SCC prepares for Spartan battle
Published 12:05 am Wednesday, September 27, 2017
- SCC is led on offense by quarterbacks Sutton Bourgeois, left, and Justin Dumas, both of whom have stepped up following an injury to starter Lloyd Nash.
LAPLACE — St. Charles Catholic is sure to face an intimidating atmosphere and packed house with Friday’s road contest at East Ascension.
The 5A Spartans are coming off a 44-31 shootout victory over winless Cecilia and look to put their 3-1 record to the test against the visiting 4-0 Comets in one of Louisiana’s premiere high school games.
SCC coach Frank Monica said the Spartans boast a massive but athletic squad with talented receivers and disciplined special teams.
“Their size is a factor,” Monica said. “They can really outmuscle us and overpower us on the offensive line and defensive line.”
Not to be intimidated, SCC is riding a four-game winning streak thanks in large part to a strong defense. The Comets defense has posted two shutouts in 2017 and gave up just 125 total yards of offense last week, the most impressive part being 21 rushing yards allowed.
SCC defensive back Trey Joseph, No. 9, was up to the challenge last week against taller Country Day receivers. Joseph’s play was matched by his defensive teammates, who performed well against the talented opponents.
Joseph Chiarella helped pace the SCC offense last week, collecting 155 rushing yards and a touchdown.
SCC is also led on offense by quarterbacks Justin Dumas and Sutton Bourgeois, both of whom have stepped up following an injury to starter and team leader Lloyd Nash.
The young quarterbacks have proven to teammates and coaches that they are hard workers and players not afraid of the moment.
“I ask them to distribute the ball and just take care of the football,” Monica said.
“Put two hands on the ball at all times and make sure you put us in the right play at the line of scrimmage. Our offense is not that complicated with a short, ball-control passing game. The most important part: Don’t turn over the ball and give the opponent extra possessions.”
SCC continues to be strong in the margins, topping many opponents with superior special teams.
Monica called the unit his program’s “lifeline” when discussing the preparation involved this week.
“When we practice special teams, all the coaches and all the players are involved,” Monica said. “They all know the verbiage. We have to, because special teams count for 18 to 20 percent of a game and those plays can be unusual plays.
“It’s about learning to play football in space, and there are a lot of strange things that can take place. We try to prepare for those things as best as we possibly can.”
Against Country Day last week, SCC’s special teams blocked an extra point, stopped a fake punt attempt, connected on a field goal try and was three for three on extra point attempts.
