By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

 LAPLACE — St. Charles Catholic surged from midseason on, winning eight of its last 11 regular season matches. That roll continues into the playoffs.

The Comets advanced in the Division III postseason Saturday, the 12th seed toppling 21 seed Rapides 2-0 in a bi-district round matchup at Thomas Dupuy Stadium.

Brandon Lemoine and Albert Hane each scored goals for the Comets (9-4-3), who are set to travel to 5th seeded Lusher today in the regional round. 

The game is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Lemoine scored 24 minutes into the first half to give SCC the lead for good. Hane gave SCC some breathing room with a goal in the 58th minute of play.

SCC controlled the ball for most of the match and generated numerous shot attempts.

“It was one of the more efficient matches the boys have played,” said SCC coach Sean LeBlanc. “We were off target on six, seven, eight shots in that first half. We hit the post twice, were a little wide on a few … they just didn’t fall. But they played well. The score could have been 4 or 5-0 with a few breaks the other way.”

When asked about the challenge Lusher (16-5) presents, LeBlanc offered his answer with a knowing laugh. 

“They are really, really good,” he said. “They’ve got several kids that play club ball in the city. They’ve got an outstanding athlete in (Andrew) Malinich. His brother plays for them too, and he’s strong as an ox. We’ve got our work cut out.”

How do the Comets come away with a win, then?

“We’re looking to disrupt,” said LeBlanc. “Make it uncomfortable for them. Challenge them for the ball. And whenever (Malinich) has it, always contest.”