By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE — St. Charles coach Frank Monica usually tends to offer guarded optimism at this time of the year, mindful of the long season ahead and the steps his team still must take to be successful.

But it’s hard to poke too many holes in the Comets start to 2010, one that has seen St. Charles topple Class 5A contender East St. John in the Ed Reed River Parishes Jamboree and then convincingly knock off Class 4A No. 9 Woodlawn on Friday night, 48-10.

“I never dreamed things would unfold like they did,” Monica said. “Woodlawn boasts so much speed and talent, so many explosive players … I thought we might be in for a long night. I’m glad it worked out well for us. We’ll take it.”

St. Charles put together a complete performance from start to finish against the Panthers. SCC led 35-0 in the first quarter. It created three turnovers defensively and in the kicking game. It generated points in the passing game, on a Donnie Savoie 20-yard pass to Harley Scioneaux.

Most impressively, it was the second consecutive week that St. Charles was extremely efficient and effective on the ground. SCC rolled up 272 yards on the ground, largely behind the efforts of Marcus Hall (12 carries for 155 yards, two touchdowns) and Lazedrick Thompson (eight carries for 62 yards and three touchdowns.)

“We took advantage of a short field on a few occasions. But we’ve got a pretty good combination there with Marcus’ speed and quickness and Lazedrick’s power. We rotate them and it allows us to keep each one fresh.

“Our offensive line isn’t very experienced, but it looks like we’re seeing them mature. With the schedule we have, we need to grow up quick.”

Vandebilt Catholic is next on that schedule. Former West St. John coach Laury Dupont took the Terriers to the playoffs a season ago and his team began 2010 on the right foot last week with a 27-24 win over E.D. White.

Last season, Vandebilt Catholic led St. Charles 17-0 before SCC stormed back to garner a key road win.

Monica said that he’s reminded his team of that fact.

“That’s something we’ve talked about with our kids, just how fortunate we were to win on the road,” said Monica.

Vandebilt Catholic is built as one would expect a Dupont team to be constructed, on the back of a physical offensive line and strong running game. Quarterback T.J. Cantrelle unexpectedly returned from injury on Friday night to lead his team to a win. The Terriers are also led by rusher Hunter Pere.

“They have some very physical running backs and two quick quarterbacks,” said Monica. “Their defensive line is big as well. They’re a good team and we’re very concerned … but at the same time, we’ve never backed down from a good opponent. It makes you a better team, as long as you stay healthy.”