Destination: Superdome!!!

It was a cold and rainy Friday night at Tad Gormley Stadium as the St. Augustine Purple Knights opened their 2025 semi-final playoff matchup against district rival John Curtis Christian High School. Both teams entered deserving of a spot in the championship game at the New Orleans Superdome — the Patriots at 9–2 and the Purple Knights at 11–1. With explosive offenses and dominant defenses on both sides, the stage was set for a tense, high-stakes showdown where nerves and the will to win would decide everything. The game lived up to every expectation, coming down to its final seconds.

The Patriots received the opening kickoff, but the Purple Knights’ defense held firm and forced a punt. Starting at their own 38-yard line, St. Augustine struck quickly. Quarterback Vashaun Coulon connected with Christopher Dupuy for a 23-yard reception to the Patriots’ 1-yard line, and Jaelle Noble punched it in for a 7–0 lead.

On the next series, John Curtis drove deep into Purple Knight territory but fumbled at the St. Augustine 32. A few plays later, Coulon hit Derrick Bennett for a 55-yard touchdown strike, extending the lead to 13–0 after a missed extra point. The Patriots responded with a 67-yard scoring drive, converting on 4th-and-1 to cut the halftime deficit to 13–7.

The second half became a battle of composure and resilience. St. Augustine opened with a strong drive, but an interception at the Patriots’ 21 halted their momentum. John Curtis capitalized, powering ahead for a 35-yard touchdown to take a 14–13 lead. The Purple Knights answered with a 1-yard keeper by Coulon to reclaim the lead 19–14 after a missed two-point attempt.

In the fourth quarter, the Patriots struck again with a 7-yard touchdown and successful two-point conversion to go up 22–19. But St. Augustine responded with unwavering determination as Cohann Davis broke through for a 7-yard touchdown run to regain the lead 25–22 with 6:59 remaining.

John Curtis once again showed their own nerves of steel, driving downfield and connecting on an 18-yard touchdown pass to move ahead 29–25 while burning precious time off the clock.

Then came the moment that will live in Purple Knights history.

With just 39 seconds remaining, St. Augustine took over at their own 29-yard line — 71 yards away from survival. The task seemed nearly impossible. But quick sideline completions from Coulon to Kahlil Lewis and Bennett pushed the ball downfield with remarkable precision. With only 4 seconds left, the Purple Knights stood at the Patriots’ 3-yard line. One play for the season.

Coulon fired a quick pass to Bennett in the end zone as the clock expired — touchdown! The Purple Knights completed a miraculous 31–29 comeback victory to punch their ticket to the championship game.

Congratulations to John Curtis Head Coach John T. Curtis Jr. and the Patriots for a remarkable season and a hard-fought battle. They remain a formidable district rival and will no doubt contend again next year.

Congratulations as well to St. Augustine Head Coach Robert Valdez, his coaching staff, and the entire team for a truly extraordinary season. One more to go.

The St. Augustine Purple Knights community will be in the Superdome — ready to Show Up and Show Out!