Field goal seals regional playoff win for Vandebilt

Vandebilt is used to defeating teams with the arm of quarterback Evan Mistich and a prolific running attack.

But on Saturday, it also got a little help from its kicking game.

Braden Eschete nailed a 49-yard field goal with 1:39 left to play against a hungry Helen Cox team, pushing the Terriers’ lead to 37-27. The insurance points proved to be the difference for Vandebilt, which was eventually able to hold off the Cougars, 44-35, in a Class 4A regional round playoff matchup at Harold “Hoss” Memstas Stadium in Harvey.

With the victory, the third-seeded Terriers (11-1) will play host to No. 6 Benton (11-1) in a quarterfinal game Friday at Buddy Marcello Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

“We made big plays when we needed to, but we still gave up some big plays,” said Vandebilt coach Mark King. “The bottom line is we won against a really good football team, so I’m excited about that and I’m excited that we’re still in the playoffs.”

The Terriers were able to score 20 points off four Helen Cox turnovers, but surrendered points after coughing up three of their own.

“It (turnovers) was huge,” said Vandebilt quarterback Evan Mistich. “We had a few today as well, so I’m just glad that didn’t come back and bite us.”

Special teams helped Vandebilt get on the board during its opening drive when Jared Theriot returned the kick to the Cougars 30. The Terriers offense advanced the ball to the 1-yard line and Mistich punched it in up the middle. Braden Eschete’s extra point was good, giving Vandebilt a 7-0 lead at 8:42 of the first quarter.

Helen Cox responded on the ensuing drive when Kenneth Sanchez took a reverse handoff and darted 15 yards to the end zone. The extra point conversion tied the score at 7-7.

A fumble recovery by Mistich in the opening minutes of the second quarter set up a 43-yard touchdown run by Dexter Smith. With the extra point, the Terriers led 14-7.

A mishandled snap by Cougars backup quarterback Justin Wheeler was recovered by Vandebilt on its own 32-yard line. Mistich led the Terriers down the field and capped off a 10-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown sneak. The extra point was missed, and Vandebilt took a 20-7 lead into the half.

Chris Hebert gave Helen Cox new life in the third when he stripped the ball away from Smith and rushed 70 yards for a touchdown. With the extra point, the Cougars trailed 20-14.

But Vandebilt fought back on its next possession when Mistich scrambled out of the pocket and feathered a 47-yard pass to Eschete, who was cutting across the field. The play set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Welch. With the extra point, the Terriers led 27-14.

But it didn’t take long for Helen Cox to answer again when quarterback Darius Carey launched a 64-yard touchdown pass to Chris Martin. With the extra point, the Cougars deficit narrowed to 27-21.

Once again, however, Vandebilt immediately responded. The Terriers rode the legs of Welch downfield, setting up a 10-yard pass from Mistich to Jonathan Martin. Eschete’s extra point increased Vandebilt’s lead to 34-21 with 10:18 to play in the fourth quarter.

Wheeler stepped into the game on the next drive and found Carey for a touchdown from three yards out. The extra point failed, and the Cougars trailed 34-27.

Eschete’s field goal conversion ultimately iced the game, but both teams added additional touchdowns.

Joel Ross stripped the ball from a Helen Cox carrier minutes later and it was grabbed by Mistich, who raced 38 yards to the end zone. With the extra point, Vandebilt led 44-37.

Carey ran the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, bringing the final score to 44-35.

Mistich finished 7-of-10 for 104 yards passing, 66 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Despite being hampered with a sore ankle, Welch led all Vandebilt ball carriers with 117 yards rushing on 19 carries and a touchdown.

“Welch played fine considering how much he’s banged up,” King said. “He did a heck of a job fighting and making key plays when we needed them.”

Smith finished with 113 yards and a touchdown for the Terriers, respectively.

E.D. White 21, Rayville 14

Quarterback Drey Trosclair threw a 32-yard touchdown strike to Michael Gonzales with 22 seconds in regulation to upset No. 6 Rayville Friday in the regional playoff round of the Class 3A playoffs.

With the victory, the Cardinals travel to No. 3 Westlake, 33-24 winners over Capitol on Friday.

It will mark E.D. White’s first trip to the quarterfinals since 2001.

Jacob Knight and Michael Olivier also scored touchdowns for the Cardinals (8-4 overall).