St. Mary’s on the other end of lopsided loss, Lakeview still struggling

By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports

Last week, the St. Mary's Tigers were flying high following an historic, very lopsided win over Many.

This week the Tigers returned to Earth with a thud following a 50-0 thrashing at St. Frederick's in Monroe. It was the first time this season that St. Mary's was shut out and shut down. The Tigers finished with 13 yards of total offense. The defense allowed 154 yards and three touchdowns in the air.

St. Mary's coach Kedrin Seastrunk said it was no fun being on the other end of the lashing.

"It was a repeat, we were just on the other end," he said.

But, just as he has all season, Seastrunk looked for the positives.

"In all things I still give glory to God," he said. "In games like this you have to look for the small victories. We got through the game. We got through it, for the most part, still healthy. We took some lumps. We took some bruises, but overall I am proud of the guys.

"The way we addressed this season with so many changes, so many different dynamics, to face one of the hardest schedules that's been seen in the last 30 years of St. Mary's history. Regardless of the record, got a lot of young guys and we're expecting a lot of things out of them. Yes, we want to win but most of all we want to grow. I think these lumps, these situations give us learning points. These are learning experiences."

Seastrunk said the 64-40 win over Many on Sept. 27 many have actually worked against his team as well.

"Coming off of a big win like Many, it's hard to kind of reel young guys in," Seastrunk said. "Sometimes you do have false expectations of them. Now they realize, yeah you beat Many, but you beat them with preparation. You still have to prepare. We got a glimpse of who we could be. But we didn't get there by accident. This year we won't win by accident."

This week the Tigers (3-2) are preparing for "The Game of the Year" against No. 9 Logansport (2-2) in a crucial District 3-1A opening game.

The Lakeview Gators fell to 0-5 this week with a 44-0 loss to Avoyelles. The Gators still have not scored this season.

"We played another tough opponent," coach Lawrence Seawood said. "We had some opportunities, we just didn't take advantage of them. In the long run, we're getting ready for district."

The Gators open district play this week at LaSalle (2-3).