For more than a century, Jesuit and Holy Cross have met on the gridiron in one of New Orleans’ oldest high school football rivalries. On Friday, Oct. 2, the two schools renewed that tradition, bringing generations of Blue Jays and Tigers together at Tad Gormley Stadium.

After a week spent watching forecasts that called for thunderstorms, game day delivered something entirely different. Blue skies and sunshine set the stage for an afternoon of tailgating, tradition, and ultimately a 33-6 Blue Jay victory.

Rivalry Day at Carrollton & Banks

The traditions surrounding the game began well before kickoff. Throughout the game, the Blue Jay community recognized several alumni and students whose accomplishments reflect the spirit of the annual rivalry.

Colonel Stephen DeTrinis ’97, commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Hawai’i, returned to Carrollton & Banks as Jesuit’s 2026 Distinguished Military Alumnus. A former Blue Jay student-athlete, DeTrinis has served as a Marine Corps officer for more than 24 years, with assignments and deployments around the world. His career has included service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan, as well as leadership and operational planning throughout the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

Joining him among this year’s honorees was John P. “Jack” Laborde ’67, the 2026 Legend of the Game. A three-sport Blue Jay, All-State football player, and later a three-year letterman at Tulane, Laborde returned to a rivalry he first experienced nearly 60 years ago. His connection to Carrollton & Banks continued long after his playing days through decades of civic, professional, and school leadership.

Tailgate Traditions

Alumni, families, students, and friends filled the rivalry tailgate outside Tad Gormley, turning the area into a sea of blue and white before kickoff. The rivalry traditions stretched well beyond the field. The MCJROTC kept the tailgate fed with jambalaya and hamburgers, the Blue Jay Shop supplied the spirit gear, and the Blue Jay Marching Band, Jayettes, and cheerleaders brought the energy before the Jesuit and Holy Cross drumlines faced off in their annual drum-off.

Jays Take Control Early

Senior Ja’ir Burks opened the scoring with a 32-yard touchdown reception, giving the Jays an early 6-0 advantage. After the defense recovered a Holy Cross fumble, junior Michael Cerruti turned the takeaway into points with a touchdown run, and the extra point extended the lead to 13-0.

Burks soon found the end zone again, this time on a 24-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 19-0 before the end of the opening quarter. The senior receiver entered the season as one of the Jays’ top returning offensive players and a Tulane commitment. The offense kept rolling in the second quarter. Junior quarterback Mani Vandenweghe III launched a 35-yard touchdown pass to give the Jays a 25-0 lead. Vandenweghe and fellow junior quarterback Sully Sullivan have shared time behind center throughout the season, giving the offense multiple options in both the passing and running games.

Sullivan then broke free for a 32-yard rushing touchdown before senior Hayes Mestayer converted the two-point attempt, sending the Blue Jays into halftime with a commanding 33-0 lead. Holy Cross added a touchdown in the second half, but the Jays allowed nothing more as the defense finished off the 33-6 victory.

Student Honors

The rivalry also provided an opportunity to recognize two seniors for achievements extending beyond the football field.

Senior Hayes Ponder received the Acme Oyster House Scholar Award. A team captain and three-year football letterman, Ponder carries a 4.62 GPA and is also a member of the powerlifting team and National Honor Society. His service has included his senior service project with Courts for Kids in Guatemala.

Senior quarterback Oliver Hartman received the Royal Honda Community Service Award for his commitment to service and leadership. Hartman completed his senior service project at MedCamps of Louisiana and has volunteered with SOUL NOLA and Grace at the Green Light. At Carrollton & Banks, he serves as a Big Brother, participates in Peer Support, and has served as a retreat leader while maintaining a 4.3 GPA.

Another Chapter in the Rivalry

When the final whistle sounded, the Golden Football remained with the Blue Jays.

The 33-6 victory moved Jesuit’s all-time record against Holy Cross to 63-43-1, adding another win to a series that has connected the two schools for more than a century.

From an ominous weather forecast that gave way to blue skies, to a packed tailgate, a drum-off, and a hard fought performance under the lights at Tad Gormley, the meeting delivered another memorable chapter in one of the city’s longest-running high school traditions.