By Chris Quebedeaux

SPORTS EDITOR

LAFAYETTE – The old adage about defense winning championships apparently also applies to All-Star games.

During the inaugural Sportsman’s Paradise All-Star game Saturday at St. Thomas More’s Cougar Stadium, the Red team (Saints) defense forced five fumbles, recorded an interception and forced the Blue (Grizzlies) offense to turn the ball over on downs three times en route to a 38-7 victory.

“We just had so much speed on defense that when they (Grizzlies) threw those screens underneath, it wasn’t a problem,” said Saints coach and former Crowley High coach Brent Indest. “Everybody on our defense has such high motors.”

Crowley High defensive lineman Jordan Ancelet played for the winning squad, logging a number of tackles in a performance that was highlighted by a sack of Barbe quarterback Eric Cutrera.

“The area guys did a great job,” said Indest. “Ancelet was one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises, because he’s undersized. We had trouble blocking him in practice, so I wasn’t surprised that he played well in the game.”

Notre Dame linebacker Seth Fruge also had a fine game for Blue squad. Fruge, who is headed to LSU as a preferred walkon, logged four tackles and was also very active on special teams.

“It’s kind of just preparation for college,” said Fruge. “Getting ready, because that’s what college is, playing against the best of the best.”

Fruge’s soon-to-be teammate, Michael Ford of Leesville, was named the Red team’s offensive MVP after hauling in a screen pass for a 78-yard touchdown and scoring on a 1-yard run.

John Curtis’ Kenny Cain was named the team’s defensive MVP. Cain had a 72-yard fumble return, an interception and also forced a fumble that set up a score.

Green Oaks’ receiver Damian Washington was the Blue team’s offensive MVP, hauling in four passes for 39 yards. Ouachita’s Cameron Blakes was the defensive MVP.