Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LAPLACE — Several prep football teams in the River Parishes are entering the 2022 season in high spirits after dominating performances in the jamboree.

Riverside Academy, East St. John and St. James found success under the Thursday night lights.

Looking to improve after last year’s 3-5 season under the new leadership of first-year head coach Lee Roussel, the Rebels knew they would be depending on all-state running back Elijah Davis.

Davis did not disappoint Thursday night, rushing for three touchdowns during Riverside’s 27-7 win over Hannan. One of the touchdowns came from 65 yards out, making it the longest of the night. Riverside also scored a touchdown on a run by Emmanuel Franklin Jr., a small in stature but explosive slot receiver.

Riverside will officially open the season Sept. 2 with a home game against St. Thomas Aquinas.

East St. John and St. James will open the season with a true battle of the wildcats next week at Joe Keller Stadium in Reserve. Both teams collected jamboree wins Thursday night, with the St. James Wildcats knocking down Vandebilt Catholic 14-7 and East St. John posting a decisive 44-0 shutout over their rival from across the river.

West St. John could not keep pace with The “E” as running back George Martin charged forward for three touchdowns. Other offensive contributions came from Dwayne Brown, Dkhai Joseph and Kendall Walker.

While East St. John fell short of the playoffs last season, the bulk of the team has returned with a new energy, more experience, and a hunger for redemption.

Under the leadership of new head coach LaVanta Davis, who replaces Robert Valdez, the St. James Wildcats added two touchdowns in the second half of Thursday’s jamboree against Vandebilt Catholic. Running back Kaden Williams scored on a five-yard dash into the end zone, followed by a longer touchdown pass from quarterback Brayden Williams to Kobe Brown.