Kicker Radi Jabour boots 59-yarder to tie state record

By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

RESERVE – The trigger-happy East St. John offense that has gained a reputation for being a threat through the air often looked one-dimensional last Friday night in Reserve where the Wildcats hosted Assumption in a 5-5A district match-up. One-dimensional, but effective.

&#8220We wouldn’t have thrown the ball as many times as we did if we hadn’t backed ourselves up [with penalties],” ESJ Coach Larry Dauterive said after the game in which his team rushed for 374 of their 405 total yards. &#8220We wanted to run effectively, especially after halftime there.”

Running back Johnny Owen received a majority of those rushing yards, getting 238 on 18 carries and five touchdowns on bursts of 12, 8, 14, 6 and 80 yards respectively.

&#8220He’s quick and he carries a load,” Dauterive said. &#8220He’s tough to take down.”

Defensive back Dwayne Francis got things started with an interception giving the Wildcats possession around mid-field which led to Owen’s first TD. Assumption answered back with a drive to the goal line and a quarterback sneak by James Landry to make it 7-7. But Landry was picked off again on Assumption’s next possession by ESJ linebacker Maurice Royal, setting up Owen’s second score late in the second quarter.

The Wildcats got a boost going into halftime when kicker Radi Jabour booted a 59-yard field goal to tie a state record and give ESJ a 17-7 lead.

After the break, the Wildcat offense returned to the ground game and drove downfield to set up Owen’s third and fourth touchdowns for a 31-7 lead before Assumption could get the ball downfield for a score. David Hampton scored ESJ’s final points on an 18-yard reception from running back Joshuelle Tuesno.

The Wildcats remain undefeated and in contention for the district title with Destrehan. The two 5-5A squads are scheduled to settle it on the field in the final week of the season next Friday at East St. John.