For the first time since 2010, the Westminster Christian Academy (Opelousas) Crusaders capped off a regular season undefeated by also winning their first district championship since 2016 with a 37-22 win over the St. Edmund Blue Jays.
“I am just proud of these kids. They have grown over the years. This is our third year together. I can’t describe the feeling. I’ve watched them come together tonight and they faced a good team. Got to give credit. They didn’t quit, but neither did we. We made the plays when we needed to and I couldn’t be more proud of our group.”
Westminster Christian Academy (Opelousas) HC Byron Porter
The Crusaders leaned heavily on their bell cow 6’2, 220 pound junior running back Kyle Horde, who has a chance to become one of the all-time great players for this program when it is all said and done. Horde ran for three touchdowns on the ground including a 68 yard touchdown run to give the Crusaders their first lead of the game at 7-6 and another 35 yard touchdown to put the nail in the coffin and make it 37-22 with two minutes left to play in the game.
“At the end, honestly, I was just thinking about getting the first down and then going down, but the hole opened. I saw my shot and I took it. We won state in 4×1 track so I just used my speed and got into the end zone.”
Westminster Christian Academy (Opelousas) 2027 RB Kyle Horde
In the first half, Westminster Christian Academy took a 23-6 lead thanks to a Horde touchdown run, a touchdown run from Jack Hunt, a 34 yard field goal from Mac Proffitt, and a touchdown pass from Stephen George to Damien Thomas, but like Coach Porter said, good teams find a way to hang around and the Blue Jays did.
Their two way standout Wyatt Dubois had a great night on the ground rushing for three touchdowns plus two 2 point conversions to pull within eight at 30-22 late in the fourth quarter, but Thomas, who caught a touchdown and had three interceptions including two in the second half made a big interception that eventually led to Horde’s breakaway touchdown to make it 37-22.
“At that point, the only thing going in my mind was being district champions. I am really proud of my team.”
Westminster Christian Academy (Opelousas) 2026 WR/DB Damien Thomas
Complementary football was key for the Crusaders to win this game as each phase of the game had a part in wrapping up a perfect regular season.
“We always talk about being the best we could in all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams. We’ve done that multiple games. We practice that hard every week. It’s not the first time that we have played good in all three phases. They are trusting the process and this is the fruits of their labor.”
Westminster Christian Academy (Opelousas) HC Byron Porter
Not only have the Crusaders made history by going undefeated and winning the district championship, the win also clinched a number one seed for Westminster Christian Academy in the Division IV Select Playoffs as the Road to the Dome will have to run through them.
“We didn’t really set out to be the number one seed. We just wanted to play as hard as we could every game and it just ended that way that we are number one. We will take it without a doubt. We get a bye so we get to rest a little bit and check out the bracket. Like I said, the kids are resilient. We persevered and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Westminster Christian Academy (Opelousas) HC Byron Porter
Both the Crusaders and the Blue Jays will now wait on potential playoff matchups and their path to the Dome on Sunday when the playoff brackets are released.
Check out Jace’s stops throughout the season for Gridiron Football!
Week 4: Dunham vs. Ascension Catholic
Week 5: Jewel Sumner vs. Franklinton
Week 6: North Iberville vs. St. John
Week 8: Teurlings Catholic vs. East Ascension
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