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Photo by: Heather Williams
After months of preparation and hard work, Louisiana football opened their 2024 season with a commanding 40-10 victory over Grambling State. The game, held at Cajun Field as part of the annual Herbert Heymann Football Classic, marked the second-ever meeting between the two teams, with the Ragin’ Cajuns coming out on top once again.
Ragin’ Cajuns Kick Off Strong Offense with Wooldridge Leading the Charge
Quarterback Ben Wooldridge, who secured the starting role after an impressive offseason, led the Ragin’ Cajuns’ offense effectively. His leadership and skill were on full display as Louisiana took an early lead and never looked back. In their opening drive, Wooldridge connected with Harvey Broussard for a 50-yard pass, setting the tone for the game. The drive culminated in a 6-yard touchdown run by Dre’lyn Washington, with Kenneth Almendares adding the extra point.
"We knew we wanted to make a statement right from the start," Broussard shared. "Coach Desormeaux told us to go big on the first play, and when I saw the ball coming my way, I was ready to make a play."
By the end of the first quarter, the Ragin’ Cajuns were already back in scoring position, thanks to Wooldridge’s smart decision-making and accurate passing. He threw for over 100 yards in the opening quarter, primarily targeting Broussard, setting the stage for a strong offensive performance.
Second Quarter: Offensive Dominance and Defensive Prowess
The second quarter saw the Wooldridge-Broussard connection thrive once again, with Wooldridge throwing his first touchdown pass of the season—a 13-yard strike to Broussard. As the Tigers struggled to contain Louisiana's passing game, things went from bad to worse for Grambling. An interception by UL linebacker Caleb Kibodi, which he returned 50 yards for a touchdown, extended the Ragin’ Cajuns' lead.
"We still have things to work on, but it was great to see the defense step up and create big plays," Coach Desormeaux commented. "We focused on putting them in tough passing situations, and it paid off."
Louisiana’s offensive momentum continued as Wooldridge connected with Tavion Smith for a 56-yard touchdown pass. Smith managed to slip past Grambling’s defense, adding another score with ease. The first half ended on a high note for the Ragin’ Cajuns, with Almendares nailing a 41-yard field goal, pushing the score to 40-10.
Third Quarter: A Minor Setback and More Success
The third quarter began with a slight hiccup for Louisiana. Wooldridge threw his first interception of the season on a dropped pass intended for Jacob Bernard, which was picked off by Grambling’s Blake Davis. However, the Tigers couldn’t capitalize on the turnover, and Louisiana quickly regained control.
Wooldridge continued his strong performance, throwing his third touchdown of the game with a 10-yard pass to Terrance Carter. Despite missing much of last season due to injury, Wooldridge showed no signs of rust, completing around 75% of his passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns.
“It’s been a long road to get back here, but it felt amazing to be out there again,” Wooldridge reflected. “The camaraderie with the team, the energy, it’s what I’ve missed most. It’s just special to be playing again.”
Fourth Quarter: Louisiana’s Offense Keeps Rolling
In the final quarter, with the game well in hand, senior quarterback Chandler Fields took over for Wooldridge. Fields efficiently led the Ragin’ Cajuns down the field, completing 4 of 5 passes for 55 yards. The drive ended with a 27-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Tony Sterner, bringing Louisiana’s total to 40 points.
Though Grambling managed to score their lone touchdown late in the third quarter with a 1-yard run by senior Ke'Treavion Hargrove, it was too little, too late. Louisiana’s balanced attack and solid game management throughout ensured a comfortable win.
Looking Ahead
With a strong start to the season, Louisiana football demonstrated their offensive capabilities and resilience on defense. They will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup. Stay tuned to Bayou State Media for continued coverage of the Ragin’ Cajuns and all your football updates.
Stay tuned to Bayou State Media for in-depth coverage and analysis of Louisiana football and other sports updates.