By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

 

BATON ROUGE — St. Charles Catholic coach Frank Monica didn’t mince words when speaking about his team’s scrimmage performance on the road against University High on Thursday night.

“It was, by far, the worst scrimmage we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Monica. “I’m very disappointed. We were extremely sluggish.”

The first team St. Charles first team offense was held scoreless by a stout University defensive performance, while the Cubs first team scored three times.

The SCC second team outscored University two touchdowns to one.

Monica said that the performance was a reflection of the way his team has practiced over the past few weeks, and he hopes the scrimmage serves as a wake-up call.

“It’s an issue with leadership right now,” he said. “When a guy practices at that pace, he thinks that’s the pace he can play at. But you reap what you sow, and that became clear, hopefully, to everyone.”

University was a Class 2A quarterfinalist a year ago. Monica said before the scrimmage that he expected the Cubs to seriously contend this season, and he came away from it without that outlook changing.

“I think they absolutely can go a long way,” said Monica. “They’ve got five or six guys that have already committed.

“But even with that said, we’ve played strong competition before. I’m not concerned with their ability level. My concern is with our own performance, and it left a lot to be desired. It needs to get better.”

Monica did praise the play of tailbacks Mario Young and Erron Lewis, noting each as bright spots. He pointed out the blocking of fullback Brandon Zimmer as a plus.

He also said that Jemal Baptiste showed progress while quarterbacking the second team, though he also noted that scrimmage did not sort out the competition to start between Baptiste and Austin Weber, who started with the first team.

Defensively, Dante Scarpero and Sam McMahon each came away with interceptions.

Scarpero, Monica said, played well in his time on the field.

“He played well, but that was really it for us,” said Monica. “He did a nice job.”

The veteran coach said that it’s now back to the drawing board, now with a week to prepare for its jamboree matchup with East St. John Friday night.

“We can reach another level,” said Monica. “Really, I think we can improve a few levels from here.”