VC captures state title with 63-18 win

NEW ORLEANS - For the first time in 10 years, the Vermilion Catholic Eagles are the 2013 Division IV State Champions behind a record-setting performance.

The St. Frederick Warriors fought valiantly, but they were no match for the big plays of the VC offense. The Eagles ran away with the game by the final score of 63-18.

“I am very excited about this victory,” VC Head Coach Russell Kuhns said. “This is just the culmination of all the hard work and dedication the team has put in all season. I have never been prouder of a team and of a group of boys. They just went out there and played one of the best games we have played all season long.”

On the first play of the game for the VC offense, Shay Laporte took the hand off and rushed for 18 yards, and Ron Morris of St. Frederick caused him to fumble. On the resulting drive the Warriors would go on a six-play, 32-yard drive that ended in a 26-yard field goal, putting St. Frederick up 3-0.

It would not take VC long to respond. Two plays in the subsequent drive, VC quarterback  Brennan Gallet would connect with Connor Menard on a 63 yard touchdown pass, to put VC up 7-3.

Gallett would go on  to have an outstanding night by completing 14 out-of 21 passes for 267 yards and throw four touchdowns. He was voted the Outstanding Player for VC by the sportswriters.

VC got a little tricky. Coach Kuhns opted for the on-side kick, and it was recovered by kicker Emile Trahan. The next drive the VC offense never saw third down. VC would go on a four-play, 47-yard drive that ended in a seven yard pass from Gallet to Mike Campbell, to give VC the 14-7 lead.

“If you give me an open look, I’m gonna take it,” Kuhns said on the on-side kick. “I’m not conservative on special teams, and they showed me a whole so I took a shot. It was a good job by Emile (Trahan) to execute the way that he did.”

After going down by three, it took VC only 2:40 to score two touchdowns.

The VC defense stood strong on the next drive for the Warriors causing the to go three and out.

After that it would only take VC one play to go up 21-3. Mike Campbell would take the first play 62 yards to pay dirt. At the end of the first quarter VC lead St. Frederick 21-3.

Things would only get worse for the Warriors in the second half.

The defense for VC forced another three and out, at the start of the second quarter. The punt for St. Frederick would be downed on the VC five yard line.

This was no problem for the VC offense. It was just a chance to add more yards to the stat box. VC would go on an eight play 95-yard drive that ended in a Mike Campbell three yard touchdown run, giving VC the 28-3 lead. That was the third total touchdown on the day for Campbell.

St. Frederick tried to battle back on the next drive, going on a eight play 58 yard drive that ended with a 22 yard touchdown pass from Seth Christian to Peyton Braswell, to close the gap for the Warriors to 28-10.

VC would respond with yet again another big play. Gallet would connect with Emile Trahan on a 43 yard touchdown pass. This would widen the gap for VC to 35-10.

The VC defense caused its third three and out of the game, and on the punt, Trahan would take it to the house for an 89 yard punt return touchdown.

At halftime VC led St. Fredericks 42-10. The Eagles had four touchdowns in the first half alone that were over 40 yards.

Gallet was 9-for-9, with 213 yards passing, and three passing touchdowns at the half.

Campbell also added 122 yards and two touchdowns rushing, on only nine carries.

Connor Menard had five catches for 150 yards and a touchdown.

The VC offense accumulated 364 yards alone in just the first 24 minutes of play.

“We were just clicking on all cylinders in the first half,” Kuhns said. “We made one mistake on the first play of the game and after that we just put our head down and did what we do best, score points.”

The third quarter would only see the VC offense score one time, with a Campbell six yard touchdown run. VC had a commanding lead heading into the fourth quarter, 49-10. That touchdown run was the fourth touchdown scored by Campbell on the day.

One of the only mistakes on the day for the VC offense happened at the beginning of the fourth quarter. St. Frederick’s blocked a Connor Menard punt and ran it in for the 15-yard return. The Warriors would go for two and succeed, making the score 49-18, VC.

The VC offense wasn’t done. Gallet would connect with Tyler Derouen on a seven yard touchdown pass, with 8:35 left in the game to give VC the 56-18 lead.

The defense also got in on the scoring fest for VC, Drake Broussard would return a fumble, 26 yards to the end zone, to give VC the final score of 63-18

This was a record breaking game for the VC Eagles. VC set the record for most points scored in a championship game with 63.  This game also set the record of most combined points scored in a game with 81, smashing the old record of 72 points scored.

Along with the offense setting the record for most points, field goal kicker Emile Trahan now owns the record for most extra points in a championship game with nine.

The most outstanding player of the game, for VC, went to Brennan Gallet.

“It’s an honor to win that award,” Gallet said. “Most of the credit goes to; Emile (Trahan), Mike (Campbell), Connor, Menard and the entire offensive line. Without those guys I can’t do anything.”

Gallet went on to finish the game with 269 passing yards and four touchdowns.

Mike Campbell finished the game with 168 rushing yards on 17 carriers. He also found the end zone three times running  the ball. Along with his rushing stats Campbell was able to add 26 receiving yards on three catches and a touchdown.
Connor Menard led the way in receiving yards for the Eagles with 150 yards and one touchdown on five catches.

“I can’t say how proud I am of this team and the way they played,” Kuhns said. “I know going out there we made Father T proud, we made VC proud and we played one hell of a game. I’m a little sad to see the season come to an end, but if it has to, it feels great finishing on top.”

Tyler Lege had an interception in the game, and Jacob David recovered a fumble for VC.

This 63-18 victory finishes off a perfect 14-0 record for VC.

Written by Andy Bullard, Sports Editor
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Final                1st    2nd    3rd    4th        Final
St. Frederick    3       7        0       8           18
VC                   21    21       7       14         63
 
1st Quarter
SF: Seth Christian 26 field goal
VC: Connor Menard 63 pass from Brennan Gallet (Emile Trahan kick)
VC: Mike Campbell 7 pass from Gallet (Trahan kick)
VC: Campbell 62 run (Trahan kick)
2nd Quarter
VC: Campbell 3 run (Trahan kick)
SF: Peyton Braswell 22 pass from Christian (Christian kick)
VC: Trahan 43 pass from Gallet (Trahan kick)
VC: Trahan 89 punt return (Trahan kick)
3rd Quarter
VC: Campbell 6 run (Trahan kick)
4th Quarter
SF: Daniel Ellender 15 punt return (Ben Sims pass from Christian)
VC: Tyler Derouen 5 pass from Gallet (Trahan kick)
VC: Drake Broussard 26 fumble return (Trahan kick)

VC Players Stats

VC individual stats
Passing
Brennan Gallet  14 out of 21, 267 yards, 4 TDs

Rushing: Mike Campbell, 17-170, 3 TDs, Drake Broussard, 3-17, Tyler Derouen, 1-5, Connor Menard, 2-26

Receiving
Connor Menard, 5-150 yards, 1 TD; Emile Trahan, 3-56, TD, Mike Campbell, 3-27, 1 TD, Tyler Derouen, 3-34, 1 TD;

Punting
Connor Menard, 2 for 30 yard average

Punt Return
Emile Trahan, 2 returns for 93 total yards