Tangible results are appearing as Zach Mengarelli approaches the entrance to his comfort zone.
The Opelousas Catholic junior quarterback has been learning the position with every snap this season, and last Friday night he continued to achieve improvement as he helped his team to a key District 5-1A victory.
Mengarelli participated in all but one of Opelousas Catholic’s touchdowns, as the Vikings defeated Sacred Heart of Ville Platte 35-7 at Donald Gardner Stadium.
In that game, Mengarelli, starting only for the sixth time, completed three touchdown passes and ran for another two scores as the Vikings (5-1) remained in a tie for first place with Catholic High-Pointe Coupee.
The Vikings are currently ranked No. 3 in this week’s Louisiana Sports Writers’ Association poll. OC has an open date this week.
Mengarelli also completed 7-of-11 passes for 176 yards and gained 40 yards on eight attempts (5.0 average). His effort in the game earned him the Daily World Player of the Week.
Opelousas Catholic head football coach Thomas David said one of the most important statistics of Mengarelli’s performance against Sacred Heart was possession.
“He didn’t turn over the football, either throwing or running. To me that is also an important part of what he did, protecting the football,” David said.
Mengarelli started the season in a difficult position. The Vikings used senior Sam Jarrell on almost every play at quarterback last year and Mengarelli’s contribution in 2016 was even more negligible, since he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the jamboree.
It was almost like putting a freshman at the position as this season started, David said.
“Last season with the injury, (Mengarelli) really didn’t get a chance to play at all. With that situation, I think it’s safe to say that Zach has come a long way since then. He missed a whole season of playing football.
“I think at this point he is probably just getting to where he is comfortable. He throws well and he’s also good with his feet. That allows him to make more plays. I think the game last Friday night was his most complete game,” David said.
Mengarelli’s touchdown passes included a 30-yard throw to wide receiver Cain Ludeau, a 40-yard pass to Kane Armand and a 57-yarder to Cale Cart. The TD runs covered nine and seven yards.
David said the Vikings were more pass conscious against Sacred Heart.
“Sacred Heart plays a lot of man coverages with no safety help. I felt with the way they were playing their defense, we could have a good night throwing. We noticed that they were also geared up and loading the front to stop the run.
“I thought we did a good job of taking advantage of that, and Zach and the whole offense really helped our execution,” said David.