By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

BOUTTE – In the race for the district 5-5A title, the Hahnville vs. East St. John game has long been a deciding factor. And last Friday night, it was clear that two state heavyweights were on the field.

With cars parked everywhere but the middle of the road, the Tigers home stadium offered standing room only as people flocked to the running track on the visitor’s end zone. And the players on the field did everything that they could to make it worth it.

With a total of 848 yards combined offense between the two teams, there were plenty of fireworks on display. ESJ running back Johnny Owen got it started early in the first quarter with a 39-yard run to set up a pass from quarterback Johnnie Thiel to David Hampton for an 18-yard TD reception.

Hahnville would answer back, after a pair of punts, with a drive that started from their own 15-yard line and ended with a touchdown run by Tiger quarterback Larry James from ten yards out. Laron Byrd made that score possible with a 60-yard reception on the play before. But the extra point was wide after Early’s TD and the Tigers trailed 7-6.

(See RIVALS, Page 10A)