By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Entering Friday night’s game at Carencro, the frustration had to be mounting for East St. John. The team had lost three straight games, all coming against 2006 state champions.

The Wildcats took it all out on the Bears. Alex Singleton had his biggest game of the season, rushing for 305 yards and four touchdowns as East St. John defeated Carencro, 29-8.

&#8220That was the first complete game we’ve played this year,” said East St. John Coach Larry Dauterive. &#8220Carencro lost a couple of tough games, they’re only six points from being 4-0 right now. It’s good for us to beat a quality team like that.”

Singleton and the East St John offensive line dominated the Carencro defensive front all night long. East St. John took early control by scoring the first 22 points of the game. And that lead allowed the Wildcats to hand the ball to Singleton all night long – and he delivered. He averaged 12.8 yards per carry on the night.

&#8220We had to let the big dog eat,” Dauterive said of Singleton.

Singleton rushed for touchdowns of two, 66, 35 and 40 yards. He also had touchdown runs of two and 49 yards called back via penalty in the first half. East St. John led 9-0 at the half.

But the Wildcats broke the game open in the third quarter as Singleton accounted for two of his touchdowns,

The defense played just as well. The Wildcat defense has improved steadily throughout the year. Last week, that defense held 4A champion Bastrop, one of the elite offenses in the state, to six first half points before taking a loss. This week, Carencro never seemed to be able to get on track against the unit, save one 60-yard run by Carencro quarterback Ricky Johnson.

Another big factor has been the addition of safety Bryce Robertson, who moved there from the offensive side of the ball and has made his presence felt with a number of key tackles and interceptions.

&#8220He’s been our most valuable player on that side of the ball so far,” said Dauterive. &#8220He’s made a number of touchdown saving plays. Boy, is he a football player. He’s a real warrior.”

Sophomore quarterbacks Kalen Henderson and Brighton Trepagnier rotated throughout the game – each player alternated plays, regardless of situation. Dauterive said that each will continue to play until one steps to the forefront.

With East St. John’s district opener at St. Amant looming, Dauterive says that his team is a bit banged up, but healthy overall. More importantly, it is playing with the intensity needed to compete in the rough and tumble District 6-5A.

&#8220We’ve improved in each of the last four weeks,” Dauterive said. &#8220There are a number of undefeated teams in the district. We’ll see how it all comes out, and where we stand with the big boys.”