By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE – East St. John broke through last week for its first district victory, defeating Destrehan, 1-0, on the road.

But in what was essentially an elimination game for ESJ’s postseason contention, Hahnville came away from Reserve with a 2-1 victory in overtime over the Wildcats.

The Tigers’ win puts them in fourth place in district play. The top four teams are eligible to advance to the postseason.

Andrew Alexander scored the Wildcats’ lone goal in each game.

He’d score the eventual game-winner against Destrehan (4-11-2, 1-7) 15 minutes into the first half, on a shot from 25 yards away.

“That win was a good boost for momentum as (at the time) it kept us alive in the playoff race,” said East St. John coach Paul Dupuy. “I think to a point you need to see results and we kept losing these close games … I think the win gave our guys a sense of confidence that we can step up and play with these guys.

“We’ve just had a number of close ones slip away.”

Dupuy praised the team’s defensive play after the shutout, noting in particular the move DeChris Strong made to sweeper. Strong, who has played forward for most of the season, was able to make plays at the defensive end for ESJ (10-9-3, 1-7).

“He did a fantastic job cutting off their speed attack.

“Everyone did a very good job and I think our defense wore them out and led to some good offensive attacks,” said Dupuy.

Against Hahnville (11-8-1, 3-5), Alexander again opened things up with a goal in the first half and ESJ led 1-0. But Hahnville rallied to tie things up in the second half, and ultimately scored the game-winner in overtime.

East St. John was scheduled to face St. Amant Tuesday night after press time, and will travel to Dutchtown for its final game of the season Friday night.

“It’s been a good, but sometimes frustrating season in that we’ve been so close so many times,” said Dupuy. “But now, we’re looking to upset St. Amant and Dutchtown.