On a roll

VILLE PLATTE -- The Sacred Heart Trojans are on a roll, taking home their second win in a row following their 14-7 victory over the Rosepine Eagles.
The Trojans improved to 2-2 on the season and will travel to Mamou Thursday to take on the Demons.
“We dominated this game from start to finish,” said Head Coach Josh Harper, who was ecstatic after the big win. “All we need to do is clean up on our self inflicted wounds, and we could really be a team to look out for.”
On the Eagles’ first possession, they attempted to establish their run game early on. Unfortunately for Rosepine, the Sacred Heart defense was certainly ready, stuffing nearly all rushes.
When the Trojans got the ball, they definitely did not take advantage of it. Although their 17-play drive bore no fruit, they were still able to burn a large portion of the clock. There was only enough time for one more drive from the Eagles, who were unsuccessful. The first quarter closed out with only three drives total.
Sacred Heart started off the second quarter with another long drive, 12-plays this time. Once again, the drive led to another punt.
On Rosepine’s ensuing drive, the Trojan defense responded big time with a quick four and out.
After forcing the Eagles to punt from their nine-yard line, the Trojans acquired great field position at the opposing 42-yard line.
The combined rushing effort of Alex McElwee and Noah Soileau took Sacred Heart all the way to the 26-yard line, where Soileau punched it in the remaining yardage for the Trojan’s first touchdown. Sam Hollier tacked on the extra point to put Sacred Heart up 7-0 with 2:36 left in the first half.
Rosepine responded with a fairly long drive themselves, but it ultimately led to nothing, closing out the half and sending the teams to their locker rooms.
Keeping up with the theme of the game, the Trojans came out the locker room with a nine-play drive. Unfortunately for Sacred Heart, quarterback Gabe Fontenot was sacked on third and 16, abruptly stopping the Trojans drive.
Rosepine eventually found some success in their next drive, picking up three first downs. Facing a second and 10, Eagle quarterback Ethan Frey dropped back to pass. As he lobbed to his receiver, the ball was tipped and then picked off by Ethan Karonika at midfield. He returned it all the way to the 25-yard line, starting off the Trojans with amazing field position and all the momentum.
McElwee and Fontenot tag teamed to drive the ball up the field, eventually landing at the two-yard line. Fontenot decided to keep the ball, plowing through to give the Trojans their second touchdown. The extra point off the boot of Hollier was good, as Sacred Heart’s lead improved to 14-0 with 2:36 left in the third quarter.
Rosepine’s following drive was carried into the fourth quarter, and the Eagle’s desperately looked for an answer as their time was getting short.
After a few great runs by Grant Ducote, Rosepine was able to march to the Trojan 44-yard line. Once again Frey rolled to his right to find a receiver. There, he saw Josh Cummings create some distance and rocketed the ball to him. It was caught and returned all 44 yards, granting Rosepine its first touchdown. Samuel Cruz’s kick was good, setting the game at 14-7 in favor of Sacred Heart with 10:22 left in the game.
The Trojans were in the hot seat and the Eagles were fired up, adding a tension to the already close game. Sacred Heart was shut out on their drive, adding even more fuel pumped Rosepine team.
After drawing four incomplete passes, the Eagles made a questionable call to kick the ball with 2:38 left in the game. This call ultimately cost them the game, as the Trojans were able to keep the ball the remainder of the game.
It’s worth noting that Sacred Heart did score once more on their final drive, but an ineligible player down field penalty took the score away. Regardless, the Trojans were still able to close out the game with the win.