Blue Jays Are All Business in Caging the Tigers

Posted September 7, 2012 / Last updated August 6, 2013

Here come the Blue Jays

The Two Teams’ 93rd Meeting on the Gridiron

The long city rivals, Jesuit and Holy Cross, met for the 93rd time at Tad Gormely Stadium on September 9, 2012 for the Great American Rivalry Game.

The day started with a parade down Tad Gormely Stadium’s driveway featuring the 610 Stompers, the Blue Jay Band, and the “Legend of the Game” honoree, Chris Markey ’04. From 2000-2003, Chris Markey ’04 established himself as one of the great running backs in New Orleans prep football history. As a running back and kick returner, Chris accumulated statistics in the Jesuit – Holy Cross rivalry that are and will remain records for years to come. As a freshman in the 2000 contest, Chris returned a kickoff 96 yards, tying the Jesuit record for the longest kickoff return. As a senior in the 2003 game, he rushed for 303 yards and a school record 6 touchdowns. Chris holds every rushing record in Jesuit history: most career, season, and game rushing yards, touchdowns, and points scored. In the 2003 season, Chris rushed for more yards and scored more touchdowns that any other player in the history of New Orleans prep football.

Chris Markey ’04

On the Holy Cross side, halfback and track and field athlete Joe Heap ’50, who passes away a year ago, was honored posthumously as a “Legend of the Game.” His wife Joanne Heap accepted the award on behalf of the family along with his brother

Raymond.

The Most Value Player for the Great American Rivalry Game was Jesuit’s sophomore running back Charles Jackson, who carried the ball 20 times, gained 81 yards, and scored one touchdown. Also, senior defensive back Josh DeBlieux was selected by officials with the Great American Rivalry Series as Jesuit’s Scholar Athlete of the game. Jesuit will keep the Golden Football for another year and the title as the winner of the 93rd meeting between the two city rivals.

Senior quarterback Tanner Lee

Jays Beats Holy Cross, 21-7, in Season Opener

(Courtesy of the Times Picayune and Nola.com)
Mike Strom, The Times-Picayune, September 07, 2012 11:09 p.m.

Two weeks in the making thanks to an unwelcomed visit from Hurricane Isaac, the 93rd meeting between Jesuit and Holy Cross was not without its moments.

Most of those belong to the host Blue Jays, who combined a workmanlike defensive effort with the respective passing and running of senior quarterback Tanner Lee and sophomore running back Charles Jackson to carry Jesuit to its fifth consecutive victory in the storied series, a methodical 21-7 decision, Friday night at City Park’s Tad Gormley Stadium.

Lee passed for 143 yards and a touchdown while Jackson’s 74 yards paced a methodical rushing attack that produced 118 yards and the Blue Jays other two touchdowns.

Only a Hail Mary completion on the final play of the first half prevented Holy Cross from being shut out for a second consecutive season as Jesuit increased its series lead to 54-37-1. The 1937 meeting between the schools, which ended in a 6-6 tie, is listed officially as a no contest by virtue of a Louisiana High School Athletic Association ruling.

“We expected the game to be a war,’’ Lee, a Tulane commitment, said after completing 11 of 21 passes without being intercepted. “With all of the intensity and rah rah that goes with this game we knew it was going to be a fight. Every play was a fight. Nobody took a single play off.’’

Jackson was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after carrying 19 times and scoring untouched on a 1-yard run midway through the third quarter for the game’s final touchdown.

Lee directed a pair of impressive scoring drives covering 81 and 73 yards and ended the first with a 14-yard scoring pass to junior wide receiver Nathan Zimmer that opened the scoring in the second quarter. Senior running back Kalan Minnard tallied Jesuit’s second touchdown of the period that increased the Blue Jays advantage to 14-0 on the second of three successful PAT kicks by Crew Jacobs.

Although they threatened on several occasions, the Tigers’ lone score came via a 44-yard Hail Mary completion from junior James Tabary to sophomore wide receiver Michael Chigbu on the final play before halftime. The pass was tipped by at least one Jesuit defender before finding its way into Chigbu’s hands.

Lee and Jesuit answered in definitive fashion by opening the third quarter with a 12-play, 73-yard march that Jackson ended by walking in untouched off left tackle for the game’s final touchdown. Jesuit’s 34-yard drive to Minnard’s touchdown was set in motion by a fumble recovery by linebacker Jimmy Mickler.

The Tigers’ lone scoring drive covered 51 yards in four plays in the final 42 seconds of the second quarter.

“It’s the first game of the season. There’s a lot of stuff we’ve got to clean up, but I think that’s going on all around the state this week,’’ Jesuit Coach Wayde Keiser, who improved to 5-1 against Holy Cross, said referring to the week off many schools in southeast Louisiana experienced following Isaac’s destructive visit last week.

“What I’m proud of is the way my guys answered after that Hail Mary touchdown. My guys answered there and they answered all night.’’

Tabary paced the Tigers offensively by completing 13 of 24 passes for 179 of Holy Cross’ 242 total yards with the touchdown to Chigbu. Tabary was intercepted once, in the end zone by Jesuit defensive back Ryan Helm in the final 73 seconds, to thwart a threat that was produced by a Jesuit fumble at the Blue Jays’ 6-yard line.

Jesuit’s defense had just held the Tigers on downs following a 62-yard drive that ended at the 3-yard line with three incompletions and a scramble of zero yards by Tabary.

“We played stupid ball, we made a lot of mistakes,’’ Holy Cross Coach Barry Wilson. Jesuit is a good football team. They played solid. I like their quarterback. But when you make mistakes like we did, you’re going to get beat.’’

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Just minutes before kickoff in Friday night’s (September 7) big prep event featuring Jesuit and Holy Cross, fans fill both sides of Tad Gormley Stadium. As the home team this year, Blue Jay fans are on the right.

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Football vs. Holy Cross, Great American Rivalry, Sept. 7, 2012

Players and fans await the post-game presentations.
Blue Jay fans of all ages line one side of the entrance to Tad Gormley Stadium, eager to catch a glimpse of the Jesuit-Holy Cross pep rally parade.
A sepia view of the Jesuit student section emits a wave of nostalgia... well, sort of.
Senior defensive back Josh DeBlieux was selected by officials with the Great American Rivalry Series as Jesuit’s Scholar Athlete of the game.
Coach Keiser introduces Sgt. Adrian Muñoz (USMC).
An awesome band also helps.
Coaches and players stand and sing the Alma Maters
Senior offensive lineman Jacob Campos (72) and senior defensive lineman Tim Dwyer (92) partially obscure senior defensive back Trey Legier during the Jesuit Alma Mater. Other teammates are junior defensive lineman Jack Hebert (95), sophomore defensive lineman Hunter Robert (51), sophomore defensive lineman Jason Forcier (59), and senior offensive lineman Joseph Battaglia (61).
The players of each team stand respectfully during the playing of the schools’ Alma Maters.
Senior defensive lineman Andrew Joseph enjoyed a good game.
Jesuit athletic director Dave Moreau (left) accepts the Golden Football from Holy Cross athletic director Mike Bujol. The school who wins the game keeps the football on display until next year’s game.
Jesuit head football coach Wayde Keiser accepts the Great American Rivalry trophy.
The MVP of the game is sophomore running back Charles Jackson, who carried the ball 20 times, gained 81 yards, and scored one touchdown.
There were a lot of smiles in spite of the hot weather.
The two teams meet on the field after the game.
Chris Markey is joined by the family of the Tiger honorees. Raymond Heap is the brother of Holy Cross halfback and track and field athlete Joe Heap ’50, who died last year.
Chris Markey holds his Hall of Fame Award presented to him by Sgt. Muñoz. Markey’s career touchdown total of 62 is also a New Orleans prep record.
Chris Markey ’04
Kami Little, who represents the Great American Rivalry Series, Sgt. Adrian Muñoz (USMC),and Jesuit honoree Chris Markey ’04 stand at mid-field during the halftime presentation of the “Legends of the Game.”
Ryan Helm returns the interception about 30 yards in the final seconds.
The Tigers attempt a pass that is intercepted at the goal line by senior defensive back Ryan Helm.
With about three minutes left in the game, Holy Cross suddenly has new life after recovering a fumble deep in Jesuit territory. On this play, a staunch defense led by Josh DeBlieux (right) stops the Tigers for no gain.
Tanner Lee pitches out to Charles Jackson.
... and always gently places the ball on the turf in the end zone before joining his teammates in celebration.
A couple of plays later, Charles Jackson waltzes into the end zone for the Blue Jays’ final TD...
The student section is pumped up!
Charles Jackson, who was the game’s MVP, is surrounded by family members, clockwise from lower left, Jarvis Jackson (uncle), Charles Jackson IV (father), Cheyra Davis (aunt), Latanya Jackson (stepmother), and Jemail Davis (uncle).
As the Tiger band strikes up the school’s Alma Mater, Gino Giambelluca joins Holy Cross fans and players in raising their hands skyward. Giambelluca, who coaches Jesuit’s wide receivers, is a 2001 Holy Cross graduate. On the left is assistant coach Troy Baglio and on the right is Chris Markey ’04, who was Jesuit’s Legend of the Game
Almost a portrait: As the game comes to an end, Jayson and Captain America embrace.
Thanks!
Hey, Sarge, throw me a GAR t-shirt!
Jesuit principal Michael Giambelluca ’82 and his wife Donnamaria enjoy the game.
The Jays have won the last five Great American Rivalry games.
Hey, Jude!
Most of the Blue Jays in the student section were wearing the special Great American Rivalry gray t-shirts.
How hot was it? It was so hot that two Blue Jays took turns sharing the new Jayson mascot duties.
The walkway serves as a social media magnet.
Officials say that the game was attended by an estimated 12,000 fans.
... and picks up some nice yardage close to the goal.
A squared view of Blue Jays
Holy Cross president Charles DiGange, Richie Donnes ’83, 1976 Tigers alumnus Steve Donnes, family patriarch John Donnes ’45, Alan Donnes ’79, Bert Donnes ’74, and Jesuit president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 stand at mid-field between the first and second quarters. In 2006, Steve Donnes presented the idea of the creation of a traveling trophy to be held by the winning school until the next contest.
Jesuit prefect of discipline Top Abshire and Fr. Fitzgerald share a laugh on the sidelines.
This is the color version of the crowd
The cheerleaders and fans are in place and ready for the kickoff.
Krista Roeling and her daughter Laura work the ticket booth.
The Enforcer plays catch-up with the rest of the Stompers.
The 610 Stompers perform one of their routines.
Robin Hanemann ’79 serves as the Enforcer for the 610 Stompers.
Jacob Cassagne revels in the spirit with a dash of blue and white face paint.
A usually smiling Brother Billy Dardis, S.J. ’58 grimaces when asked about the heat.
The football team warms up on the field while ....
Tanner Lee hands off to senior running back Ben Schiro.
As soon as senior quarterback Tanner Lee throws long on the first series, he takes a big hit from this rushing Tiger.
The officials for the 93rd meeting of Jesuit and Holy Cross.
The remaining 90-plus Blue Jays on the 2012 team take a full minute to come out on the field.
Senior defensive lineman Andrew Joseph is first to “Toast the Tigers.”
... and the cheerleaders are ready.
The Blue Jays emerge from the tunnel...
Pre-freshmen Patrick Spiers, Jacob Marshall, and Collin Kulivan are about to start a tradition by attending their first Jesuit football game as Blue Jays.
The wild and zany 610 Stompers, special guests at this year’s Great American Rivalry, perform their dance routines, eliciting smiles and laughter from the crowd on both sides.
... and march their way into the stadium as Tiger supporters line the left side.
The band and the cheerleaders perform for the Blue Jay fans on the right ...
... the parade begins rolling outside the stadium.
Senior running back Kalan Minnard takes a handoff from Lee.
New parents Amy and Fred Frazier are attending their very first Blue Jay football game.
Glen Gillen ’85, who is this year’s LEF chairman, has taken on a new self-proclaimed role as “professional flyswatter” at the tailgate party.
Pre-freshmen Jonathan Vegh is putting on his game face with a little help from parents Steve and Debbie Vegh.
Biology teacher Amy Tassin and her husband Barry sell Great American Rivalry T-shirts under the big blue and white tent.
Courtney Johnson and her mother Linda Tupper are back to watch Courtney’s daughter Carrie perform as a member of the Jayettes. Courtney says her son Tyler graduated in 2011 and she’s thrilled to “come right back and support the Blue Jays.”
Freshman Jackson Bauer plays lasso golf, another activity sponsored by the Student Council.
Freshman Jose Aleman took a turn at Tailgate Toss, an activity sponsored by the Student Council.
Like all new Jesuit parents experiencing their first Great American Rivalry, Theron and Christine Ferry have free admission to the big game.
Jesuit alumnus Greg Johnson ’88 and his children enjoy the shade under the blue and white tent.
Freshmen Nick Slay, Ethan Calamia, and Blaine Corvers show their Blue Jay spirit.
Football parents brought their families to show support for their Blue Jays in the opening game of the 2012 football season. Stacy Helm and her mother Pam Delord wear necklaces displaying the jersey numbers of Stacy’s sons — senior Ryan Helm (#26) and his brother, sophomore Justin Helm (#14).
On the same play, Brandon Munster (44) prepares to hammer this Tiger runner.
Bennett Schiro sees a hole...
Dontayue Fly picks up a couple of yards before being leveled by this Tiger defender.
Tanner Lee completed 11 of 21 passes for 143 yards (and no interceptions).
Tanner Lee directs the Blue Jay offense on a drive.
Charles Jackson springs into action.
The Jesuit defense leaves the field as the first half ends, stunned by a 44-yard Hail Mary pass caught by a Tiger in the end zone. It would be the only Holy Cross touchdown of the game.
Yes, Coach, we did see that!
Junior Charles Graham handled the punting chores for the Jays.
Mitch Alexander makes a sliding catch of this Tanner Lee throw.
As the first half winds down, assistant coaches Troy Baglio (foreground) and Benny Baptiste (far right) assess the situation, while head coach Wayde Keiser signals his defense and assistant coach Gino Giambelluca shouts the alignment.
Earl Johnson is helped to the bench by Jesuit’s athletic trainers and doctors.
Before the annual clash between Jesuit and Holy Cross, the 93rd such meeting on the gridiron, a newer rivalry begins as young Blue Jays and Tigers play some friendly touch football at the “Blue Jay Tails-at-the-Gate” pre-game celebration.
Senior defensive lineman Earl Johnson (96) lines up on the play in which he sustains an injury.
With Matthew Hackney holding, freshman kicker Crew Jacobs hit all three extra points.
With senior wide receiver Dontayue Fly escorting him, Kalan Minnard runs untouched into the end zone to make it 13-0 for the Jays.
Senior wide receiver Matthew Hackney hauls in this pass from Tanner Lee for a first down.
Junior linebacker Colby Simoneaux (54) on the sidelines after recovering a Tiger fumble.
Nathan Zimmer and senior tight end Jacob Meariman (85) celebrate the touchdown.
The beginning of the second quarter brings the Jays their first touchdown when Tanner Lee throws to junior wide receiver Nathan Zimmer, who sheds a trio of Tigers and runs 14 yards for the score.
Senior linebacker Brandon Munster thwarts this halfback pass play with a tackle in the backfield.
A miscue on the punt causes senior returner Mitch Alexander (1) to lose the ball, which the Tigers recover.
Senior defensive back Josh DeBlieux just misses blocking this Tiger punt.
Coach Graham Jarrott, who oversees the offense, gives instructions to his players.