NISH Crushes Lafayette High In District Opener

The tone was set on the first drive of the ball game by the New Iberia Senior High Yellow Jackets. A short passing game, which utilized the screen pass, coupled with the running combination of Tylen Jones and Eddie McZeal ended in a 2-yard touchdown run by McZeal.

It was a formula that worked to efficient perfection for NISH's offense all night. And on the other side of the ball, a stifling defense completely shut down Lafayette High's passing game and rendered them as one-dimensional.

NISH delivered a big blow to start the game, going up 8-0 early after McZeal's opening TD run and a successful two-point conversion attempt set the Mighty Lions back early.

As NISH's defense shut down the LHS offense throughout the first half, holding them to less than 50 yards of total offense during that time, Jones helped the Yellow Jackets extend their lead to three scores on touchdown runs of two and 10 yards. One of Jones' TDs came on a 99-yard drive; the other off a Brennan Broussard interception.

Down 22-0 at the half, the Mighty Lions continued their struggles into the 3rd Quarter, misplaying the short kickoff, which led to a Yellow Jacket recovery at the LHS 12-yard line and the final touchdown of the evening for Jones.

Lafayette High responded with an impressive drive, all on the ground, that was capped off with a Miguel Reyes 1-yard TD sneak.

On the night, Jones and McZeal combined for 134 yards on 40 carries for NISH. Quarterback Cullen Jones finished with 145 yards through the air on 12 of 18 passing. Wide Receiver Tracey St. Julien was his main target, catching 6 passes for 114 yards.

For Lafayette High, Trey Davis was a bright spot, finishing with 114 yards on 13 carries. The team itself had 200 yards of total offense. The worst stat line: Broussard and Reyes were a combined 3-13 with 14 passing yards and 4 interceptions.

Up next for the Mighty Lions (1-3) is Homecoming against the Cecilia Bulldogs (1-3), who are having struggles of their own. Kickoff Friday night is set for 7:00 p.m. from Mighty Lion Stadium. Ian Auzenne (play-by-play) and Brandon Comeaux (color) will have the call on your home for Lafayette High Mighty Lion football, Newstalk 96.5 FM KPEL.