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JEANERETTE – Vermilion Catholic piled up 400 yards of offense, and its defense was relentless in a 42-8 win over Jeanerette on Friday that kept the Eagles unbeaten on the season at 7-0 overall and 3-0 in District 7-A action.
VC moves up to No. 2 in the Select Division IV Power rankings.
The Eagles scored on all six of their first-half possessions to lead 42-0 at halftime, triggering an automatic running clock for the second half. Jeanerette was held to 202 total yards and scored on the game’s last play with under a minute remaining on the running clock.
VC coach Broc Prejean said the defense has been playing well because the players are listening to and trusting the coaching staff to prepare them and communicating on the field.
“And then just playing our brand of football, which is just gritty, 11 men to the football kind of play,” he said.
Junior linebacker Allen McLain said the defense worked hard over the summer. The defensive players watch film avidly and go into each game aiming for a shutout.
“We came into this week thinking we were going into a state championship game, and we came out hot, hot, hot, and we put a shutout to them, and they just couldn’t do much to us,” he said. “We come out focused.”
VC was No. 3 in the most recent unofficial select Division IV power rankings, while Jeanerette was second in non-select Division IV. Prejean said that though the score was lopsided, he respects what coach C.C. Paul is doing at Jeanerette.
“Coach Paul is doing a great job, and I’m genuine when I say I respect what he’s doing with Jeanerette, and I’m glad to see them on the uptick,” Prejean said. “But again, I think coach Brodie (Savoie) had them prepared for every front we saw tonight, and we kind of had answers for what they jumped into.”
Paul said his team (5-2 overall, 2-2 district) is learning how to win right now, while VC, which reached the state championship game last year, already knows how to win. Though the Tigers went 1-2 in a brutal stretch of games against district opponents Central Catholic, Hanson and VC over the last three weeks, that experience is helping his team improve, he said.
Quarterback Jonathan Dartez had a hand in five of the Eagles’ touchdowns, rushing for 80 yards and two TDs and throwing for 185 yards and three touchdowns.
“(Number) 1 (Dartez) can do a lot of things,” Prejean said. “He’s not a one-trick pony. He showed up and made some big throws in some big spots, and our wide receivers were tremendous with yards after catch.”
Ross Dartez led the Eagles with four catches for 82 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown. Andrew Prejean had a 52-yard TD reception, and Jyrin Bessard added a 23-yard touchdown catch. Dane Richoux (15 yards) and Ethan Landry (13 yards) also had catches of more than 10 yards.
“Andrew Prejean did great, slipped open to open the game, Jy with a big fourth-down catch, and then we have Ross on the screen,” Broc Prejean said. “We distributed the ball. That’s who we want to be.”
The Eagles opened the game with a nine-play, 60-yard scoring drive that took nearly four minutes off the clock. Jonathan Dartez scored on a one-yard run after Tyjh Williams had brought the ball to the 4-yard line with a 25-yard carry. The Eagles tacked on a 2-point conversion carry by Dartez for an 8-0 lead.
Dartez threw to Prejean for 52 yards and a touchdown on the next series for a 15-0 lead following Richoux’s point-after.
Bessard scored on a fourth-down catch, breaking a tackle to get to the end zone from 23 yards out on the next series to build the lead to 22-0.
After VC forced a fumble that Ross Dartez recovered, Jonathan Dartez threw a screen pass to Ross Dartez on the next snap for a 45-yard touchdown play.
VC made it 35-0 on another one-play scoring drive after forcing a shanked punt with good pressure on the kicker. Williams broke loose from the 41 to give the Eagles a five-touchdown advantage. Williams finished the game with a team-best 121 yards on eight carries.
Jeanerette finally got its offense moving after that touchdown, driving from the JHS 18 to the VC 16 before turning the ball over on downs.
The Eagles responded by driving 84 yards in nine plays, capped by a five-yard carry from Jonathan Dartez, that made it 42-0 after Richoux’s kick.
“We prepare like we want to (score on every possession),” Broc Prejean said. “That’s what I say. The expectations I leave on the kids. We prepare. We want to do those things. We want to be efficient and tonight we were.”

ERATH - The Kaplan Pirates are in a place they have not been since the 2016 season when they won 13 straight games before falling to Amite in the semifinals of the playoffs.
On Friday, the Pirates beat the Erath Bobcats 16-13 and improved to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in the district.
The last great start for a Pirate team was the 2016 Pirates, under former head coach Stephen Lotief.
KHS head coach Cory Brodie was proud of his team for winning their second straight district game.
“It means a lot more to be 2-0 in the district,” said Brodie. “We took the tough route tonight. We have to do a better job converting fourth down and one plays. We did not convert on three fourth-down plays. We need to finish the game.”
Kaplan is at home Friday to battle the St. Martinville Tigers. Erath travels to Abbeville (4-2).
With a sophomore quarterback, the Bobcats (1-6) almost pulled off the upset win over the Pirates.
EHS head coach Eric LeBlanc said, “ When you are 1-and-5, work hard and there is no reward. It stings. We are that close to winning.”
Late in the fourth period, the Pirates got the ball back, leading 16-13, with just under three minutes to go. The game plan was to pick up a first down on the drive and eat up the clock. Erath’s defense had another idea. They stopped Kaplan on four straight plays, including a fourth down and three with 1:05 to play in the game.
The Bobcats got the ball back at mid field and needed to move downfield quick.
Sophomore QB Jack Landry almost converted the miracle drive in the final minute.
The Bobcats moved the ball down to the KHS 35-yard-line with only 35 seconds left to play in the game. Landry completed back-to-back passes, including an 11-yard pass to Bo Lancon. Unfortunately, time ran out on the Bobcats.
Landry, making his first career start because three-year starting quarterback Lynkon Romero injured his shoulder last week, did not have a bad game. He completed 12 out of 19 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He was also sacked three times, including one in the end zone, resulting in a Kaplan safety.
Kaplan defensive end Remy Broussard said the defensive game plan was simple. Put pressure on the sophomore quarterback.
“We wanted to get to Jack and put pressure on him,” said Broussard. “If we did that, it would change Erath’s offense.”
The KHS defense sacked Landry seven times. Broussard had four, Hayes Broussard added two and Gunnar Bourque had the sack in the end zone.
Erath stunned the Pirates on the first play of a game when Landry completed a 53-yard touchdown reception to Bo Lancon. Just like that, EHS was up 7-0.
The score remained 7-0 until the six-minute mark in the second quarter. Kaplan’s defensive players Hayes Broussard and Remy Broussard teamed to sack Landry in the endzone.
After the safety, Kaplan got the ball back on the free kick and marched 77 yards in seven plays. Running backs Daylon Landry and Jed Devoltz carried the pigkin downfield.
On third down and goal from the 4, Devoltz scored a touchdown on a run.
In four minutes, Kaplan went from being down 7-0 to leading 10-7.
With 1:41 left in the half, Landry led Erath downfield for a touchdown. Landry connected with Payton Pickens for a 34-yard touchdown pass with 26 seconds left in the first half. The two-point run attempt was no good, giving EHS a 13-10 lead at halftime.
Erath gained all of its first half yards in the air. Landry completed six out of nine passes for 144 yards. EHS had only 10 yards rushing.
The Pirates, on the other hand, had 180 yards rushing in the first half. Devoltz had 90 of those 180 yards. Devoltz finished the game with 27 carries for 144 yards.
“In a rivalry game like this, to give up the first touchdown on the first play is big,” said Brodie. “Then we go down and get stopped on the goal-line, but turn right back around and get the safety. We never quit. It is a whole different mindset with these players. This is an awesome feeling to do it on the road.”

September 1, 1925 ~ October 10, 2023

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Dorothy Peltier Theall, 98, who died Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at her residence. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Reverend Nicholas DuPre' officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Skyler Richard, Seth-Ryan Broussard, Jon Manafi, Patrick Pourciau, Justin Freyou, and Asher Theall. Honorary pallbearers are Bryan Theall, Tyrone Theall, Bryan Broussard, Kyi Lormand, Jade Richard, Loren Pourciau, and Greg Pourciau.
Dorothy loved spending time with her family and friends, traveling to her favorite casinos and musical concerts. She and her husband were thoroughbred horsemen which lead to an interesting and exciting traveling life together. Her work families and jockeys in the kitchen were especially dear to her heart and knew her as “Granny”. In recent years she enjoyed riding around her hometown of New Iberia, reminiscing about the past, and seeing its growth throughout the years.
She is survived by her children, Susan Lormand, Katherine Broussard (Bryan), Marilyn Theall, Bryan Theall and Tyrone Theall; loving sister, Rosemary Brasseaux; daughter-in-law, Gay Herkender; sister-in-law, Barbara Falterman; dear and closest friend, Margaret Bernis; grandchildren, Kyi Lormand (Tammy), Seth-Ryan Broussard (Cammie), Hope Manafi (Jon), Destiny Freyou (Justin), Skyler Richard, Jade Richard (Whitney), Brooke Blackman (Brandon), Neil Theall and Tyler Theall; and great grandchildren, Shanna Scott, Matthew Kratman, Kyila Lormand, Kaden Lormand, Cobey-James Broussard, Kaiden Broussard, Kolin Broussard, Beau Broussard, Liam Manafi, Eli Manafi, Asher Theall, Greyson Freyou, Collin Richard, Draden Richard, Makaya Richard, Dakota Richard, Cooper Blackman, Gavin Durand, Alayah MaGee and Makhi MaGee.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Edgar Ray “Shorty” Theall; parents, Clarville Peltier and Rose Bodin; siblings, Louis Peltier (Delores), Allen Peltier, Walter Peltier (Armine), and Florence “Tootie” Migues (Charles); one brother-in-law, KJ Brasseaux; children, Edgar Ray Theall Jr., Steven Theall and Darrell Theall; son-in-law, Donnie Lormand; grandchildren, Mona Theall, and Steven “Stevie” Theall Jr.; and great grandchild, Makaya Lynn Richard.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 12 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 7 p.m.; Monday, October 16, 2023 from 8 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. when the procession will depart for the church.
Her family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Shawn Bacquet, and Dr. Micheal Dibbs. Without their loving care, persistence, and knowledge, her family would not have enjoyed this many extended years with her.
A special thank you to Sam, Katrina, and the rest of the staff at First Option Home Health of Lafayette, for their gentle compassion during her brief illness.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

KAPLAN — Kaplan’s run defense was on the mark against Crowley to open the District 5-3A slate this past Friday with a 22-13 win.
The Pirates (5-1 overall, 1-0 in district) are looking to maintain that tough defensive effort this week when they travel to face Erath in another district game. Kaplan has allowed only 13.8 points a game this year, including surendreing only 13 to Crowley.
Kaplan also limited star running back Omar Butler to 77 yards on 15 carries.
“I was very happy with the way the defense played,” Kaplan head coach Cory Brodie said. “Our run defense has been pretty good for us the last couple of weeks overall. Offensively, we’ve just got to score when we’ve got a chance in the red zone.”
Outside linebacker spearheaded the defense with 13 tackles, a fumble recovery, four tackles for loss and two sacks, earning Gulf Coast Bank Defensive Player of the Week honors.
“He played really well for us, especially considering he’s a guy that has such a high motor and he plays offensive guard for us too,” Brodie said.
Kaplan amassed 321 yards on the ground and had a big edge in time of possession. Fullback Jed Devoltz returned from injury to lead the Pirates wth 116 yards and two TDs on 22 carries, mostly in the second half.
Brodie said he wasn’t sure before kicking if Devlotz would play or how many carries he would get, but after carrying twice in the first half, he got the ball 20 times in the second half.
“He had a lot of success running the ball in the second half,” Brodie said.
Daylon Landry added 70 yards on eight runs and Wyatt Hebert (7-62) and Bradyn Bearb (12-59, 1 TD) aos had over 50 yards each. Bearb is averaging a touchdown a game.
Landry is third in Vermilion Parish with 641 yards (averaging 8.9 yards per carry) and six TDs rushing on the year, and leads the parish in receiving yards with 214 and two TDs on nine catches. Devoltz is fifth in the parish with 410 yards and four TDs on the ground despite missing most of four games.
Brodie said the Pirates are preparing for a tough game against Erath, which is 1-4 and 0-1 but has battled injuries this year.
“I know we’re going to have a tough time with them,” Brodie said. “Peoople might think I’m crazy for saying this, but I consider them the favorite. They beat us the last two years. It’s at their place. We’re definitely not going into it thinking we’re 5-1 and they’re 1-5 or anything else. It’s rivalry game and they’ve had our number the last two years, so we’re treating it from that aspect.”
Brodie said the Pirates are preparing for Erath to have senior receiver Christian Pillette back after missing five games with injury. Pillette is fifth in the parish in receiving yards with 147 yards despite playing one full game.
Kaplan also is unsure if Erath will start senior quarterback Lynkon Romero, who was hurt against St. Martinville last week, or sophomore Jack Landry, who played after Romero went down.
“I don’t think they want to change the offense a lot” whether it’s Romero or Landry playing, Brodie said. “I saw (Landry) last year. To me, he’s a great passer. He has a smooth release. Whoever they put out there is who we’re going to play against and our kids are going to be ready. We don’t want to do too much at practice focusing on this guy or that guy. We’ve just got to play our game, and play what we play on defense.”
The Pirates will look to control the ball again, as they did with a big time of possession edge on Crowley, and just punch the ball into the end zone more when they have the opportunity, Brodie said.
“I think it’s going to be a good atmosphere in Erath on Friday night,” he said. “I think they were considered the best team in the parish last year, public school-wise, and coming into this year, so it’s going t be a great chance to show the parish what we can do. Hopefully we’ll leave there 2-0 in district.”