The two teams facing each other this Friday on GameTime have a lot in common. They both won state championships last season, they both have talented recruits, both squads are working through some growing pains with new players, and they are both in the same city.
University High and Catholic High will meet at historic Memorial Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Friday at 7 PM.
The Cubs beat E.D. White 14-7 to win the Division II state championship last season, the sixth state title in school history. But the Cubs only return six starters from that team.
One of returning starters is four-star linebacker Jaiden Ausberry who is committed to Notre Dame. Cubs Coach Andy Martin says Ausberry has really stepped up as a leader, taking some of the younger players under his wings.
University High’s other starting linebacker Harry Beacham is also back. He’s an All-State Player that led the team with 156 tackles last season. Martin says Beacham’s attitude is infectious, and many players follow the lead set by Beacham and Ausberry.
Had a great game day visit at Tulane yesterday! Thanks for inviting me to come down! #RollWave @wesley_fritz @CoachWEFritz @Coach_CHampton @CoachMutz @j_mitch38 @GreenWaveFB pic.twitter.com/EcwVtPEl7r
— Harry Beacham (@HarryBeacham51) September 11, 2022
On offense, U High is led by quarterback Blake Abney, who is cool in the pocket with a strong arm. He’s another player with a great attitude.
Riley Small has developed into a consistent running back, who hits the hole hard, and finishes runs. Small had over 100 yards rushing in the loss to Rummel last Friday. University opened the season with a shutout win over Woodlawn.
Catholic High began defense of its Division I title by losing to Our Lady of Good Counsel 38-35. The team from Maryland is nationally ranked. But the Bears rebounded with a 44-34 victory over Class 4A powerhouse Warren Easton.
Second-year head coach David Simoneaux is looking for consistency out of his group. But he must like the play he’s getting from junior quarterback Daniel Beale, who is a three-year starter. Beale is completing 60% of his passes and he’s thrown for 386 yards and five touchdowns and just one interception.
Beale has one of the best wide receivers in the nation as a weapon. LSU commitment Shelton Sampson has caught 11 passes in two games for 120 yards and three touchdowns.
Why Not??? I’m staying home!! @WillTStout 🐯 #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/NPOoL2T8tn
— Shelton Sampson Jr. (@sampson_shelton) August 6, 2022
Daniel Harden is another dependable target. Hardin has caught nine passes for 109 yards and one touchdown.
Barry Remo has provided a running attack with 317 yards on the ground and three touchdowns.
Catholic’s defense is still trying to get its footing after giving up 72 points in the first two games.
The secondary features all new starters including freshman Blaine Bradford who has his older brother, Jacob, as a fellow starter in a defensive backfield that’s trying to find its way.
Catholic’s leading tackler is Harold Lawson, a physical player, who is a three-year starter.
It should be a fun one as University High and Catholic High clash in the Capitol City. Join us on YurView at 7 PM.
Click here for the full 2002 Louisiana Gametime Schedule on Yurview.
