Thibodaux, La. — In one of the most electric rivalry matchups of the season, the E.D. White Cardinals spoiled Vandebilt Catholic’s perfect record Friday night, rallying for a 28–21 victory in front of a standing-room-only crowd at Buddy Marcello Stadium.

Behind a gritty performance from quarterback Grant Barbera, who accounted for three touchdowns, and two clutch interceptions by defensive back Carter Myers, the Cardinals handed Vandebilt its first loss of the year and improved to 7–3 on the season. Vandebilt finishes the regular season at 9–1.

“This win means everything to our kids, our school, and our community,” said E.D. White head coach Kyle Lasseigne. “Vandebilt’s a great football team, but our guys showed heart tonight. They never flinched.”

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First Half: Early Punch, Quick Response

Vandebilt came out swinging on its opening drive. Facing fourth-and-goal, quarterback Ethan Heney rolled right and hit Thomas Lecompte on a five-yard touchdown strike to give the Terriers a 7–0 lead with 3:37 left in the first quarter.

E.D. White answered immediately. Running back Carter Douglas powered his way into the end zone from six yards out early in the second quarter to tie the game at 7–7.

Both defenses settled in as the half wound down, setting up a tense second half in the annual “Battle of the Bayou.”

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Third Quarter: Barbera Takes Control

After halftime, the Cardinals began to control the line of scrimmage. Barbera capped off a long E.D. White drive with a one-yard quarterback sneak to put the Cardinals ahead 14–7 with 7:34 remaining in the third quarter.

Just minutes later, Barbera made the play of the night — breaking through a tackle and sprinting 48 yards down the right sideline for another score, extending the lead to 21–7 with 5:05 left in the third.

Vandebilt tried to respond, but E.D. White’s defense — led by Myers — forced a turnover when Myers jumped a route and intercepted a Heney pass to end the quarter.

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Fourth Quarter: Vandebilt Rallies, E.D. White Closes

The Terriers refused to go quietly. Heney regrouped and fired a 32-yard strike over the middle to Payton Carter, cutting the deficit to 21–14 with 7:25 to play.

But Myers struck again. The senior defensive back recorded his second interception of the night, setting E.D. White up at the Vandebilt 46-yard line with under three minutes to go.

Barbera delivered the dagger moments later, weaving through defenders for a 17-yard touchdown run — his third of the night — to make it 28–14 with 24 seconds remaining.

Vandebilt added a late touchdown on a desperation heave with four seconds left, but it wasn’t enough to prevent E.D. White’s upset celebration as the clock hit zero.

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Final Thoughts

Barbera’s dual-threat performance and Myers’ timely defensive plays were the difference in a game that will be talked about all season. “Our guys never lost faith,” Barbera said. “We knew what was at stake — pride, rivalry, everything. We just played our brand of football and finished strong.”

With the victory, E.D. White carries momentum into the postseason, while Vandebilt — despite the loss — will look to regroup and make a deep playoff run after a 9–1 regular season.

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