After two difficult losses to begin the season, the University High Cubs finally put everything together Thursday night.
Quarterback Knox Kiffin threw four touchdown passes to wide receiver Kevin Smith Jr., while U-High’s defense forced three turnovers to hold off Plaquemine for a 31-21 road victory.
The win improved the Cubs to 1-2 and gave head coach Andy Martin’s young team a much-needed reward after navigating a difficult opening schedule.
“It’s our first win. I’m happy for these guys. They’ve been working hard.”
U-High head coach Andy Martin
U-High struck first after a bad Plaquemine punt snap resulted in a fumble and gave the Cubs possession at the Green Devils’ 21-yard line. Kai Joo converted the short field into points with a 25-yard field goal.
The Cubs stretched their advantage later in the opening quarter with some assistance from three Plaquemine penalties totaling 45 yards. Kiffin finished the drive by finding Smith streaking into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown, giving U-High a 10-0 lead.
Although the Cubs controlled the first quarter, neither offense could take advantage of its opportunities during a mistake-filled second period. U-High missed a field goal and lost two fumbles, while Plaquemine drove into the red zone before John Walker was stopped on a fourth-down quarterback sneak.
The Cubs carried their 10-0 advantage into halftime.
Plaquemine came out of the locker room determined to establish the run. The Green Devils opened the third quarter with a nine-play, 67-yard possession consisting entirely of running plays.
Quarterback Jermaine Robinson capped the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run before Plaquemine converted the two-point attempt, cutting U-High’s lead to 10-8.
The Green Devils finished the game with an impressive 326 rushing yards on 62 attempts, consistently testing an injury-depleted U-High defensive front.
However, each time Plaquemine gained momentum, Kiffin and Smith answered.
The Cubs responded to Robinson’s touchdown when Kiffin connected with Smith for a 23-yard score. Plaquemine running back Spencer Collins later powered into the end zone from five yards out to keep the Green Devils within striking distance.
Kiffin and Smith delivered again with the game’s most impressive offensive play. Kiffin launched a pass downfield to Smith, who made the catch with a defender draped over him, broke free and completed the 42-yard touchdown.
The four-touchdown performance showed the chemistry the two players developed through seven-on-seven football and their time together at Oxford. Smith said that familiarity allows them to adjust routes based on the defensive look.
“The chemistry is just so high that it’s really hard to stop us.”
U-High wide receiver Kevin Smith Jr.
Kiffin credited his offensive line for giving him the time required to deliver the football. After facing pressure during the opening weeks, the Cubs did not allow a sack against Plaquemine.
“We came out, and the O-line played great. We had no pressure—not one sack.”
U-High quarterback Knox Kiffin
Robinson scored his second rushing touchdown to pull Plaquemine within three points at 24-21. The Green Devils then received an unexpected opportunity when U-High’s Moses fumbled the ensuing kickoff return.
Plaquemine drove to the Cubs’ 16-yard line and appeared poised to take its first lead of the night.
The Green Devils handed the ball to Walker on an end-around, and the standout playmaker found an opening. U-High defensive back Maher Heinse quickly closed the gap and punched the football loose, giving possession back to the Cubs.
It was the biggest defensive play of the night.
U-High’s offense capitalized on the takeaway as Kiffin found Smith for their fourth touchdown connection, extending the lead to 31-21. Emanuel later overcame his own earlier fumble by intercepting a pass to shut down Plaquemine’s final comeback attempt.
Martin praised his defense for responding after the special-teams turnover, especially with multiple defensive linemen unavailable. He also credited Emanuel’s ability to move past his earlier mistake and make a game-sealing play.
The Cubs did not play a perfect game. They committed turnovers, missed a field goal and left additional scoring opportunities on the field. However, U-High made the decisive plays when the game was on the line.
Kiffin played with confidence, Smith established himself as the night’s biggest offensive difference-maker and the defense produced two fourth-quarter takeaways. After two challenging weeks, Martin believes the Cubs’ new-look offense is beginning to come together.
U-High will look to build on its first victory when the Cubs host Livonia next week. Plaquemine, now 1-2, will attempt to rebound against McKinley after consecutive losses to West Monroe and U-High.
Jace’s 2026 Stops (Other Days Occupied Calling Games For VSN):
Jamboree: Bayou Jamb
Week 1: Rummel vs. U-High
Week 2: Cecilia vs. Teurlings Catholic