Vermilion Catholic will arrive at Catholic High for Friday’s season opener on a 25-game regular season winning streak.

The last regular season loss for the Eagles was to Erath in 2021. VC, which also lost to CHS that year, has defeated the Panthers in the last two season openers.

Last year, CHS led 14-7 at halftime before the Eagles rallied to claim a 26-14 win. VC quarterback Jonathan Dartez, held to 15 yards on 11 carries at intermission, finished with 138 yards and two TDs. He also threw a TD pass.

“I was pretty disappointed in the way we prepared physically and nutritionally,” said CHS coach Matt Desormeaux. “Our whole team cramped up in the second half. That was our first year with these kids. We’ve learned how to handle it better.”

Desormeaux won’t be sad to see Dartez graduate. Listed around 5-foot-9 and 170 lbs., the senior has accumulated more than 8,500 yards and 111 TDs in his career and has led VC to 12-1 and 13-1 seasons over the past two years.

“He’s going to make his plays,” Desormeaux said. “He’s that good of a player. We have to limit the big plays.”

Both teams were successful in last week’s jamboree contests, CHS pounding Opelousas Catholic 35-0, and VC blanking Hamilton Christian 20-0.

CHS QB Luke Landry completed two passes and both went for TDs. Jaiden Mitchell caught a 24-yard score, and Joseph LeBlanc grabbed a 22-yarder. Tristan Lewis carried twice for 29 yards and a TD. Owen Morris carried six times for 52 yards and two TDs.

“Opelousas Catholic had some self-inflicted wounds,” Desormeaux said. “They turned the ball over four times. We didn’t punt the ball once and scored every possession.”

Desormeaux said Morris, who is listed at 5-foot-9, 169 lbs., runs the ball like he’s 6-foot-2, 200 lbs. Sophomore free safety Karon Eugene intercepted two passes and brought one back for a touchdown.

“He is a special player who will get the chance to play on the next level if he chooses,” Desormeaux said of Eugene, who returned the pick-six 60 yards.

VC is ranked No. 2 in Class 1A by the Louisiana Sportswriters Association. The Panthers are ninth in Class 2A.

Dartez will plow behind an experienced offensive line that returns four of five starters and is large for a Class 1A program with all five starters weighing 200 lbs. or more.

“VC will always be good,” Desormeaux said. “Coach Broc Prejean does a great job. I don’t think they had a player cramp up in the game last year.”