Soccer has launched the season with commanding victories against some of the state’s top programs, affirming its position as the top-ranked team in Louisiana. With an impressive 13-1 record, Jesuit has edged out Denham Springs to secure the leading spot in Division I LHSSCA Coaches Poll. Under the leadership of longtime head coach Hubie Collins and assistant coach Jason Dormandy, Jesuit continues to excel, showcasing the skill and determination that have made it a formidable force on the field.

The Blue Jays have recorded impressive victories against top competition, including a 1-0 win away at St. Paul’s, with junior Beau Hellmers scoring the goal, assisted by junior Andrew Rouselle. They ended the reigning Division III Champion Willow’s 44-game unbeaten streak with a 2-0 victory at home, and triumphed 2-0 at home against Division II Finalist Ben Franklin, with both goals scored by junior Hayes Laibe.

Defense is a cornerstone of the Blue Jays’ team efforts, led by senior goalkeeper Andrew Duncan, senior center backs Donnie Dovie and Walker Schott, and senior right and left backs Sean Gardner and Bryce Barrere. Jesuit’s defense was pivotal in a significant 3-1 victory against Holy Cross at John Ryan Stadium. The defending Division I state champion Blue Jays and defending Division II state champion Tigers were tied 1-1 at halftime. Jesuit took the lead in the second half with a goal from Barrere in the 50th minute, followed by an insurance goal from senior Christian Danna. Junior Gavin Liantonio had earlier opened the scoring with a first-half goal from a free kick.

In a rematch of last year’s Division I Final, the Blue Jays traveled to Catholic High of Baton Rouge and secured a 2-0 win with both goals scored by Laibe. In the 15th minute, Laibe was led behind the Catholic defense by Liantonio and finished in the side net from what looked to be an impossible angle. To secure the win, senior Quinn Grandbouche delivered a precise cross, which Laibe met with an accurate header in the first minute of stoppage time.

The Blue Jays continue with district play on Tuesday, January 14, against West Jefferson at John Ryan Stadium at 4 p.m. Important matches remaining include Tuesday, January 21, at Isidore Newman, and Saturday, January 25, versus Brother Martin for the Catholic League and District Championships.

To support the Blue Jays, find the team roster and follow the 2024-2025 season schedule here.

LHSSCA Boys Top 10 rankings for Jan. 6-12
DIVISION I
#1 Jesuit [6] – 146 (12-1-0)
#2 Denham Springs [4] – 143 (12-1-0)
#3 Baton Rouge – 122 (10-2-2)
#4 Catholic – B.R. – 115 (8-3-2)
#5 St. Paul’s – 114 (7-1-4)
#6 Captain Shreve – 102 (11-3-5)
#7 Mandeville – 79 (8-5-2)
#8 Hahnville – 66 (9-2-0)
#9 Brother Martin – 65 (10-4-3)
#10 St. Amant – 26 (8-4-6)