The Pope John Paul II Jaguars and Lakeshore Titans are heading to the Crescent City to face each other at 6 p.m. in the first game of the Newman Jamboree, a final tune-up before the regular season begins next Friday for both clubs. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the teams are playing a pair of 15-minute halves.

The second game features Newman going against De La Salle. That game is scheduled for 7:30.

Pope John Paul II is coming off a 6-5 season that saw them make the playoffs for the second-consecutive year. They were eliminated by Many 41-21 in the bi-district round.

Pope John Paul II kicker Teddy Macke successfully hits an extra point out of Blaine Haro’s hold as coach Mark Jeanmard looks on in last Thursday’s scrimmage at PJP. (File Photo by Chris Kinkaid)

Pope John Paul II coach Mark Jeanmard said he feels it’s still a matter of finding their team.

“We have new faces in new places,” Jeanmard said. “It’s the first chance to play under the lights. We’ll find our strengths and weaknesses.”

Jeanmard also said they want to win, be competitive, but make sure players are in the right spot.

Lakeshore is in their second year of existence. Last year, they played a junior-varsity schedule and went 9-1. Their only loss came against Mandeville in the third week 34-14.

This season, the Titans are playing a varsity schedule as an independent, but are not eligible for the playoffs.

Lakeshore coach Larry Route, who enters his second year with the Titans, said the Jaguars are a well-coach team.

“They are going to be a good test for us,” Route said. “They’ve got seniors and we don’t. It’s another game to get us ready to face the Jesuit Blue Jays (next Friday). We’re going to have to meet their effort with our effort.”

The teams met last year in JV and Lakeshore won.

Pope John Paul II runs a double-wing offense with senior Clyde Perkins and sophomore Sean Bruhn calling signals. Both saw playing time in last Thursday’s scrimmage.

Jeanmard said Michael Calogne had a great scrimmage at wide receiver and defensive back in a three-way exhibition against Archbishop Hannan and Metairie Park Country Day. Calogne had a catch early on where he went up and out jumped a Hannan defender to pull in a pass.

The wingbacks are junior Quinn Fiore and sophomore Greg Cavalier, while junior Kyle Canulette handles fullback duties.

Defensively, Pope John Paul II runs base 4-4.

Jeanmard said lineman Calvin Durel played well for the Jaguars in the scrimmage. Also for PJP, Teddy Macke hit an extra point during the scrimmage.

For Lakeshore coach Route said they want to come out on top, but also get a lot of guys on the field.

“We’re a young program, so every time we go there, we go for the win,” Route said. “We’re going to do the kicking game. We’re going to punt and receive punts. We want to work hard on all phases of the game, but get a lot of guys playing time.”

Route said he’s got three kickers in sophomore Ian Jones, who handled last year’s kicking duties, but can also punt. They’ve got freshman Christian Shreve for kickoffs and sophomore Austin LeBlanc is a place kicker.

Offensively, the Titans run a spread. Versatile junior Al Damion Riles, who also plays running back, is the starting quarterback.

Sophomore quarterback Michael Ball, who broke his collarbone in the Pearl River spring game, is expected to be released from doctor’s care this morning and could see limited action.

The running backs are junior Nick Williams and sophomore Jared Scott. Junior J.P. Pussiguer will play the running-back position when Riles is calling signals.

Route said Williams caught four passes during last week’s scrimmage against Chalmette. Also, junior Greg Selser had a 45-yard touchdown reception.

Defensively, the Titans are a 4-4 club.

Route said they want to attack, and he’s looking for improvement making stops.

“Hopefully we tackle better this week,” Route said. “We missed quite a few last week against Chalmette.”

Route said his ends that include sophomore Alaan LeBostrie and Mikal Mazik did a good job. Also, Josh Burris had an interception.

If you are attending, tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults.