The 74th Annual Kiwanis Football Jamboree wrapped up Day 2 action on Friday, August 28, and if you weren’t there, you missed some serious fireworks. Six Lafayette-area teams battled it out at Cajun Field, setting the tone for the 2026 season, and three specific players made sure everyone knew their names. From blowouts to grinders, the jamboree kept fans buzzing, but it’s these three standout talents who already have the gridiron world talking.
Menard Dominates in Defensive Slugfest for Notre Dame
The first game of Day 2 was a defensive struggle between Notre Dame and Northside, but Notre Dame quarterback Parker Menard proved he’s built different. The Pios took a 13-0 win, thanks in no small part to Menard’s dual-threat brilliance. The junior slinger threw for nearly 100 yards while adding about 50 yards on the ground. He didn’t just move the chains, he blew them up, connecting with wide receiver Julian Duhon for a massive 55-yard touchdown. Then, just for good measure, Menard himself rumbled in for a 35-yard rushing touchdown. After the game, Menard kept it humble, telling reporters, “We put in all the work all offseason and we’ve been waiting for this. It felt amazing being out there as QB1. It’s not all me. It’s my team. I couldn’t have done any of it without my blockers and without my wide receiver on that good block on the side.” Sounds like a leader to us.
Lightfoot Breaks Ankles and Changes the Game for Acadiana
The Wreckin’ Rams and Teurlings Catholic gave us the closest game of the jamboree’s second day, with Acadiana pulling out a 22-14 victory. This was a ground game masterpiece, and running back Dashun Lightfoot was the Picasso. He absolutely tore up the turf, rushing for about 130 yards and putting Acadiana ahead in the second half with an insane 68-yard rushing touchdown. We’re talking breaking tackles left and right, leaving defenders in the dust. Not only that, but the Arkansas State commit also snagged a crucial two-point conversion. Lightfoot made it clear he’s out to make a statement, saying, “My coach taught me a quick stiff arm and once I got up to the sideline I did just that. I read off my blocks, cut back and I gotta score the touchdown. They taught us to hit the hole hard but I’m trying to change the game. Not only am I going to hit it hard, but I’m going to find a way to make a defender miss. Every single time.” Get that man on a highlight reel!
Ty Hills Leads LCA’s Jaw-Dropping Jamboree Debut
Lafayette Christian Academy made its first-ever appearance in the Kiwanis Jamboree, and man, did they make a statement. They put on an absolute show against St. Martinville, jumping out to an early lead and never letting up, ultimately winning 38-7. At the helm of that dominant Knights’ offense was quarterback Ty Hills. The 5-foot-10 signal-caller showcased serious versatility, proving he can move the chains not only with his arm but also with his legs. This kid can flat out play, and LCA’s debut has everyone wondering just how far they can go this season.
These three talents just gave us a sneak peek at what promises to be an electric 2026 football season. Get ready, because if Day 2 of the jamboree is any indication, we’re in for a wild ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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