Sports
St. Aloysius Junior High opens season with 36-8 win over Cathedral
St. Aloysius Junior High opened its football season with a decisive 36-8 victory over Cathedral, scoring 36 unanswered points after an early deficit. The Flashes showcased strong offensive and defensive performances throughout the game.
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —
St. Aloysius Junior High School opened its football season with a 36-8 victory over Cathedral on Thursday night, scoring 36 unanswered points after the Green Wave struck first.
The Flashes rushed for nearly 300 yards in the win behind the offensive line of Noah Ponder, Knox Denton, Marnes Marais, Vaylor Smith, Oliver Kajdan and Jameson Piazza.
The first quarter went scoreless as both defenses controlled the game early. Ponder made his presence felt by hitting two ball carriers in the backfield for St. Aloysius. Davis Burroughs and Caden Crocker also picked up big runs during the opening quarter.
Cathedral eventually broke the scoreless tie with a touchdown on a trick play, but St. Aloysius quickly responded.
John Robert Reeder broke free for a 50-yard run before Burroughs found the end zone on a 26-yard touchdown run. Crocker followed with a successful 2-point conversion to tie the game at 8.
The Flashes’ defense helped swing the momentum as Marais and Reeder each recorded tackles in the backfield to help give the offense possession.
With 3:26 remaining in the first half, Graham Cappert broke loose for a 66-yard touchdown run to put St. Aloysius ahead. Ponder later recorded a sack as the Flashes carried a 14-8 lead into halftime.
St. Aloysius continued to pull away in the second half. Reed Davidson scored on a 4-yard touchdown run, and Crocker converted another 2-point attempt to extend the lead to 22-8.
Before the end of the third quarter, Ponder recorded his second sack of the night.
Reeder added another explosive play in the fourth quarter, racing for a 55-yard touchdown. Cole Butler kicked the extra point to give the Flashes a 29-8 advantage.
Butler then made an impact on defense, returning an interception 45 yards for the final touchdown of the night. He added the extra point to make it 36-8.
The St. Aloysius defense continued making plays before the final whistle. Miller Smith recorded a tackle for loss, while Marais added a sack to help close out the Flashes’ season-opening victory.
St. Aloysius will host Madison St. Joe next Thursday.
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