The Cecilia Bulldogs continued their impressive start to the 2026 season with a convincing 44-21 road victory over the Teurlings Catholic Rebels on Thursday night.
Cecilia’s opportunistic defense forced six turnovers, while LSU commit Braylon Calais scored three touchdowns to help the Bulldogs improve to 2-0. After opening the season with a dominant 49-0 victory over Northside, Cecilia faced a much tougher test against a talented and well-coached Teurlings Catholic team.
Although the final score indicated a comfortable Cecilia victory, head coach Cody Champagne praised the Rebels for making the Bulldogs earn everything they got.
“They came out and had a great game plan. They kept us contained. I knew they were going to have a game plan for us. They didn’t make it easy. Our defense played well, and our offense played well when we had to. We capitalized on their mistakes, and that was big for us.”
Cecilia Head Coach Cody Champagne
Those mistakes proved to be the difference. Whenever Teurlings Catholic appeared ready to create momentum, Cecilia’s defense responded with another takeaway. The Bulldogs consistently gave their offense favorable field position and prevented the Rebels from establishing a rhythm.
Champagne believes his defense is beginning to play with the confidence necessary to become one of the best units in the state.
“They’re starting to play lights out. If they can keep doing that and play with confidence, I think that’s the biggest thing. Teams are going to hit on big plays. You have to forget about it and move on to the next play. I think we started to do that.”
Cecilia Head Coach Cody Champagne
Cecilia’s offense took advantage of the extra opportunities and played mostly mistake-free football. Champagne was pleased with the overall performance but said the Bulldogs still have details to correct, particularly in the running game when opponents spread defenders outside the box.
The biggest offensive difference-maker was Calais. The four-star LSU commit demonstrated why he is one of Louisiana’s premier prospects by scoring three touchdowns, including multiple scores on direct snaps near the goal line.
Calais embraced the opportunity to provide a spark whenever his team needed one.
“I was just being electrifying like I’m supposed to be and stepping up for my team when they need me. I was bringing that energy when the team was down.”
Cecilia 4 Star and LSU commit Braylon Calais
While Calais was the star of the offense, he was quick to praise Cecilia’s defense for repeatedly creating turnovers. After seeing that unit make plays against the Bulldogs’ offense throughout fall practice, he entered Thursday’s game confident it would rise to the occasion.
“They show us that same defense at practice, so I was very confident in our defense. They’ve been busting up plays on offense at practice, so I expected them to go out there and do their job. Six turnovers is more than doing their job.”
Cecilia 4 Star and LSU commit Braylon Calais
The victory represents another important step for a Cecilia program with championship expectations. The Bulldogs have outscored their first two opponents 93-21 and are 2-0 for the first time in several years.
“We’re on a mission. If you know a little bit about our history, we never win at the beginning of the season. The mission this year is kind of different.”
Cecilia 4 Star and LSU commit Braylon Calais
Cecilia will enjoy the victory briefly before turning its attention toward another major challenge. The Bulldogs will travel to face Barbe next week with an opportunity to improve to 3-0.
“Enjoy tonight. Enjoy this win. We’re going to pick back up tomorrow, watch a little film, work out and heal up. Then, we’re back at it on Sunday and game-planning for next week.”
Cecilia Head Coach Cody Champagne
With a defense forcing turnovers, an offense capitalizing on its opportunities and Calais providing game-breaking ability, Cecilia has already made one thing clear through two weeks: The Bulldogs are once again a serious threat to make a deep postseason run.
Game Updates:
Interviews:
Jace’s 2026 Stops:
Jamboree: Bayou Jamb
Week 1: Rummel vs. U-High