Cecilia – The Bulldogs built a 21-0 halftime lead and then turned back a second half rally by Beau Chene as Cecilia celebrated homecoming with a 33-20 District 6-4A win over the Gators last Friday.

The victory put the Bulldogs (2-0, 3-2) into a tie for first place with Teurlings Catholic (2-0, 4-1) in the league standings. Beau Chene dropped to 0-1, 3-2.

Montrel Carter once again paced the Cecilia attack, rushing for 144 yards and two touchdowns along with one pass reception for 16 yards.



Cecilia’s first score was set up when the ’Dogs recovered a muffed punt reception on the part of the Gators at the BC 26. Carter capped the six play drive with a three yard TD at the 4:23 mark of the first period and Dustin Guilbeau added the PAT.

Beau Chene answered with a drive into Bulldog territory, but failed to convert on a 4th down situation at the Cecilia 42. Carter got his second TD seven plays later from 26 yards out just as the second quarter began.

The Bulldogs stretched the lead on their next possession, moving 38 yards in eight plays for the game’s third TD. QB Tylor Robin hit William LeBlanc for the 16 yard score midway through the period.



BIG RETURN

Beau Chene quieted the Cecilia fans at the start of the second half when Jacob Carmouche returned the kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown, and the PAT kick trimmed the Bulldog lead to 21-7.

After the ’Dogs went three-and-out on their next possession, Beau Chene had an opportunity to keep its rally alive, driving deep into Cecilia territory. But Bulldog linebacker D’Andre Dartez upset their plans by picking off a Michael James pass and returning it 71 yards for a touchdown. The conversion failed, but Cecilia was on top by 27-7.

The feisty Gators weren’t about to quit, however. Carmouche broke loose for 46 yards and a touchdown minutes later. The PAT kick was blocked, leaving the score at 27-13 late in the third period.

Beau Chene kept the pressure on, driving for yet another score in the opening minute of the final stanza. Jimmy Francis got the TD from two yards out and the PAT kick made it 27-20 with plenty of time remaining.

But the game settled into a defensive battle until the Bulldogs ground out a clinching score with two minutes remaining. Marshall Etienne sealed the victory with a two yard plunge into the end zone.

Etienne finished the game with 62 yards on 10 carries.

QB Robin connected on seven of his 12 attempts for 92 yards and the TD, but also gave up two interceptions.

Carmouche led the Gators with 95 yards and a TD on 11 totes, along with his big kickoff return and TD.

Cecilia faces a tough Class 5A foe this Friday wen the red hot 5-0 St. Thomas More Cougars visit the Bulldogs.