By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

RESERVE – Brandon Trant’s goal against Woodlawn early in the second half of last Friday night’s division I bi-district playoff game had East St. John just about 30 minutes away from advancing to this week’s regional round of play. But the Panthers spoiled a successful ESJ run this season with three goals in the second half and held on for a 3-2 to advance to face Carencro.

The Wildcats looked like they’d be the ones headed for a match against Carencro for a while when they led the game in time of possession for the first half of play, despite going into the break tied at zero apiece.

Fresh out of the break, Trant wasted no time in getting his goal while keeper Kris Hoffpauir spoiled a handful of good looks by the Panther offense with hustling saves.

But with thier playoff lives on the line, Woodlawn started a push that seemed to keep the ESJ defenders on their heels as the Panthers went on attack. After tying the score at 1-1, Woodlawn held on to the momentum for a second goal just about ten minutes later and added their final one with about ten minutes to go for the two point edge.

East St. John countered with a couple of shots on goal and switched goalies to bring Hoffpauir upfield. Radi Jabour managed to pull it to within one with a sharp kick through several defenders, but the final whistle blew before the Wildcats could get another play off.

The Wildcats finished the regular season with a 16-7-2 record and went 6-2 in district.