St. Aloysius keeps playoff hopes alive with 24-14 win over Indianola Academy

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — St. Aloysius High School’s football team picked up a 24-14 win on senior night against Indianola Academy, keeping the Flashes’ playoff hopes alive. Both teams entered the game in need of a victory, but St. Al (4-5) prevailed behind a strong defensive performance and explosive runs on offense.

The Flashes’ defense was anchored by Holden Davidson, who recorded nine tackles, including multiple tackles for loss.

“We have to get better if we want to win next week,” Davidson said. “We’re definitely going to be watching a lot of film, but we have to get better and it all starts at practice.”

Pierson Smith made a key tackle in the backfield on Indianola Academy’s opening drive, forcing a punt. On the ensuing possession, Robert Lee broke loose for a 40-yard run before Garrod Bunch scored on a 52-yard touchdown. Carter Smithhart added the extra point to give St. Al a 7-0 lead.

The Flashes continued to find success on the ground in the first quarter with help from Lee and Beau Brogdon. Walt Andrews also caught a 10-yard pass from Sadler Lambiotte and recorded a pass deflection on defense.

Later in the quarter, a bad snap over the Colonels’ punter’s head gave St. Aloysius excellent field position. Lee capitalized with a 5-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 14-0.

In the second quarter, Carson Gleese intercepted a pass, and Brogdon added a 20-yard run to keep the offense moving.

Indianola Academy got on the board in the third quarter to cut the lead to 14-7, but the Flashes answered immediately with an 80-yard touchdown run by Cole Nolan to make it 21-7.

The Colonels scored from 1 yard out with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to close the gap to 21-14, but Smithhart sealed the win with a 30-yard field goal in the final two minutes.

St. Aloysius will go on the road next Thursday to face Madison St. Joseph.