ESJ defensive back Francis pulls in three interceptions, scores

By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

RESERVE – East St. John kept everything perfect on the season with a 62-21 district victory over John Ehret last Friday in Reserve where the Wildcats used a potent rushing attack that included 333 yards on the ground, 140 of which were gained by Johnny Owen to go with his four touchdowns.

It started quick for ESJ in the 5-5A match-up, with a 21-yard touchdown pass reception by Joshuelle Tuesno from quarterback Johnny Thiel.

They added to that with a 13 yard run by Johnny Owen and a 54-yard interception return by Dwayne Francis, one of his three picks in the game, for a 21-0 lead before the second quarter even began.

After the first period of action, Tuesno kept things going when he got into the end zone on the Wildcats next possession, going 61 yards for the score after breaking free at the line of scrimmage. Thiel also made another touchdown connection through the air in this quarter, this one to Jarrod Sterling covering 26 yards. Ehret managed to break into the end zone just before the half to make it 35-7.

The second half was a battle between the ground games as ESJ put up 27 more points, much of it contributed by Owen who scored on runs of 3, 8 and 65 yards. Tuesno also put in much of his 132 yards after the break, helping to keep the clock going to secure the win.

Thiel finished the game with nine completions for 60 yards and two TDs to go with his 30 yards rushing.

Ehret was led in the effort by Rico Jones who rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown from the quarterback position. He also passed for a 15-yard touchdown.

The win puts ESJ at 7-0 on the season and 2-0 in district. Ehret falls to 3-4, 0-2.

Next up, the Wildcats take on Assumption in a district home game this Friday. There is a three-team tie for first in district 5-5A between ESJ, Destrehan and Assumption.