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Catholic High comes back to beat Central Catholic, but plenty of work left to do

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 9:52 GMT by The Advocate
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Catholic High pulls off a dramatic comeback to edge Central Catholic in a high‑stakes district clash

In a Sunday night showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Catholic High School of Lake Charles returned from a 20‑point deficit to defeat Central Catholic High School of Alexandria 28‑20 in a hard‑fought District 3‑2A contest. The game, played in front of a packed house at Catholic High’s home field, was a showcase of resilience, coaching acumen, and a burgeoning rivalry that is already capturing the attention of the entire Acadiana region.

A game that swung from a blowout to a nail‑biter

Central Catholic jumped out to a dominant start, pulling a 20‑0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Their offense, led by senior quarterback Jalen Thomas, was firing on all cylinders: a 300‑yard passing attack and a two‑touchdown run by wide receiver Kevin McKnight. The Knights’ defense was equally stifling, sacking Catholic High’s rookie quarterback Tyler Davis three times and limiting his third‑quarter output to just 30 yards.

However, the second half saw a dramatic shift. Catholic High, who had only scored a field goal in the first period, found a spark in their offense and defense. In the third quarter, the Patriots mounted a 45‑yard drive capped by a touchdown run from junior running back Michael Brooks, bringing the score to 20‑10. The team’s special‑teams unit also came up big, blocking a key punt and returning it for a touchdown, a play that shifted the momentum entirely.

The pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter when Catholic High forced a turnover on the Knights’ final possession. Their linebacker, senior Marcus Green, intercepted a pass from Thomas, giving the Patriots a chance to tie the game. Davis completed a 25‑yard pass to wide receiver Caleb Reed for a touchdown, but the extra point failed. In the closing seconds, the Patriots executed a last‑ditch drive that ended with a 22‑yard field goal, sealing the win and preventing a comeback by Central Catholic.

Key performers on both sides

Tyler Davis’ performance was a story of two halves. Despite a rough first quarter—complete with two interceptions and a fumble—he finished with 215 passing yards, four completions for touchdowns, and a touchdown on the ground. His resilience in the face of early adversity was a testament to the coaching staff’s confidence in him.

Michael Brooks, who rushed for 120 yards on 16 carries, proved to be the engine of Catholic High’s comeback. His 45‑yard touchdown run in the third quarter was the turning point of the game. On the defensive side, Marcus Green’s interception in the fourth quarter was a game‑changing play, turning the tide in favor of the Patriots.

Central Catholic’s Jalen Thomas was efficient on the offensive side, finishing with 275 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. His deep connection with Kevin McKnight was a bright spot for the Knights, who now look to refine their game plan after the loss.

A bigger picture: the stakes of District 3

The win marks Catholic High’s second straight victory and solidifies their standing as a playoff contender in District 3‑2A. Their record improves to 2‑0, and the team now has an opportunity to establish themselves as the top seed in the district. The Patriots’ performance in this high‑pressure game has also drawn praise from local coaches and analysts who note that the team’s resilience is a critical factor heading into the later rounds of the season.

Central Catholic, on the other hand, now faces a tough road ahead. The Knights’ record drops to 1‑1, and they must regroup quickly to stay in contention for a district title. The loss also brings into focus their need for greater depth on defense and a more balanced offensive attack.

Looking ahead

Catholic High’s next challenge is a home game against fellow district rival, Lafayette Catholic High School. Coach Mike D’Angelo has already expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to carry the momentum from the Central Catholic win into the next matchup. “We’re proud of how the team handled adversity,” D’Angelo said in the post‑game press conference. “We’ve got a good culture, and the players know they can come back from any deficit.”

Central Catholic will need to address their defensive lapses and find a way to limit the Patriots’ rushing attack, especially in the third and fourth quarters. Their next opponent, New Iberia Central High School, will test their resolve after this unexpected setback.

The story of a comeback

Beyond the numbers and the scoreboard, the Catholic High vs. Central Catholic game exemplifies the spirit of high school football in Acadiana: fierce competition, community pride, and the capacity for a team to rally from a seemingly insurmountable deficit. The Patriots’ 28‑20 victory will be remembered as a highlight of the season and a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to prepare his players mentally and physically for the rigors of district play.

As the Acadiana high‑school football calendar unfolds, fans can expect more dramatic showdowns and surprising upsets. Catholic High’s dramatic comeback over Central Catholic is a reminder that in the world of high‑school gridiron, anything is possible when a team stays focused, believes in itself, and refuses to give up.