The VC Eagles got off to a positive start in district play Friday, beating 8-1A rival Central Catholic 2-0 in Morgan City to begin their district slate of games.

The Eagles (13-4, 1-0) and Central Catholic (10-7, 1-1) were all knotted up at 0-0 until VC notched lone runs in the sixth and seventh innings to seal the victory.

Mark LaPorte got the nod on the hill for the Eagles. LaPorte threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out eight and walking one.

Central Catholic’s Nick Longman took the loss. In 6 1/3 innings, Longman allowed just four hits and struck out 10 Eagles. He walked four, though, and both of VC’s runs were earned.

Austin Autin came in to relieve Longman for the final 2/3 inning. Autin required just two pitches to sit the final Eagles batters down, but his efforts were for nought as VC held on for the win.

Hayden Ryder drove in both of VC’s runs. Ryder went 2-for-3 at the plate with a home run and a double that drove in Ryan David, who went 1-for-3 with a walk.

Blair Landry was 1-for-2 with a walk.

The Eagles currently sit atop the LHSAA’s power ratings for Class 1A, while Central Catholic holds the ninth spot on the list.

The Eagles hosted 4A Cecilia (10-4, 0-1) for a non-district matchup on Saturday, though results of that game were unavailable as of press time.

VC will next host 8-1A and parish rival Gueydan (1-7, 0-2) on Tuesday, March 27.