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The Vermilion Catholic Eagles will not be returning to the Superdome for a second year.
The No. 5 ranked Riverside Academy Rebels knocked the Eagles out of the Select Division IV playoffs with a 34-7 win in wet conditions.
The game was paused for a 90-minute lighting/rain delay with 1:04 remaining in the first half and the Rebels leading 21-7.
VC’s only touchdown came with 5:15 left in the first half when safety Ross Dartez intercepted a pass and ran it back 60 yards.
VC’s offense failed to score a touchdown, marking the first time since the 2021 season when Abbeville shut out the Eagles 43-0.
Despite the loss, VC head coach Broc Prejean expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments, which included reaching the semifinals and finishing with a 12-1 record. The team only had 27 players for most of the year.
The Rebels (12-1) advance to the Division IV Select Finals to face Southern Lab, who defeated defending state champs Ouachita Christian on Friday night.
This is the first time Riverside has reached the semifinals since 2017. In 2016, they won the Division III state title and were runners-up in 2015.
Prejean praised the Rebels’ execution of their offense and defense. He said, “They were what we expected and more. They had a terrific game plan. The ball did not bounce our way.”
The Eagles had opportunities to score more points, but a fumble and interception dashed their hopes.
Riverside head coach Lee Rousell credited his players, particularly the offensive line, for controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
He also praised his defensive line for limiting big plays by VC’s quarterback Jonathan Dartez.
Rousell said, “All of the credit goes to our players. When it mattered the most, our offensive and defensive line stepped up.”

The Vermilion Catholic defense has a tough task ahead of them for the second consecutive week as they take on one of the state’s best running backs.
In the previous week, the Eagles faced Chad Elzy, a prolific running back from Ascension Catholic who had 2,600 yards rushing.
Elzy ran for 230 yards in the game, but the Eagles still won to advance to the semifinals of the playoffs.
The next challenge for the Eagles is the Riverside Academy Rebels (11-1), who are ranked fifth. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. in Eagle Stadium, with the winner advancing to the Division IV Select Finals on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 at tonight’s game.
Riverside Academy Rebels are a running team who rely on their junior running back, Dedric Lastie, who is just 5-foot-4.
Lastie was formerly a wide receiver but moved to running back this year and has done an excellent job. Lastie ran for 219 yards and scored three touchdowns in the last game, leading the Rebels to a 26-14 win over St. Martin’s.
Lastie accounted for 29 of the Rebels’ 32 carries.
“He is electric,” said VC head coach Broc Prejean. “He is a guy who can go 70 or 80 yards on one run. On film, he reminds me of Blake Saddler (former Abbeville High running back). He is built low to the ground. He just keeps fighting for yardage.
“It is going to be a tough challenge.”
Lastie is blessed to run behind one of the best offensive lines in the Division IV. Their average size is 6-1, 220 pounds.
The Rebels finished the regular season with a 9-1 record, with their only loss being to Class 2A Newman (33-7) in Week 2. Since then, Riverside Academy has won nine straight games.
In the regular season, the Rebels scored 63 points once, 55 points three, and 40 points four times.
In their last two playoff games, however, the Rebels have only averaged 20 points per game.
In their second-round playoff game, the Rebels narrowly escaped with a 14-12 win over No. 12 Catholic Point Coupee. Last week, the offense scored 26 against St. Martin’s.
Vermilion Catholic has also put up impressive numbers in the regular season. The Eagles scored 57 points once, 40 points four times, 30 points thrice, and 20 points twice. In the playoffs, the Eagles have scored 49 against Delhi Charter and 39 against Ascension Catholic in their two wins.
With tailback Tyjah Williams out for the season after a knee surgery in Week 10, junior quarterback Jonathan Dartez is expected to carry the football load for the Eagles.
Dartez carried the ball 30 times for 183 yards and scored four touchdowns in the last game, including a 68-yard touchdown run. Throughout the year, Dartez rushed for 1,822 yards in 12 games.
Although many people may have forgotten, the Eagles can also throw the football.
Dartez has thrown for 1,530 yards and 17 touchdowns, completing 88 passes in 141 attempts. Ross Dartez leads the team in catches with 28 for 554 yards, followed by Jyrin Bessard (14-321 yards) and Hudson Hebert (14-99 yards).
Prejean said this summer the Eagles have worked on their passing game and it is paying off.
“It is a consistent part of our offense,” said Prejean. “Dartez has completed almost 70 percent of his passes.”
Others with catches are Ethan Landry (8-103), Dane Richoux (9-108), and Jonathan Dartez (5-112).
On defense, Allen McLain is the leading tackler with 75.5 (56 solo, 39 assists) and 4.5 quarterback sacks.
Other leading tacklers on the team are Ty Williams (31 solos, 28 assists), Joe Langlinais (33 solos, 32 assists, 2.5 sacks), William Simon (32 solos, 32 assists, 5.5 sacks), Phillip Summers (29 solos, 11 assists, 2 interceptions), Jyrin Bessard (32 solos, 7 assists, two interceptions), Ross Dartez (20 solos, 3 assists, 2 interceptions), Ethan Landry (18 solos, 29 assists), and Gabe Boudreaux (17 solos, 21 assists, 2.5 sacks).

A home going celebration honoring the life of Billie Faye Briggs will be held at the Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church, 822 I.J. Joiner Street, Abbeville, LA on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11 a.m. with viewing beginning at 9 a.m. Bishop Mideate Derouen will be officiating the services.
Sis. Billie Faye was called from labor to reward on Saturday, November 25, at our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette, LA. She was born on November 25, 1954 to Mrs. Beulah Wright and Mr. Randal Small ,Jr. in Abbeville, La. “Faye” as she was affectionately known, was reared in Abbeville. She attended Abbeville High School and received her cosmetology degree from Gulf Area Technical School.
Sis. Billie Faye loved culinary arts and was willing to serve the community in various charitable events, free of charge. One of the very last things that she did was to help, along with fellow church members, serve a meal to people in this community.
Sis. Faye was a very active and faithful member who genuinely loved her church and her church family. She served under the leadership of Pastor Michael Wright Sr. and Bishop Mideate DeRouen. Capacities that she served in include: mission teacher, Sunday School teacher, in which she had the gift of delivering a message that made those who heard it feel the love of Jesus Christ which did not leave them feeling condemned. She was not at all ashamed to proclaim the word of God or let others know about His goodness.
Billie Faye leaves to cherish many memories her dedicated husband, Larry Briggs; her devoted daughter and best friend, Laticia Wright Landry and her husband, Brian of Abbeville; her affectionate and adoring son, Shannon Wright and his wife, Shemeika of Houston, TX; her loving spoiled daughter, Tomiko Wright Ladkin and her husband Marcus of Many, LA; her kindhearted son and protector, Shane Wright of Austin, TX; and loving son, Shaun Wright of Lacrosse, Wisconsin; her beloved “Big Brother”, Willie Lee “Billy Joe” Wright; her uncle, Mr. Donald Small, Sr.; her Godchildren, Lisa Boudreaux, Precious Guidry, Chris Cockrell, Kendall Guidry and Deja Alfred; 13 grandchildren, Charles Sr., Joycelyn, Shannon Andre, Dillion, Tomiko “KoaKoa”, Brandon, Javelin, Summer, Torien, Jayci, Brian, Samantha, Marneshia, Jamarques, and Janice; 14 great grandchildren, Charles Jr., Charlyse, Charlea, Chamiyah, Charlee, Makenzi, Romele, Paisley, Messiah, Makari, Ariella, Jalen, Noah and Charlie, a special cousin, whom she loved as her own, Erinn Batiste and her husband, Patrick; and her Greater Pleasant Green Family. Sis. Faye’s memory is also cherished by the countless individuals who called her Mom or Momo. She will definitely be missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Beulah Wright Darby, Randall Small. Jr., her former husband, Melvin Fallin, her brother, Stanley Wright, Jr. and her Godson, Jonas Mitchell.

Recently, local businesses gathered at the Cafe on State for a dynamic meeting organized by the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance (VEDA). Nehemiah Projects generously allowed us to use their fantastic facility and treated attendees to a delicious meal.
A key highlight of the meeting was Mr. Lonnie Richard from the Vermilion Parish School Board, who enlightened local businesses on the exciting opportunities within the Jumpstart program. Mr. Richard shared, “Today’s meeting was an excellent example of how local businesses can play a pivotal role in shaping the educational and career pathways for our students. The enthusiasm and commitment from our community are truly commendable.”
The meeting witnessed active participation and insightful discussions, with exceptional engagement from companies such as Broussard Brothers, Acadian Contractors, Vermilion Soil and Conservation, Mendoza Ford, and Glenn Lege Construction. Claire Broussard, VEDA’s Workforce Chair, added, “It’s inspiring to see businesses actively engaging with the educational initiatives in our community. This collaboration opens doors for our students and paves the way for a more vibrant and skilled workforce in Vermilion Parish.”
State Representative-elect Jacob Landry, also a member of the Workforce Committee, graced the occasion, demonstrating the shared interest in fostering meaningful connections between businesses and our local educational institutions. The event was attended by VEDA’s Workforce Chair, Claire Broussard; VEDA Board Member, Richard Guilbeaux; and Kayla Link, Economic Development Liaison.
The positive feedback received reaffirms the community’s dedication to enhancing educational and career opportunities for our students. The collaborative spirit displayed at the meeting sets a promising tone for future initiatives that aim to connect Vermilion Parish’s businesses with the talented youth in our community.
It is anticipated that students will have opportunities for internships with one or more of these companies, providing valuable hands-on experience. The hope is that many more companies will join this venture, further expanding the horizons and opportunities for our students.