By Terrell Robinson Jr.

L’Observateur

St. Charles took advantage of their host’s hospitality Friday night, dominating its game with Lusher from the opening kickoff until the waning seconds. In a true team effort, the Comets scored three touchdowns in the first quarter and maintained control of the game thereafter, finishing with a 59-6 win in their first district game of the season.

It was St. Charles’ special teams that struck first, when LaJaylin Smith recovered a blocked Lusher punt in the endzone a mere three minutes into the game. Their defense would force two more turnovers in the first quarter, both fumbles, which set up the Comet’s offense with excellent field position.

“That blocked punt in the first quarter really set the tempo for them”, said Lusher coach Louis Landrum. “We can’t afford to make those kind of mistakes”.

Running Back Marcus Hall led the Comet’s offense, scoring three touchdowns on 93 yards rushing. The visiting team rushed for 192 yards on the night, with Brandon Zimmer and Lazedrick Thompson taking over backfield duties in the second half. Wide Receiver Jeffrey Hall scored in the second quarter on a six-yard pass from quarterback Donnie Savoie, then took the opening kickpff of the third quarter 80 yards for a touchdown. He also scored on a 24 -ard reception from quarterback Donnie Savoie in the second quarter.

Even after many of the starters had been pulled, St. Charles continued to control the clock by relying on their ground game. Lazedrick Thompson, Brandon Zimmer and Savoie all ran in touchdowns after halftime to pull away from the home team early.

The Comets were likewise effective on defense the entire night, ceding only one fourth quarter score to their opponents. Lusher quarterback Kennard Davis ran in for a three yard touchdown with eleven minutes remaining in the contest. They would not threaten again.

“We were able to build an early lead out of the gate, so that was fortunate”, said St. Charles head coach Frank Monica. “At the same time, we have to avoid succumbing to a sort of football schizophrenia. We know we can’t always depend on fortune”.

Nor are they likely to be afforded such convenience next week as St. Charles will look to remain undefeated as they host a very capable Newman team.