Griffins spoil final game for ESJ

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, February 3, 2010

By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE – Dutchtown ended a short-handed East St. John team’s season with a loss on Friday night, emerging with a 5-0 District 6-I win at Joe Keller Memorial Stadium.

The Wildcats played with only 11 players due to assorted injuries and other outside factors.

ESJ (6-15-3, 2-8) trailed 2-0 at halftime, but Dutchtown broke things open with three goals in the second half. The scores came in succession after Wildcats’ defender Matthew Fobb was shaken up and pulled from the game, briefly leaving the Wildcats with only 10 players.

“We played pretty well, but it’s been one of those kinds of years,” said Dupuy. “They dumped in two or three goals real quick.”

After finishing 1-9 within its district schedule last season, East St. John has improved to 2-8 in 6-I. More importantly, though, may be the team’s improved showing over the entirety of the district slate.

ESJ split with its two most fierce rivals in Hahnville and Destrehan, and stayed competitive throughout most of their losses.

“We had so many young guys that got experience this year against tough competition,” said Dupuy. “In this district, anyone can be beat if they aren’t careful. We took a step forward this year.”

Dupuy is optimistic about next season because of the promise many of his players have shown, including Fobb, leading scorer DeChris Strong, and forward Andrew Alexander among others.

“I think we’re in good position to make a run at district next season,” said Dupuy. “You could see the potential all season. It’s just a matter of putting it together.”