After a stunning loss last week, John Curtis used three quick-fire scores to set the tone early and cruised to a 39-20 victory over Holy Cross on Friday night at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans.
After the shocking defeat last week to Jesuit, the Patriots turned on the jets early and the Tigers were never able to match the intensity. John Curtis led by as many as 20 in the opening half, then scored twice in the third to push the lead to 33 before Holy Cross made up some ground late.
How it was won
Three big plays over the course of the first quarter and start of the second sealed Holy Cross’ fate. Two punt return touchdowns and an interception that led to another score created a 20-point deficit.
Both of the return touchdowns came from Javon Stoudmire-Davis, and Pat LeBranch escaped multiple tacklers for a 32-yard score after the pick.
By the time the Tigers' offense began to click, it was the fourth quarter and the score was 39-6.
Player of the game
Javon Stoudmire-Davis, John Curtis: The catalyst for the John Curtis victory came from the special teams play of Stoudmire-Davis and his defense. His punt return touchdowns came on plays of 65 and 82 yards in the first half for John Curtis, nearly overshadowing the pair of interceptions the senior produced, including returning one for 30 yards that put the Patriots within striking distance of the Holy Cross end zone.
They said it
John Curtis coach Jeff Curtis: “That was just our fourth game with a young team. It’s taken just a little bit longer to gel and get on the same page, and I thought we made a good step in the right direction tonight bouncing back from last week.”
Holy Cross coach Nick Saltaformaggio: “I told our kids during the week that they’re not going to be fancy. They’re going to do what they do, and they’re going to do it better than you do what you do. And that’s what makes them successful.”
Notable
- John Curtis finished with 188 yards on the ground as a team on 34 carries. Pat LeBranch led the team with 83 of the team’s yards on only six carries with two touchdowns. Jason Gabriel had the most carries with nine for the Patriots, rushing for 52 yards.
- Of the 40 total carries for Holy Cross, quarterback Cole Canatella and running back Eli Lafrance combined for 28 against John Curtis. LaFrance finished with 71 yards and a score, while Canatella had 40 yards and a touchdown.
