With a versatile QB Branon Mitchell at the helm, AES football's perfect season continues.
Anytime Ascension Episcopal and Vermilion Catholic football go toe-to-toe, it’s a Friday night matchup you don’t want to miss.
And this year’s tilt was no different.
For the Blue Gators, revenge was on their minds — along with the pressure of maintaining their perfect start to the season. With all that on the line, they would not be denied as they secured a 35-14 win over the Screaming Eagles.
The win was extra sweet for AES’s senior quarterback Branon Mitchell, who went down with a season-ending injury in last year’s matchup against VC.
“I personally have something against this team cause they took me out early last year,” Mitchell said. “This has been something that’s on me since last year so I had to what I needed to for my team so we can get this big win.”
Bringing the versatility
After punting on their first drive, the Blue Gators found their rhythm by starting up the ground game with running back Andre Abshire. Once the running lanes opened up for Abshire, Mitchell got to work showcasing all of his dual-threat abilities.
“Branon brings you a little versatility,” AES football coach Jay Domengeaux said. “He can run with a little bit of power when you need that extra yard or two. He can make a couple of big game breakers and he can also throw the ball down the field.”
The 6-foot-2, 175-pound athlete ended the game with about 80 passing yards and a touchdown, connecting with wide receiver Preston Peebles from 20 yards out. On the ground, Mitchell was also a rushing threat, tallying more than 100 yards and two touchdowns — accounting for over half of the Blue Gators points.
“My ability to run is really helpful for this offense,” Mitchell said. “I can read defense pretty well, and I can also make adjustments on the fly, so that’s what I think is pretty good about me and what I can bring to the team.”
Eagles fighting to the end
While the Blue Gators had their way on offense, the Eagles couldn’t say the same. After falling behind 21-0 in the first half, they decided to stray from the ground game that was struggling to move the chains.
In the air, senior quarterback Will Simon did all he could by tossing about 40 passes in the game. Using screens and quick slant routes, the Eagles were finally able to get into scoring position — allowing Simon to score a 1-yard rushing touchdown, one of two in the game.
In the third quarter, they had possession for about seven minutes — but couldn’t cash in while in the redzone, something they’ve struggled with this season.
“They stayed the course, I mean we battled all the way down to that last play, and I’m proud of our guys cause they’re going to always do that,” VC football coach Broc Prejean said. “That’s part of the tradition of this school and this program. But we got a lot to fix and a lot to work on but hats off to the Blue Gators, because that’s a really good football team.”
Shannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: AES football beats Vermilion Catholic to continue its undefeated season
Category: General Sports
