Country Day's offense caps senior night with 49-10 rout of East Jefferson
Quarterback Jack Grace threw for 378 yards and six scores, securing the Cajuns a likely home playoff game.
By Austin Reed ·
Jack Grace passed for 378 yards and six touchdowns while running back Justin Drago caught two scores, leading Country Day to a 49-10 victory over East Jefferson on Friday night. The win at home in a nondistrict matchup places the Cajuns (6-4) in a position to host a Division III select playoff game next week. Country Day entered the contest ranked No. 17 in the latest LHSAA power rankings.
The team built its advantage early by spreading the ball. Grace connected with Curtis Mcallister for a 20-yard score and Paul Mickens for a 5-yard touchdown to establish a 14-0 lead after the first quarter. Mcallister finished with five receptions for 68 yards and one score. Mickens recorded six catches for 59 yards and two touchdowns.
East Jefferson (2-8) reduced the deficit to 14-10 early in the second quarter. Kicker Marco Cortez made a 35-yard field goal, and quarterback Curtis Johnson found Ronald Gardet for an 11-yard touchdown. The Warriors committed 16 penalties for a combined 114 yards during the game.
Country Day regained control for the remainder of the contest. Drago caught two second-quarter touchdowns and converted a two-point play. Kellen Brewer added a 4-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 35-10 at halftime. Grace completed a touchdown pass to Mickens and ran for a score in the second half to close out the scoring.
The defense limited East Jefferson to 227 total yards, forcing two turnovers on downs and recording an interception. Coach Ben Powell praised Grace's preparation, noting that the quarterback is a student of the game who works consistently in the weight room and at practice. Powell stated he expects Grace to finish among the top statistical performers in Louisiana high school history.
Drago, who caught nine passes for 153 yards and ran for 29 more, reflected on the senior night atmosphere. He described the opportunity to play another home game as a blessing. The LHSAA will release the playoff brackets on Sunday, with the top eight seeds receiving first-round byes and seeds nine through 16 hosting their games.
