By GEORGE MAHL – Sports Editor

RESERVE – The East St. John football coaches, players and families celebrated the 2003 football season with their annual football awards banquet. Head Coach Larry Dauterive read poems about each player that received an award.

The Best Special Teams Player Award went to kicker Alex McCollum, who made 69 of 77 extra point attempts.

“He did a lot this year while coaching himself,” said Dauterive.

“People are quick to criticize him missing an extra point, but what about those seven in a row he made,” he said.

The Best Defensive Back Award went to Cleveland Jones. Dauterive had some interesting things to say about Jones.

“Instead of coming to practice on Sunday, he decided to attend a Saints game. That is a no-no with Coach Doe.”

Jones, who led the district with seven interceptions, ended up talking with Dauterive after the incident and ironing things out.

“He came to grips with all of his wrong doings,” said Dauterive.

The Wildcats had co-winners for the Best Defensive Lineman Award. Chris Favors and Carlose Scott each earned and award. Dauterive described Favors as “the heart and soul of the defensive.” The second year head coach got emotional when describing his talented defensive lineman.

“It’s too bad most college coaches only look at his height and weight. Because there is no way you can measure his heart,” he said.

Scott, on the other hand, had an incredible year for the Wildcats. He amassed 17 1/2 sacks, blocked two kicks and 29 tackles for a loss.

“His presence put fear in offensive lineman. He worked real hard when he was in there,” said Dauterive.

Eric Armstrong took home the award for best linebacker. Dauterive said Armstrong was the hardest hitter they had.

“He would hit so hard he would end up with a headache.”

Not to anyone’s surprise, Reggie Joesph took home the Best Receiver Award.

“Reggie was driven and had a terrific work ethic,” Dauterive said of Joseph.

“I told him there were two things he needed to do to become a great receiver: get faster and pass strength tests. He did both of them.” Several of Joseph’s catched were 50 yards or more. He caught 48 passes for 900 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2003. Joseph signed a scholarship with Colorado earlier this month.

“Colorado will be getting nothing but the best from Reggie Joseph,” said Dauterive.

The Wildcats had two awards for best offensive backs. Perrilloux and Thomas each took home those awards. Dauterive said Thomas excelled as a running back to “catch the eye of every coach.” Thomas had 2,714 total yards and scored 31 touchdowns in 2003. One of the most memorable games was his game against Hahnville.

“Who could forget that game. It’s like he ran for a quarter of a mile,” Dauterive said. Against HHS, Thomas rushed for 300 yards in the first half.

The All-State running back was also named 1st team All -American by Super Prep Magazine.

Perrilloux ran up 3,500 yards cf total offense, while leading a team to nearly 53 points per game. In addition, he scored over 40 touchdowns.

“Some of the things Ryan did were freighting,” Dauterive said. “He enjoyed a season most people only dream about.”

The best offensive lineman went to several people. Kerry Raymond, Wesley Housely, Kendrick Mitchell, Zoe White and Byron Anderson each earned top honors. Housely signed a scholarship with Southern Mississippi earlier this month.

David “Bubba” Stewart got the Hardest Worker Award.

“Bubba Stewart is a survivor. He is someone who hung around to capitalize on his chances,” Dauterive said.

Wide receiver Antoine Anderson received the Most Improved Player Award.

“With the speed he had, he was the perfect compliment to Reggie (Joseph). He would fly past defenders,” said Dauterive.

Tight-end Ricky Johnson earned the Scholastic Award.

“He caught everything we threw to him,” said Dauterive. “This is what student-athlete really means.”

Perrilloux and Thomas were named co-MVP’s for the 2003 season. In addition, White and Favors were named team captains.

Lettermen’s jackets were also issued to various players at the banquet. Service awards were also given out.