Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Scott Meyer

Special to the Daily News

The Bayou Lacombe Cardinals defeated the Crescent City Rampage, 46-6, in last Saturday’s game at Lakeshore.

After forcing a Rampage punt on their opening possession, Bayou Lacombe went right to work. The Cardinals drove 68 yards on eight plays to grab the early lead that they never relinquished. Quarterback Jervious Epherson (Northshore High School) hit wide receiver Darrin Arline (Independence High Magnet School) from 12 yards out to get on the scoreboard. Kicker Val Schaff (Lakeshore High School) added the extra point to put the Cardinals ahead 7-0 with 7:26 remaining in the first.

On the Rampage’s next possession, Cardinals linebacker Lawrence Robinson stripped the ball from wide receiver Cornelius Beasley after a 16-yard reception near midfield. Bayou Lacombe then needed just four plays to crack the scoreboard once again. Epherson hit wide receiver Xavier Chatman (Lakeshore High) on a 22-yard catch-and-waltz into the endzone. After a blocked extra point, Bayou Lacombe led 13-0 with 4:02 remaining in the first. Robinson went to Franklinton High School and Pearl River Community College.

Two drives later, Bayou Lacombe set up shop in Rampage territory after Robinson intercepted Rampage QB Tierrione Brazil at the 37 yard line. The Cardinals 5 play 37 yard drive was capped off when Epherson and Arline connected from 11 yards out. After an unsuccessful 2 pt attempt Bayou Lacombe led 19-0 with 10:21 remaining in the second.

The Rampage got on the scoreboard at the 10-minute mark in the second. After a successful onside kick recovered by Bayou Lacombe at the Crescent City 41,. Epherson was hit from behind on a quarterback scramble and fumbled. Linebacker Terrence Casey-Charles recovered the ball and rumbled 60 yards for the score. After an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt, Bayou Lacombe led 19-6.

Bayou Lacombe took over at their 40-yard line and needed just eight plays to reach the end zone once again. Epherson and wide receiver Mark Mornay (Pope John Paul II Catholic High School University of Louisiana at Lafayette) connected from eight yards out to put the Cardinals further ahead. After a Schaff extra point Bayou Lacombe led 26-6 with 4:56 remaining before the break.

Bayou Lacombe forced a Rampage punt on their ensuing possession. After a Crescent City penalty, the Cardinals were in an excellent position to add to their lead. Epherson hit wide receiver Arthur Ashton (Hammond High Magnet School) on a 38-yard touchdown with just 51 seconds left before half. Bayou Lacombe led 32-6 after a missed extra point.

The Cardinals’ crusade continued in the second half. After receiving the second half kickoff, the Birds added to their lead by going on a nine-play 60-yard drive that ended with Mornay’s second touchdown grab of the evening from Epherson. Schaff’s extra point put Bayou Lacombe ahead 39-6 midway through the third.

Crescent City attempted to answer the Cardinals score by going on an eight-play, 30-yard drive when Cardinals defensive back Markus Conerly intercepted quarterback Anthony Scott and raced 72 yards for the Bayou Lacombe score. Kicker Lance Foster added the final point of the event putting the Cardinals ahead 46-6 with 2:09 remaining in the fourth. Conery went to Franklinton High School.   

Offensively, Epherson finished the evening 20-of-25 for 302 yards and six touchdowns.

Running back Jeremy Griffin led all rushers with 43 yards on nine attempts.

Mornay led the five pass catchers with 96 yards on seven grabs and two scores.

Robinson led the defense with a fumble recovery and interception.

Defensive ends Ted Conrad and Demoriea Dorsey added a sack.

Markus Conerly added one interception for a touchdown.

The Rampage was led offensively by Brazil completing 3-of-6 passes for 55 yards and one interception. Running back Roderick Johnson led all Rampage rushers with 29 yards on 12 carries. Wide receiver Joseph Collins led the receivers with one catch for 39 yards.

On Saturday night, the Rampage have a bye week and the Cardinals will host the Crescent City Kings.