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November 12, 2024By Ron Brocato, Sports
Clarion Herald
The staple of high school sports is its traditional rivalries.
Nothing sparks the fans’ interest more than a confrontation between two teams bent on each other’s destruction.
To beat a worthy opponent is not only fulfilling but satisfying for the next 12 months.
That having been said, what is the keenest confrontation among the great local high school sports teams?
The annual football game between Jesuit and Holy Cross, which dates back to 1922?
No.
The Jesuit vs. Brother Martin battles, which began in 1969?
Not even close.
There is no rivalry, perhaps in the state of Louisiana that draws frenzied fans and students as the clash of two championship volleyball teams when Dominican and Mount Carmel get together twice a season.
The decibel level of dueling cheering sections would register on the Richter scale, and there isn’t enough soundproofing material in either fieldhouse to lessen the level.
But it’s all in good fun for these two volleyball powers, who have ruled the LHSAA for the past 10 years. Dominican replaced six-time Division I state champion Mount Carmel as the queen of the court in 2020 by winning four consecutive titles, following the Cubs’ six straight championships (2014-19).
But, by virtue of their power rankings, the 2024 championship tournament has placed these two rivals on the same side of the bracket.
The new No. 1 seed is Slidell, which Mount Carmel has defeated but which has beaten Dominican during pre-district play.
Dominican (27-8) is the No. 2 seed, and Mount Carmel (25-7) is No. 3.
The two would face each other in the Lafayette Cajundome on Nov. 15 if they get past earlier opponents.
Dominican hosts Alexandria and Sulphur in the first two rounds, while Mount Carmel has home matches against Chalmette and most likely Barbe before venturing off to Lafayette and the state tournament, Nov. 14.
Twelve local Catholic schools have qualified for one of the 32 spots in four divisions.
Archbishop Chapelle is scheduled to compete as the No. 10 seed in Division I. The Chipmunks earned that position by registering a 22-15 record.
Three-time Division III titlist Archbishop Hannan returns as the No. 1 seed in a highly competitive bracket.
The Hawks’ 24-6 record reflects victories over 20 opponents of higher classification. And that includes splits with Mount Carmel and Dominican, and a two-set victory over Haynes Academy, the No. 2 seed in Hannan’s division.
Each season under Coach Don Smith, the Academy of Our Lady has improved its position. This year the Division II competitor enters the tournament with a 26-7 record and a sweep of its district.
The Penguins go into the post season as a No. 5 seed and on an eight-match run, including 10 victories over teams with winning records.
St. Scholastica (16-18) is the No. 9 seed in Division II.
Also earning entry to the playoffs are Cabrini (No. 20) and De La Salle (11-25) in Division III.
Now in the hands of Coach Greg Castillo, who led Cabrini to a state championship in 2007, the young Lady Cavaliers may see their fortunes rise in this sport very soon.
Coach Jay Jay Juan’s Academy of the Sacred Heart Cardinals is the No. 7 seed in Division IV.
Their 28-7 record includes victories in eight of their last nine matches.
Also making the tournament are No. 11 Pope John Paul II (14-22), No. 15 Ursuline (12-17) and No. 22 St. Charles Catholic (11-16).
