Through three games, the Blue Jays have found different ways to win. They opened the season with a hard-fought 28-20 victory over Madison Prep, went on the road to defeat St. Thomas More 30-10, and closed nondistrict play with a commanding 48-7 win over Bonnabel. After completing an undefeated nondistrict schedule, the football team now enters the gauntlet of District 9-5A play with a 3-0 record and plenty of momentum.

The season opener offered an early look at a two-quarterback system that has continued to develop. Juniors Sully Sullivan and Mani Vandenweghe III shared time behind center against Madison Prep, with Sullivan throwing for 277 yards and three touchdowns and Vandenweghe rushing for 71 yards and a score. Senior Hayes Mestayer caught two touchdown passes, including a 71-yard strike in the fourth quarter, while the Blue Jay defense forced two turnovers.

A week later in Lafayette, the Jays faced another challenge against St. Thomas More. After carrying a 16-10 lead into halftime, the defense shut out the Cougars over the final two quarters while the offense added 14 fourth-quarter points to secure a 30-10 victory. Junior Michael Cerruti scored twice on the ground, junior Benjamin Neff caught two touchdown passes, and the defense forced five turnovers.

The Blue Jays then returned to the New Orleans area and delivered their most complete performance of the young season against Bonnabel. The offense scored touchdowns on each of its first five possessions, building a 34-0 halftime lead on the way to a 48-7 victory.

Sullivan and Vandenweghe again split possessions and combined to complete eight of 10 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns. Cerruti scored on both of his carries, while sophomore Ashton Bourgeois led the rushing attack with 82 yards. The Jays also had an opportunity to build depth, with players throughout the roster seeing action.

“We made some mistakes on the field, but we were able to correct those mistakes. A lot of guys got to play, and I am proud of that,” head football coach Ryan Manale said following the win.

The three victories have given the Blue Jays a strong start, but Manale and his team know the schedule changes considerably with the arrival of Catholic League play.

“What we did in this nondistrict was put ourselves on the map, and we know that we are about to enter this gauntlet in district with five teams ranked higher than us,” Manale said after the Bonnabel victory. “I’m proud with the way our guys played, and we are looking forward to playing against great players and great coaches in our district.”

The Blue Jays open District 9-5A play against Brother Martin on Friday, Sept. 25, at Tad Gormley Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Fans can follow the Jays throughout the season to purchase tickets and find the complete schedule, roster, and results.