The wait Is over: Ascension Episcopal, Loreauville to finally meet for 7-2A crown – The Advocate

LOREAUVILLE A year ago, Ascension Episcopal and Loreauville were preparing for one of the season's most anticipated high school football games.

It was going to be a battle of unbeatens the 5-0 Blue Gators against the 6-0 Tigers in a game expected to determine the District 7-2A champion.

However, because of a COVID-19 outbreak at Loreauville, the game was canceled and ultimately resulted in the Gators and Tigers sharing the district crown.

Ill never forget getting that call from my principal on a Tuesday it was right after homecoming week that I had to send five players home," Loreauville coach Terry Martin said. "I called (AES coach) Matt Desormeaux and told him I cant have you come here with all of this going on and so we canceled (the) junior varsity (game). Within 15 minutes, every player on my team was sent home. A day later, the whole school was shut down. That game would have been the measuring stick for us.

Although both teams arent undefeated this year, the Tigers will get that opportunity to measure themselves against the Blue Gators at 7 p.m. Friday in Loreauville.

The Blue Gators (6-2, 4-0) are led by quarterback Cade Dardar, running back Princeton Cahee (83 carries for 440 yards, 12 TDs) and receivers Britt Campbell and Austin Mills (28 catches for 483 yards, seven TDs).

Our guys come in every week ready to get better, Desormeaux said. No one is satisfied. Were 6-2, but we feel like we couldve been better than 6-2."

Dardar has completed 92 of 160 passes for 1,785 yards, 21 touchdowns and six interceptions, while rushing for 231 yards and three TDs.

Cade has done a phenomenal job for us, Desormeaux said. He has done a good job of taking what the defense gives us. He has been very patient for the most part, and if he continues to do that then we will continue to have success throwing the football.

Campbell has 40 receptions for 834 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Britt Campbell has been the biggest surprise, Desormeaux said. He doesnt have a lot of varsity experience, but he has developed into a really good football player this year. Hes a hard worker, multisport athlete and he has really improved his speed. He can block, catch and he runs good routes."

The Tigers have a wealth of talent as well, headlined by twins Calep Jacob and Collin Jacob two of the most exciting players in the state. Calep, the Tigers quarterback, has completed 40 of 66 passes for 775 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions, while rushing for 702 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Calep and Collin are two of the more competitive kids I have ever been around, Martin said. Not only do they hate to lose, but they both have that drive to be the best on the field.

Desormeaux said the Tigers are more than just the Jacob brothers.

The twins are phenomenal athletes, he said, "but they have a really good team with good athletes. Its not just those two. They have a full team with good running backs and a good offensive line. Their defense does a great job of flying to the football."

The Tigers' supporting cast includes running backs Evan Simon (42-338, two TDs) and Ethan Simon (40-272, five TDs).

Ethan had been out with an elbow injury, but he came back last week, Martin said. Evan has quietly been one of the better running backs. We have had a lot of players step up this year. It has really been a big-time team effort.

Both Desormeaux and Martin agreed team effort and excelling at the basics is going to be the determining factor in who wins the Friday's game.

This is going to be a 48-minute football game, Desormeaux said. This is going to be a game that will come down to who makes the fewest mistakes. It should be a great game.

Its going to be a tough challenge, Martin said. Were treating it like a playoff game because thats the kind of team they are. Its going to be one of those games that a lot of people will be interested in seeing.

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The wait Is over: Ascension Episcopal, Loreauville to finally meet for 7-2A crown - The Advocate