By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

The East St. John football program has risen to prominence over the last decade within Class 5A. And if one draws any conclusions from the play of its freshman team over the past two seasons, one can infer that the future is just as bright as the present for the Wildcats.

Last week, the Wildcats freshman team finished its season undefeated for the second straight year, nailing down a perfect 7-0 mark with a 32-26 victory over Dutchtown.

“That was our goal,” said ESJ freshman coach Mark Creecy. “Last year, we won all of our games by 20 points or more. This year, we saw some closer games. This team fought through some adversity and found ways to win, so that bodes well.”

East St. John defeated St. James, Rummel, Riverside, St. Amant, East Ascension and Destrehan on their way to the mark.

Creecy credited a number of factors for his team’s success this season.

“Talent, of course, doesn’t hurt,” said Creecy. “But during the summer, you get 16-18 workouts in with the varsity. It really helps us to see what they do, how strong their work ethic is. Things just clicked for us after that.

“It’s a combination of hard work, talent, and some good breaks along the way, of course.”

The Wildcats prepare their freshman for Larry Dauterive’s spread offense by utilizing the same on the freshman squad.

It’s been run well by quarterbacks Leonard Davis and Daniel Franklin, who also play safety and linebacker, respectively.

Each found a connection with leading receiver Clarence Scott this season. And running back William Daniel was a multi-purpose threat, with touchdowns scored via rushing, receiving, kickoff return and interception return.

Creecy believes any – or all – of them could end up being factors on next year’s varsity squad.

It wouldn’t be unprecedented, so say the least.

The varsity Wildcats start three players from last year’s undefeated freshman squad in their secondary – cornerback Darion Monroe, and safeties Lucas Martin and Davontae Johnson.

“It’s a testament to some of the good things we’re doing,” said Creecy. “A number of other sophomores have started in spots as well. The team’s got a very good young core.”

And if nothing else, the soon-to-be-sophomore players will be well-versed on at least one other quirk of “Coach Doe” – his penchant for calling trick plays at any given time.

Five times this season, the freshman Wildcats scored on the first play of the game – on a trick play.

“That’s just us trying to get the momentum early,” said Creecy.

“We played more close ones this season than last, so it came in handy.”