By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Brandon Trant scored two goals to lead East St. John as it in its soccer season opener last Wednesday, defeating Independence 5-0.

Ricky Grinstead, Juan Rodriguez and Terrence Crushfield all scored goals in the victory.

“We are really young,” said East St. John Coach Paul Dupuy. “We still have a long way to go. Our district is really tough. It’s a process though. I’m hoping we improve a lot more.

East St. John (1-0) led 3-0 at halftime before Dupuy subbed in some of his younger players for the second half.

Dupuy says that the scoring in first game was indicative of what he expects this year. That being that his team will rely heavily on seniors Crushfield, Grinstead, and Trant.

“Those three are already playing at a high level,” said Dupuy. “I want to see them continue to improve. They’ve gotten stronger. I’m looking for them to step up big this year.”

East St. John will travel this weekend to Denham Springs for the Dutchtown tournament on Friday.