By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports
The Bishop’s Trophy has left Natchitoches Parish – finally, and barely.
Holy Savior Menard won the coveted prize, along with Friday night’s squeaker of a game against visiting St. Mary’s. The Eagles eked out a 7-6 win after St. Mary’s failed to capitalize on a couple of opportunities. The Tigers are now 0-3.
It was the first time Class 2A Holy Savior Menard (1-2) has won the game and the accompanying trophy since the Bishop’s Bowl was established in 2021.
The fifth edition was a defensive battle. Each team scored only once, each in the first half.
The Tigers’ A.J. Johnson opened the game with a 57-yard pass completion to Chalin Gandy, but the drive stalled and the Tigers missed a 22-yard field goal.
After Menard scored its only touchdown later in the first quarter, St. Mary’s scored before the half. John Paul Thibodaux ran for 31 yards to set up a short touchdown throw to Haiden Nelson, but the PAT kick was no good.
Neither team could get anything going in the second half. Menard was able to control possession and not give the Tigers any more chances.
Across the Red River, Lakeview coach Lawrence Seawood is trying to move past his team’s third straight blowout loss. Class 4A Woodlawn ruined the Gators’ homecoming party with a 62-0 win.
In three games the Gators have given up 172 points. They were down 14-0 in the first quarter on Friday.
“It was a pretty good game for a little while,” Seawood said. “It being homecoming, the kids came out amped up. They were running to the ball. We made one or two defensive stops. Then the mistakes started piling up on us.”
Seawood said the game started to get out of hand at the end of the first quarter “and the whole second quarter.” The Knights rose to 2-1.
With two of their three defeats at the hands of Class 4A foes, the Class A Gators will be better matched up for the rest of the season, beginning with next Friday’s visit to Class 2A DeQuincy (1-2).
Contact Lori at sportslyons@gmail.com
