Vermilion Catholic captures first State Title since 2013, defeats OCS

NEW ORLEANS — For the first time in over a decade, the Vermilion Catholic Eagles are Division IV Select State Champions, defeating Ouachita Christian, 33-21, in a thrilling rematch of their 2022 title clash.

Quarterback Jonathan Dartez, Louisiana’s all-time touchdown leader, came into the game with 173 career scores and wasted no time making an impact. He ran for two touchdowns in the first quarter, giving Vermilion Catholic a 13-0 lead.

But Ouachita Christian, a perennial championship contender, responded in the second quarter. A 75-yard touchdown pass from Luke Vidrine to Ridge Coats was one of the scores that helped put the Eagles ahead 14-13.

Right before halftime, Dartez connected with Allen McLain III on a 12-yard touchdown pass, giving VC a 20-14 lead at the break. Dartez had already amassed 205 total yards and three touchdowns by halftime.

The third quarter began with turnovers on both sides, but Dartez capitalized with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jyrin Bessard, extending the Eagles' lead to 26-14.

Ouachita Christian fought back in the fourth quarter. On 2nd-and-27, Vidrine launched a deep pass to Cameron Volion for a 46-yard touchdown, cutting VC’s lead to 26-21.

Dartez, however, continued to dominate. He finished the game with an astounding 47 carries for 253 rushing yards and four total touchdowns, cementing his legacy as one of the state’s greatest high school players.

Even with Dartez’s heroics, Ouachita Christian had one final chance after Vermilion Catholic missed a 24-yard field goal. With just 26 seconds remaining, Vidrine dropped back to pass, but Caleb Guidry intercepted it and returned it 87 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.

After the game, Guidry dedicated the play to the seniors, saying, “That was for them.”

Vermilion Catholic’s 33-21 victory marks their first state championship since 2013. Dartez was named Outstanding Player of the Game, ending his historic high school career as a champion.