paxon Myers (#12) with six, and Wyatt Dubois (#22) with 5.5 tackles. Te Blue Jays focused on consistency and solid gap control. Several other defenders made impact plays, tackles for losses, pressures, and forced throws that disrupted Sacred Heart’s rhythm all day.
Other receiving contributions included:
- Lannie Reed had 2.5 total tackles and 2 interceptions
- Ben Miller had one interception for 52 yard pick-six
- Landen Marcantel had 2 tackles for loss for a total loss of 16 yards
On special teams, Owen Cart (#24) had one kick returns for 19 yards and Nathan Driggs (#4) had the other kick return for 22 yards, showing good vision and patience in return lanes.
Game Flow & Key Moments
After the 97‑yard bomb, St. Edmund built on that momentum. Offensive drives mixed run and pass, keeping the opponent guessing. The defensive front held firm in the red zone and on third down, forcing multiple punts. Sacred Heart threatened a few times, especially in the second half, but penalties and timely defensive stops kept them from scoring more.
St. Edmund’s ability to capitalize on one huge play, Max Smith’s record catch, led to scoreboard pressure, and the Blue Jays never relinquished control. Their home‑field feel in Chocktaw Stadium seemed less foreign and more like a statement: winning in big games is part of the culture.
Looking Ahead
With this win, St. Edmund remains unbeaten at the Catholic Bowl, now 3‑0, and their confidence is high heading into upcoming contests. The coaching staff emphasized discipline, preparation, and seizing the moment, all of which came through in this game.
Next week, the Blue Jays face a new challenge: a showdown that will test whether they can sustain the intensity and execution. The Blue Jays will play Morgan City at home. Skills under pressure, adjustments, and staying healthy will be crucial.
Big Picture: Why This Game Matters
- Historical Highlight: The 97‑yard Zaunbrecher‑to‑Smith pass didn’t just win a game, it rewrote the record book for St. Edmund and gave the team a landmark moment that will be replayed in highlight reels for years.
- Recruiting & Exposure: Games like this, in big venues, under pressure, in front of bigger crowds, help players see what they’re capable of. It’s not just about wins; it’s about making plays when the stage is brightest.
- Momentum Builder: Being 3‑0 in the Catholic Bowl against Texas teams, establishes St. Edmund as a serious contender for larger postseason success.
Conclusion
When Nathan Zaunbrecher launched that 97‑yard pass to Max Smith, he reminded everyone present: explosiveness and boldness win football games. Stats only tell part of the story, heart, discipline, and big‑moment execution tell the rest. With this victory, St. Edmund head home from Chocktaw Stadium, former home of the Rangers, with their heads high, momentum in hand, and a target on their backs.
Record books updated. Hearts lifted. Eyes now set squarely on next week.
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