Better conditioned VC whips Catholic High of New Iberia

The biggest worry for some was whether 28 Vermilion Catholic players could go toe-to-toe with 45 Catholic High players in 94-degree weather.
Well, it turned out that was the wrong question.
The real question was, could Catholic High go toe-to-toe against a younger, faster VC team?
The answer Friday was no.
The Class 1A Eagles beat the Class 2A CHS Panthers 26-14 to open the 2023 season.
After getting down 14-7 at the half, the Eagles continued to run full steam while the Panthers struggled with cramps. In the third period, seven Panthers hobbled off the field with leg cramps. No Eagles went down with cramps.
VC head coach Broc Prejean said VC’s conditioning was the key to the win.
“We knew conditioning would play a role,” said Prejean. “We have been preaching it since July 31. The kids have been going hard and bought into the practice.
“Tonight, it looked like they cared for themselves during the week. I am very proud of the way our team showed up.”
The first half was won by Catholic High, on the field and on the scoreboard. The Panthers led 14-7 at halftime behind its passing game. Catholic High threw for 124 yards and ran for 52 for a total offense of 176 yards.
VC had 83 yards at halftime. VC quarterback Jonathan Dartez had only 15 yards rushing on 11 carries.
But the tide turned in the second half.
A rested Eagle offense marched 52 yards downfield in six plays to tie the game up 14-14.
Dartez found Dane Richoux in the right-hand corner of the end zone for a 21-yard game-tying touchdown. Richoux also kicked the extra point that tied it 14-14.
Richoux, a returning kicker from last year, had three receptions, 36 yards, and a touchdown. Last year, he caught 15 passes for 271 yards.
Richoux, a kicker/wide receiver, said he enjoys playing both positions.
“I like both,” he said. “Playing wide receiver, I run a lot and then have to go kick. It is not bad at all. I am not tired.”
On the second possession of the second half, the Eagles did not score, but they ate up seven minutes on the clock and wore down the Panther defense. Richoux attempted a 40-yard field goal but it went wide.
The Eagles’ defense recovered its second fumble of the game with just over two minutes to play in the third frame. William Simon fell on the ball at around midfield.
VC took advantage of the fumble and marched 48 yards in nine plays. Dartez, a junior, snuck up the middle for a five-yard TD run. That score put VC ahead 20-14.
Dartez, who only had 15 yards rushing at halftime, finished the game with 138 yards and two scores. His most extensive run of the night was a 67-yard touchdown run. He outran the Panther defenders down the right side of the field.
Dartez said he saw Catholic High getting tired, and the Eagles took advantage of that.
He said all of the team’s hard work this summer was why they won the game.
“Pulling sleds and us conditioning all summer, that helped us win this game,” said Dartez, a three-year starting quarterback. “If you look at it, we had no cramps. Everyone on this team did their job. They woke up and were hydrated all week. No one did anything stupid all week. They drank their water. We are the exception.”
Richoux added, “We made plays when it counted. We prepared better.”
VC will be on the road Friday to battle the Class 2A Ascension Episcopal in Youngsville.
“Before the game, we said half of the teams in the state are going to lose tonight,” said Prejean. “We did not want to be one of them. To be 1-0 is great. It reaffirms what we already know about our kids. And it adds to their confidence.”
“We have 28 good players who improve the 11 on the field. I am proud of the whole group.”