It was the Kalen Henderson to Dhaquille Williams show on Friday night that led East St. John to a 33-14 victory over host Istrouma.
Williams hauled in six catches for 252 yards and four touchdowns, while Henderson completed 11-of-13 passes for 291 yards and four scores.
 ESJ’s Kalen Henderson completed 11-of-13 passes for 291 yards and four touchdowns as the Wildcats defeated Istrouma Friday. (Staff photo by Ryan Arena) |
“This is Williams’ first year playing football,” said East St. John assistant coach Ron Barrilleaux. “He brings speed, size, and the ability to go get the ball wherever you need him to go get it. If it’s near him, he’ll go after it. We feel he’s a mismatch for anyone one-on-one.”
Barrilleaux noted Henderson’s performance came after two weeks – including jamboree play – in which Henderson relied more on his legs than his arm.
“He struggled passing the ball in the first two games,” said Barrilleaux.
“This week, we started off with him throwing a couple of short passes, and completing those opened up some deeper throws.”
East St. John (2-0) jumped out to a 21-6 lead at the half, and never trailed in the game.
A week after a tremendous performance against Patterson, Reynaldo Young had another strong week as he averaged nearly 10 yards per carry against Istrouma.
He logged 13 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown – the first score of the night, a 45-yard scoring run that put ESJ ahead 7-0.
Then Henderson and Williams went to work. Williams hauled in touchdown receptions of 53 and 57 yards before halftime to put the Wildcats ahead 21-0 – ESJ scored on each of its first three possessions.
Istrouma (0-2) finally answered right before halftime, scoring on a four-yard touchdown run by Kenny Bell that made it 21-6.
In the third quarter, Williams added scoring receptions of 20 and 25 yards.
Bell notched the longest play of the game in the second half on a 75-yard scoring run. But Istrouma could not close within more than two touchdowns.
The Wildcats outgained Istrouma 488 to 247 in total yardage – the bulk of the difference coming through the air, where ESJ outgained Istrouma 291-37.
While Henderson and Williams gaudy stat lines are attention grabbers, Barrilleaux was quick to point to the offensive line as a major catalyst.
A unit that returned no starters from a season ago gelled on Friday night.
“We were able to send three or four guys out on routes because our line could handle their pressure with five,” said Barrilleaux. “That’s the biggest thing. If you can block with five, you’re doing real well.”
Comments
Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The L'Observateur is not liable for messages from third parties.
DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in The L'Observateur reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of L'Observateur. L'Observateur does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized L'Observateur spokespersons.
Thank you for your comments!