By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

East St. John got their share of honors after going perfect through the regular season in the year for prep football, placing five athletes on the 5A all-state first squad.

Leading the pack on offense was running back Johnny Owen and kicker Radi Jabour. Both had standout seasons and were primary threats for the Wildcats every time they took the field. Owen rushed for nearly 1,500 yards behind the ESJ offensive line and all-state selection Patrick Lewis. Jabour handled the kickoff and punting duties, booting a state record tying field goal of 59-yards against Assumption this season.

Lutcher’s 2006 3A state championship squad placed two on the all-state starting squad. On offense, quarterback Blaine Gautier was tabbed as the best QB in 3A while Rolando Melancon was picked as the Player of the Year for another standout season. In the championship game in the Superdome on December 5, Melancon anchored both the offensive and defensive lines for the Bulldogs, which shackled Independance with a 27-7 final score.