By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Coach Frank Monica has made winning a habit at St. Charles Catholic, but it doesn’t make his work at the school any less recognized.

Monica has earned honors as the top coach in St. John Parish for the second straight season as L’Observateur selects him as its Coach of the Year in 2009.

His Comets moved back to Class 2A after two seasons in 3A, and it took little time for SCC to make itself at home again – and make opponents remember just how formidable the Comets were before making the step up in class.

St. Charles began the season with a upset victory over Class 5A East St. John at Joe Keller Stadium in the teams’ preseason jamboree matchup, and it set the tone for the rest of SCC’s season. The Comets won their first seven games of the season, including dominant wins over district rivals Riverside and Newman, before a matchup with powerhouse John Curtis in District play.

SCC led 18-13 with under a minute left in the game before Curtis scored to secure a come from behind 19-18 victory at Thomas Dupuy Stadium.

SCC was undeterred though, and started a new winning streak, notching victories in the last two games of the regular season and winning thrice in the playoffs to advance to the state semifinals.

But there, Curtis again blocked SCC from continuing its streak, taking a 27-0 win on a cold, rainy night at Joe Yenni Stadium.

SCC finished 13-2 this season.