Football Wins District, Takes Runner-Up at State

FLYING WITH THE JAYS

From confident resolve to unexpected excitement, the 2021 Jesuit football season provided every kind of emotion for players and fans alike. When the exhilarating season came to its end, the Blue Jays (10-1) boasted an undefeated regular season record, a district title, and a state runner-up finish.

In the first year of the Ryan Manale era, a new chapter started for Jesuit football. With a mix of veteran seniors and feisty underclassmen, the Jays demonstrated an explosive offense and a durable defense as they shattered expectations. Whether battling in the trenches or throwing the ball down field, this team showed tremendous versatility that allowed it to win highly contested games down the stretch.

“The expectation was to bring a winning culture on and off the field and to compete in our district,” coach Manale said. “Words cannot describe the impact this team has made on me and how proud I am of this group for bringing back excellence.”

In the beginning of the year, Jesuit showcased its superior offensive prowess by defeating Riverdale, Holy Cross, and St. Augustine by a combined score of 145-19. As a part of the offensive onslaught, senior quarterback Jack

Larriviere connected with junior receiver Jace Larsen for a 96-yard touchdown during the Holy Cross game, breaking the record for the longest play in Jesuit history, which was set last year when Max Milano ’21 caught an 89-yard pass from Luke LaForge ’21. Before Milano’s reception, the record had stood since 1954.

In those games, the offense was led by Larsen and Larriviere. No matter the situation, the combo maintained a bountiful connection throughout the season that led to crucial first downs and long touchdowns.

The intimidating defensive front consisting of seniors Joseph Barnett and Andrew Besh never let any opposing quarterback or running

back feel comfortable. When anyone did make it past the two-headed monster, senior linebackers Jake Cannizzaro and Dennis Dougherty and junior Dominic LoGiudice stopped them in their tracks.

While Jesuit put together some impressive numbers, the regular season matchups against rivals John Curtis and Brother Martin came down to the wire. In the earlier of the two matchups, Jesuit faced Brother Martin, hoping to defeat the Crusaders for the first time since 2014. A defensive battle ensued, and regulation was not long enough to crown a victor. After the third overtime, Brother Martin claimed the hardfought victory by a score of 21-14 at Tad Gormley Stadium.

24 | JAYNOTES | FALL / WINTER 2021

FOOTBALL

A lesser team would let this loss suffocate any positive thought for the rest of the season. The Jays chose to do the opposite and let the loss fuel their incredible run. When the squad faced an impressive John Curtis team a couple of weeks later, they did not back down.

With John Curtis leading 13- 10 in the final quarter, Larriviere dropped back and found senior tight end Chance Whitfield on a designed screen. Whitfield followed his blockers for 32 yards, finding the end zone to give the Jays the final lead with nine minutes remaining.

The Jays went on to win the rest of their games against the likes of Rummel and Shaw. After the LHSAA released a ruling that negated the

Brother Martin loss, the Jays were named undefeated Catholic League champions going into the post season. Facing John Curtis once again, the Jays took an early 14-0 lead. With less than a minute to go in the game, John Curtis’s running back found a hole for a 26-yard touchdown to bring the score to 14-13. The game seemed destined for overtime.

Senior defensive end Barnett, who refused to accept this fate, rushed up the middle during the extra-point attempt and blocked the kick. After recovering the on-side kick, Jesuit punched its ticket to the semifinal round against Brother Martin.

The result was Jesuit’s first onfield victory against the Crusaders since 2014. The offense did its part

by scoring 28 points, including a 54- yard touchdown reception by Larsen, and the defense held one of the best offenses in the state to 10 points.

Only one more game remained: the LHSAA Football Division I championship. After traversing the long road to Yulman Stadium for the chance to face down the Catholic High School Bears, Jesuit came up four points short of Catholic to finish the season as state runner-up with the Jays capturing their first district championship and finals appearance since 2014.

After the tough loss, the team bussed back to Carrollton & Banks and kneeled in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs, thanking God for an unforgettable season. •

JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL | NEW ORLEANS | 25