St. Frederick stifles Loyola

By Kirk Copeland
Louisiana Gannett News

SHREVEPORT — Loyola came into Friday night’s season-opener against St. Frederick with high hopes of a replay of last year’s thumping of the Warriors in Monroe. Instead, St. Frederick dominated every phase of the game — despite some sloppy play from both teams — and came away from Messmer Stadium with a resounding 30-0 whitewash of the Flyers in the 23rd renewal of the Battle for the Bishop’s Cup.

“They just took it to us all the way around,” said Loyola head coach Steven Geter. “They wanted it more than us and came out and proved that tonight.”

The game showed all the tell-tale signs of being the season’s first, with the teams combining for 15 penalties and 12 fumbles (five of which resulted in changes of possession). There were several penalties declined or nullified because they were off-setting. Loyola failed to record a first down until the third quarter and had six punts by halftime.

The Warriors hounded Loyola starting quarterback Anthony McMaster all game, leaving him little time to throw while forcing him into two interceptions. McMaster was sacked five times, with the main pressure coming from defensive end/tight end Aaron Thibodeaux.

Meanwhile, St. Frederick signal caller Nicholas Leehy showed a penchant for quick scores by faking a handoff then scampering 55 yards for a score on the Warriors second play from scrimmage. He followed that up a quarter later with a 33-yard scoring strike to Thibodeaux on the first play of the second period.

Shortly after the Flyers had snuffed out a St. Frederick’s threat when Taylor Rust recovered a fumble inside the Warriors’ five-yard line, the visitors from Monroe got on the board with a safety that resulted from their pass rush on McMaster, forcing him into an illegal pass in his own end zone.

After a 9-yard scamper by Jamar Owens to cap the first drive of the second half for St. Frederick, coach Paul Guerriero called a surprise onside kick, taking the Flyers completely off-guard. Leehy hit a big strike to Owens to set up a Logan Blackwood field goal that seemed to break Loyola’s back.

“We know what great coaches Loyola has with coach Geter and his staff,” said Guerriero. “We knew we needed something to take control of the game, and the onside kick did it.”

Leehy led the Warriors under center with 122 yards and a touchdown through the air to go with his 105 yards on the ground. Owens added 165 yards of total offense (including a game-high 132 yards rushing) and Thibodeaux snagged three of Leehy‘s passes for 66 yards and a score.

“Jamar’s not the biggest kid out there, but there’s absolutely no quit in him,” said Guerriero. “Anytime we needed a play, he was there. And what can you say about Nicholas’ leadership, let alone how well he played. Thibodeaux brought a strong pass rush all night and contributed in the passing game as well. We got after them in every aspect tonight. I’m real proud of this team.”

McMaster had 91 yards passing on 14-of-25 passing to lead the Flyers but the home squad was limited to minus-three yards on the ground.

Loyola now must try to regroup in time for next Friday’s matchup with Logansport at Messmer Stadium, while St. Frederick returns home to play Independence.