East St. John all-purpose player Ricky Dixon is all business on Friday nights

By GEORGE MAHL

Sports Editor

RESERVE – When most people think of East St. John football the first name that pops into their head is quarterback Ryan Perrilloux. The highly-touted QB has gotten much of the attention from media as well as college coaches.

Through it all, however, one player that seems to have been forgotten by some people is all-purpose player Ricky Dixon. The junior has played quarterback, running back and wide receiver for the Wildcats in 2004.

“I really don’t think it matters too much with regards to which position I play. If you know one, you pretty much know the other,” Dixon said.

Dixon looks to be the heir-apparent to Perrilloux, as we will likely be the East St. John signal caller in 2005. East St. John Head Football Coach Larry Dauterive is excited about seeing Dixon start in 2005.

“Ricky is a phenomenal athlete,” said Dauterive. “If he was on any other team in the state, he would be the starting quarterback.”

Like everyone else, Dixon is just in awe at some of the things Perrilloux can do.

“What can you say about Ryan? The guy is just a playmaker,” said Dixon.

“I think it is going to be a challenge for me. I have got some big shoes to fill.”

Dixon is confident the team will win the remainder of their games and hopefully make a run in the playoffs.

“I think in a way we have exceeded some people’s expectations. A lot of them thought our offense was not going to be as good as last year’s because we have nine new starters on offense,” he said. “We have many weapons.”

The biggest play for Dixon so far this year was in a 32-27 defeat against Hahnville on October 1. He caught an 87-yard touchdown pass from Perrilloux.

“It was a four-yard out play and Ryan hit me. I did not realize it was 87-yards until the next day,” he said.

His stats in 2004 speak for themself. He has 26 catches for 393 yards and three touchdowns, 222 yards rushing and four touchdowns, and he has thrown a touchdown pass for 22-yards against Terrebonne. He has eight total touchdowns this year.

“He (Dixon) is the jack of all trades. We are pleased to have him,” Dauterive said.

Dauterive added that with Perrilloux playing baseball this past spring, college coaches got a chance to see Dixon participate in spring drills.

“The college coaches loved this kid. If he can improve his grades a little, he will be a Division 1-A signee.”