Football Team Seeks to Overcome First Half Obstacles
For Second Week in a Row, Scoreless First Half Too Much to Overcome – Jays Fall to John Curtis, 56-28

Junior receiver Noah Varnado picks up 36 yards to set up excellent field position in a second-half drive that eventually put the Jays in the end zone.
As the Blue Jay football team turns the halfway mark of District 9-5A competition, it is important not only to look back but also to look forward.
Looking back, the Jays have faced three of the fiercest teams in the district in St. Augustine, Holy Cross, and John Curtis. In fact, all three of these teams to whom the Jays have endured district losses boast undefeated records. The latest installment pitted the Blue Jays against the John Curtis Patriots on Friday night at the Shrine on Airline.
For the second week in a row, a scoreless first half plagued the Blue and White. A five touchdown deficit at halftime is tough for any team to overcome, but especially against the Patriots of John Curtis, who scored 35 unanswered first-half points behind the running game of sophomore quarterback Collin Guggenheim.
On the hopeful side, though, the other facet of the game that carried over for the second week in a row was the tenacity of the Blue Jays as they emerged from the locker room after the half. The Jays started the second half with 21 unanswered points of their own.
Although junior running back Willie Robinson was the first to get the Jays on the board with a 1 yard scramble in the third quarter, it was the passing game that carried the Jays through the late-game surge. Senior quarterback Alex Watermeier passed for 326 yards, improved his passing percentage to 62%, and posted three touchdowns. Two of the touchdown receptions came in the hands of junior receiver Noah Varnado, who had eight receptions for 93 yards on the night. Junior receiver Robert McMahon was the target for a third receiving touchdown in the second half. McMahon had 9 grabs for 85 yards.
On defense, Wyatt Candies led the Jays with 8 solo tackles, and standout junior Perry Ganci also put in a great performance with 6 solo tackles. Ganci also added the assist for nine other tackles.
As the Jays look forward, there are three district games that remain. Two games in the final stretch are against opponents who, like the Jays, still seek their first district win. On Friday night, the Blue Jays face a Rummel Raider team who are 1-1 in district play. The game will be played at Yulman Stadium at Tulane University. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM. Parking is available at both the Claiborne Avenue Lot and the Diboll Garage for $5. Please consult Tulane Parking and Stadium Information for more details. All fans should enter the stadium on the east side at Gate B.
The game will also be streamed live through Crescent City Sports.
Read More…
NOLA.com – Curtis 56, Jesuit 28: Collin Guggenheim runs for four touchdowns
The Advocate – Collin Guggenheim sparks Curtis to rout of Jesuit
Galleries
Jesuit (28) vs. John Curtis (56), The Shrine on Airline, Oct. 6, 2017
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Jesuit lines up with John Curtis in their third district matchup at the Shrine on Airline.
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Senior quarterback Alex Watermeier connects to tight end Drew Black.
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A Blue Jay fumble adds to the frustration in the first half of play...
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...and the ball is recovered by the John Curtis defense.
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Senior running back Michael Torry makes a sharp cut around the end.
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Alex Watermeier passed for 326 yards and three touchdowns.
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Sophomore Sonny Hazard and junior Owen Melville close in on the Curtis quarterback...
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...and Melville picks up the sack in the backfield.
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Junior receiver Brenden Berggren pulls in one of his seven receptions of the night.
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This pass sails just past junior receiver Noah Varnado.
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The Jesuit Jayettes take the field along with the Blue Jay Marching Band for the halftime entertainment.
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Sonny Hazard closes in for the tackle with a little help from junior Roman Bankson.
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Senior Drew Black picks up some extra yardage after the reception.
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Junior Robert McMahon shakes off a Curtis defender in one of his nine catches.
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McMahon keeps his eye on the prize as Brenden Berggren sets up a block.
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McMahon turns up field and...
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...crosses the goal line for a score.
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Noah Varnado put on the jets after this reception...
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...and continues his longest play of the game...
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...to eventually be brought down after a massive 36 yard gain.
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With excellent field position, Watermeier takes the snap and..
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...connects to Varnado to end the drive with a touchdown.