Kaplan beats North Vermilion in jamboree

The matchup that could’ve been labeled as the “main event” of the Vermilion Parish Jamboree, was a physical dogfight until the end.
The Kaplan Pirates and the North Vermilion Patriots, two teams that finished in the top three of district 6-3A last year, battled each other and the elements in a rain-laden contest. Kaplan prevailed 15-3, but the score does not indicate how close the game was. Both teams struggled offensively in the first half, with only North Vermilion able to muster three points in the first half. Kaplan suffered two fumbles on drives in the first half putting a damper on any hopes of getting into the endzone. The fumbles may have been a case of the rain as well as jitters according to Kaplan head coach Stephen Lotief.
“We were a little jittery but we played alright,” said Lotief “I don’t know if we handled it too well early on but we bounced back after halftime and played a lot better.”
The Kaplan rushing attack dominated the second half with the leading rusher Julius Johnson gaining 73 yards on 13 carries to go along with the first score of the game for Kaplan with 5:21 left in the game.
On the ensuing drive for North Vermilion, Ty Desormeaux’s pass was tipped and intercepted by Austin Abshire, giving Kaplan a short field. Kaplan running back Justin Stoute capped off that drive with a touchdown from six yards, putting Kaplan on top for good.
“I was not pleased, but it’s a start,” said Patriot head coach Richard Prejean. “The first half we matched their intensity, but I think we are a little out of shape. The two turnovers in the first half were big, but we still have a lot of work to do.”
There’s not much time left for the Patriots to right their wrongs as they open their season against a tough Episcopal team from Baton Rouge next Friday. Kaplan travels to play district 5A member Lafayette High School on Friday as well.