Rummel plays like top seed, handles Hahnville, 24-7

Written by Ken Trahan, President--NewOrleans.Com/Sports | Saturday, 28 November 2009 00:35 Prep Sports

METAIRIE - Despite being unbeaten and owning the top-seed in the 5A state playoffs, Archbishop Rummel has lacked the measure of respect expected with such accomplishments, largely due to a young offense that has been positively pedestrian for much of the season. Friday night at Joe Yenni Stadium, the Raiders’ offense was positively powerful while the Rummel defense and kicking game was typically terrific as the Raiders whipped eighth-seeded Hahnville 24-7 in the quarterfinals before a packed house of about 8,000 fans.

The Raiders offense gashed the Tigers’ defense for 238 yards rushing, led by senior Amahad Brown, who carried 18 times for 123 yards. Rummel accumulated 268 total yards to 169 total yards for the Tigers.

While the Rummel running attack conjured up memories of many past Rummel teams, the Rummel defense and kicking game were superb, per usual.

The Rummel defense pitched a shutout. Hahnville’s only score came on a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Brion James. For the second consecutive week, the Raiders battered an opposing quarterback. A week ago, it was Jesuit’s Ethan Oddo. This week, it was Hahnville junior Brian Ensminger.

Rummel pummeled Ensminger all night long, sacking him eight times while knocking him down on many other occasions. All-district defensive end Myles O’ Brien was the primary protagonist, sacking Ensminger three times while making nine tackles. “This was truly a team effort you saw. Everyone knows their assignments and played disciplined, solid football. We felt we could be successful if we worked hard and stuck to our plan. Our offense did a very nice job tonight. This is a very close team. We believe we can win. You saw that again tonight,” said O’ Brien. Ensminger finished 14 of 27 for 123 yards with two interceptions.  

O’ Brien came up huge on another big play, blocking a field goal and returning it 51 yards to set up a Rummel field goal. Rummel got interceptions from linebacker Chris Randle and cornerback Michael Langley.

After each team failed to score on its first possession of the game, the Rummel defense got a second stop and the offense went to work, driving 76 yards in six plays, scoring on a one-yard run by Damian Williams. Marc Raziano’s extra point made it 7-0 Rummel midway through the first quarter.

After the Rummel defense got another stop, the Hahnville defense picked up its dormant offense. Seeing his first action since getting hurt in week eight at Barbe, Rummel junior quarterback Luke Cartozzo missed connections on an exchange with Amahad Brown, fumbled, and Brion James picked it up and scooted 34-yards for a touchdown. James booted the extra point to tie the game 7-7 late in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Hahnville got a big play when Rummel snapped the ball high on a punt attempt to Raziano, who was downed at his 12-yard line. The Rummel defense got a big stop, forcing a field goal attempt by James. That’s when O’ Brien broke through to block the field goal, scooped it up, and returned it 51 yards, a huge turning point in the game.

Rummel could not move the ball, losing one yard in three plays but Raziano came on to drill a 34-yard field goal to make it 10-7 Rummel at halftime.

The second half belonged to the Raiders, who set the tone early. Rummel took the opening kickoff and marched 69 yards on eight plays, taking 5:54 off the clock. After Williams went out with a slightly sprained ankle, Cartozzo got redemption, carrying around left end for a two-yard touchdown run. Raziano’s extra point made it 17-7 Raiders with 6:06 to play in the third quarter. The big play on the drive included a 32-yard run by Amahad Brown.

While the Rummel defense continued to star, Raziano’s punting kept Hahnville at bay. In the fourth quarter, Rummel eventually gained field position, starting at their own 46-yard line with 5:27 remaining in the game. The Raiders offense put the game away. J.J. Brown raced 29-yards, Liroy Cage ran for 11-yards, and Terrance Jones capped the drive on a nine-yard touchdown jaunt. Raziano’s extra point completed the scoring with Rummel winning 24-7.

For Rummel coach Jay Roth, the win was sweet but not unexpected. “We believed we could win. We believed we could get pressure on their quarterback. Our defense did it again. What else can you say? They have been tremendous all season long. Tonight was no exception. Marc Raziano did an excellent job in the kicking game. Our offense found its stride. We blocked well and our backs did an excellent job of running to open areas and making plays.

"Hahnville is an outstanding team. Lou and his staff do an excellent job. To hold them as well as we did was a true statement about our defense. It was nice to get Luke Cartozzo in the game. He was really down after the fumble. That’s why it was so nice when he scored the touchdown. This was a team effort. We made some mistakes and overcame them. We get to play again next week. We are happy to still be playing and look forward to the challenge next week,” said Roth.

Prior to the game, I asked Hahnville coach Lou Valdin about his biggest concern in facing Rummel. “They don’t lose. They just don’t lose games. They don’t accept losing. That’s what bothers me,” said Valdin. He was prophetic. Rummel is now 13-0 for the second time in school history, matching the start of the 2001 semifinal team. They are a team that doesn’t understand what losing is. They played well offensively. Their defense shutout a team that came in averaging 41 points on the season, a team that most observers liked to beat Rummel. On this night, Rummel looked every bit the part of the state’s top-seed. “We could not handle their defensive front. They are really, really good on defense. They outplayed us. Jay’s my friend. I hope they win it all. They are a class program,“ said Valdin.

With the victory, Rummel advances to face Westgate at New Iberia next Friday night. Westgate overcame Central 30-27 to earn a spot in the final four. Rummel will be seeking its first-ever appearance in a state title game with a victory. The Raiders will be making their fourth semifinal appearance under Jay Roth, all since 2001. The others were in 2000 and 2006.  It will be the school's sixth appearance in the semifinals in Rummel history. In 1974, the Raiders reached the semifinals under Don Perrett while in 1982, Rummel reached the final four under Easten Roth, Jay's father. To truly realize that #1 seed, the Raiders have two more steps to take. Based on the way Rummel played Friday night, it is doubtful that anyone will underestimate them the rest of the way.

FINAL
Rummel 7 3 7 7 24
Hahnville 7 0 0 0 7

RUSHING
Rummel 238 yards
Hahnville 46 yards

PASSING
Rummel 30 yards
Hahnville 123 yards

TURNOVERS
Rummel 1
Hahnville 2

PENALTIES
Rummel 4 for 45 yards
Hahnville 5 for 31 yards

SACKS
Rummel 8
Hahnville 2

INDIVIDUAL RUSHING
RUMMEL
Amahad Brown 18 carries for 123 yards
Terrance Jones 7 carries for 71 yards
J.J. Brown 6 carries for 38 yards
Damian Williams 4 carries for -19 yards and 1 TD
Luke Cartozzo 1 carry for 2 yards and 1 TD
Liroy Cage 2 carries for 23 yards

HAHNVILLE
Alfred Blue 11 carries for 93 yards
Lloyd Richard 2 carries for 5 yards
Brian Ensminger 9 carries, -52 yards

INDIVIDUAL PASSING
RUMMEL
Damian Williams 4 of 29 for 28 yards

HAHNVILLE
Brian Ensminger 14 of 27 for 124 yards, 2 interceptions

INDIVIDUAL RECEIVING
RUMMEL
Corey Murphy 3 catches for 38 yards
Garrett Leroux 1 catch for -10 yards

HAHNVILLE
James Butler 4 catches for 62 yards
Derek Howard 2 catches for 10 yards
Alfred Blue 4 catches for 31 yards
Lloyd Richard 3 catches for 21 yards

RECORDS:
Rummel 13-0
Hahnville 11-2

Comments (16)

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written by Pontchartrain allstar game, November 30, 2009

Great game against Hahnville! It bothers me that Rummel doesn't get any respect, but that does allow us to "sneak" up on teams since they keep underestimating us. Why are there no Rummel Raiders on the ballot for the Pontchartrain All Star game? I mean they have 4 defensive linemen from Riverdale on there, but not one Rummel Raider at any position!
Coach Roth now has a good problem, he has 2 good quarterbacks! Ridiculous to see a 21 seed host the number one seed in the semi finals, but that's ok, everyone get on the bus like we did for Barbe. $30 and you are there!
It is nice to get our guys back healthy again. NO LETDOWN! A few years back, we let down against Sulphur in the semis and lost, but not this year!

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written by Ken, November 30, 2009

Buzzer:

In my opinion, that's a coach's decision. The coaches know their team better than any of us. Whatever decision they make about who plays, I would concur with them. How can anyone find fault and argue with the job they have done? This team is 13-0 and the top-seed in the class despite being far from Rummel's most talented team.
Damian Williams has done a remarkable job stepping in as a freshman. His future is very, very bright. Rummel would not be here were it not for him. Luke Cartozzo did a superb job through the first eight games. They would not be here were it not for him.
I think you saw the way Coach Roth handled the situation. After the fumble, Luke did not play again until Damian got hurt near the goal line. Luke was able to score which was great for him. The young man came back from a very serious situation which required surgery.
Both bring good things to the field. Cartozzo is a good leader and a better runner. Williams is a better pure pocket passer and has shown great poise for such a young player. I would trust a superb coaching staff to make a sound decision with the position. Thanks for your interest and input.

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written by Buzzer, November 30, 2009

What you think, Ken? Should Cartozzo play or should Williams play? They both have done a good job.

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written by Raider Pride171, November 29, 2009

Congrats to the raiders!!!! our defense is unstoppable! this defense has to be the top defense in the state! I have one problem though. I like luke and understand he is the orginal starter but he just dont fit in or looks comfortable out there. If it aint broke dont try to fix it. THe team is clicking wit damain so we should stick wit him. The play luke fumbled give hahnville all the momentum! we got lucky tht we have a defense and a running game. Luke will get his chance again but i think if we gonna win state or get there damian will be the starter. This year team right now seems to fit him better. ill be there friday seeing the raiders "walking to new orleans"

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written by Par4, November 29, 2009

This team is going to the Dome. I know Westgate is good and will be tough but it looks like this Raiders team will not be denied. We need to run the ball well and control the ball at Westgate and we will be okay. I know they beat Shaw and Central so they are good. Play your best and win. Play less and head home. Time to go to the Dome!

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written by Squintz856, November 28, 2009

and yet again we won it, it sounded like a really great game to watch and glad myles helped put up a great defense again. I sadly wasnt there...first game i missed but glad we're moving on to the final four. New Iberia here we come, all the way to the superdome!! It's funny how we are the number #1 seed in the league but we are pretty much underestimated every game. Anyways talk to everyone at school about this game and the one coming up. glad we won, especially after that long week of thankzgiving break. Happy (late) Thanksgiving Everyone!

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written by RAIDER PRIDE, November 28, 2009

:WE LOVE OUR RAIDERS!!!!!!! LETS BE UNSTOPPABLE.......WE LOVE YOU ALL

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written by Bruce, November 28, 2009

If Rummel runs it as well as they did against Hahnville, they have a shot to win it all. If they play well, they can win at Westgate. I don't know if they can beat West Monroe. I hope we get the chance to find out. Great job, Raiders! Keep proving everyone wrong.

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written by Raider Band Dad, November 28, 2009

Damian has really matured since being forced into the starting quarterback position. Great job Damian.

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written by Ned, November 28, 2009

Went to the game--really surprised at how Rummel handled the Hahnville offense. I watched Rummel just get by Jesuit twice this year. Guess the Jays were a very good team after all. Though it's hard to say it, here is a Blue Jay pulling for the Raiders the rest of the way.

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written by Raiderdadx2, November 28, 2009

This was a total team effort in every facet of the game. These Raiders are a "team" in the true essence of the word. Though we have several players who consistently excel, each week someone new steps up to have great game. Our opponents cannot key on any one or two players. It was beautiful to see a sold out Joe Yenni Stadium last night. Let's do the same in New Iberia.

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written by Rummel '95, November 28, 2009

Never been prouder to be a Raider. This team is playing with a freshman quarterback and a freshman running back quite a bit. They are very young on offense and don't have great speed The coaches have done a magnificent job and the players just don't know how to lose and won't accept losing, just like the Hahnville coach said. Your story is right on. Why does the newspaper say we only have five semifinal appearances when we now have six? Keep up the great coverage of prep football and keep up the great work, Raiders!

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written by Ken, November 28, 2009

Mike:

I totally agree with you. In fact, I wrote a piece recently which included my opinion that the higher seed should ALWAYS be the home team. The seeding process is very good but the higher seed has earned the right to host. The system is in place to limit travel for schools and to try to balance it out but the situation that presents itself this week is a perfect argument for the higher seed hosting. Westgate has been brilliant in the playoffs. They have earned their semifinal berth but a 21 should not get the host nod over a #1, in my opinion.

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written by Metry Mike, November 28, 2009

The Raiders earned it. Man, they were really good last night. Our small backs ran big, the o-line blocked well and the d-line dominated. Great job, Raiders! My only gripe is that Rummel has to travel in the semifinals. How does a #1 seed have to travel to a #21 seed for the right to go to the Dome? Something is wrong with this. You should be at home as the top-seed.

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written by Boutte Bob, November 28, 2009

Props to Raiders. You looked like you could beat anybody last night. Thats the best defense we saw all year. Our QB never had a chance. Yall need to be the Westlake team now and the WM team. Tigers will be back.

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written by Raider Pride, November 28, 2009

Tremendous performance by the Raiders. Their defense was awesome. The kicking game came up bit with the field goal and the blocked field goal. The offense came alive. Hated to see Luke have the fumble when he came in and very happy when he got the touchdown. This team is starting to look like a team of destiny.

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