By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

Hitting the road for the first scheduled trip of the season, East St. John found a tough Washington-Marion team that fought their way into the end zone just enough in the first half to keep the Wildcats and Coach Larry Dauterive on their toes.

But the ESJ defense was opportune, taking in two interceptions and a fumble, and holding Washington-Marion scoreless in the third quarter while the offense took a significant lead en route to a 61-34 win.

Quarterback Johnnie Thiel led the onslaught with six touchdowns, five rushing, which contributed to the Wildcat’s 411 total yards on the ground in the game. Two of Thiel’s TD runs were 62- and 63-yards, respectively and his passing touchdown to Joshuelle Tuesno in the fourth quarter covered ten yards.

Johnny Owen got things started in the opening with the first two touchdowns of the game, on runs of 5 and 25-yards. With the extra points by Radi Jabour, the Widlcats went up 14-0.

That set Thiel up to direct an offense that accumulated 568 total yards on the night. The Wildcat’s final score came on a gash by Jaron Howard to make it 61-27.

A late fumble by East St. John went into the hands of Washington-Marion for the final score to make it 61-34.