RESERVE — After losing starting quarterback Marquise Darensbourg to a shoulder injury, then backup quarterback Shayhan Williams to a torn ACL, the East St. John High Wildcats had every reason to fold this week.

Instead, the Wildcats rallied around their fallen friend and celebrated homecoming with a solid 33-13 victory against H.L. Bourgeois in the District 6-5A opener for both teams.

It was an emotional night for the Wildcats.

The team entered the field through their giant inflatable Wildcat behind Williams, who was pushed in a wheelchair. His teammates and coaches surrounded him, all holding four fingers in the air, signifying Williams’ jersey No. 4.

Many of the players wrote Williams name and number on their wrist and arm tap as well.

When it was gametime, though, the Wildcats put all their faith in third string sophomore Dasmain “Duke” Crosby. The  diminutive youngster (he’s 5-foot-7), who had to finish last week’s game after Williams was injured, led his team to victory with poise. He was 7 of 17 for 149 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for a score.

Javon Antonio scored on touchdown passes of 45 and 38 yards, finishing the night with three catches for 96 yards.

Crosby’s favorite target early in the game was wide receiver C.J. Turner, who switched his jersey number from No. 80 to No. 4 to honor the injured Williams.

Turner finished the night with four catches for 43 yards and one touchdown.

Shelvin Keller handled the ground game rushing for 90 yards on 17 carries.

The Wildcats defense delivered, as well, holding H.L. Bourgeois to 33 yards and two first downs on the night — one by penalty, the other on a 17-yard touchdown run by Jude LeCompte.

The Braves’ other score came on a 30-yard interception return by Rayshawn Mart, who had two on the night.

East St. John struck early, with Crosby finding Turner for 9 and 30 yards on the first drive. Crosby ran in from the 5 for the first score with a little more than four minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Turner put the Wildcats ahead 13-0 early in the second quarter, finding Turner for a 3-yard pass with 11:16 remaining in the half.

The Braves scored back-to-back touchdowns, the first by LeCompte with 3:00 remaining in the half.

Less than a minute later, Mart intercepted Crosby on the Wildcats’ first play of the next possession.

That would be all the Braves could muster, however. East St. John went on to score three unanswered touchdowns.

St. Charles Catholic 18, Central 12

The Comets had to hold on to get their victory on the road, after coach Frank Monica was taken from the game by ambulance.

According to several reports, Monica, now in his 25th season at St. Charles, told his staff he didn’t feel well at halftime. Paramedics were called and Monica was taken from the field by ambulance to a Baton Rouge area hospital.

He was reported to be stable.

Then the Comets had to fend off a rally by the Wildcats.

St. Charles led 18-0 at the half, but gave up a touchdown, a field goal and a safety in the second half.

The Comets were trying to run out the clock in the fourth quarter when the Wildcats nabbed an interception. The St. Charles defense held, however, pushing Central back across midfield with stops and penalties. That allowed the Comets to run out the clock.

Riverside Academy 34, Plaquemine 20

Rebels quarterback Jordan Loving was 15 of 22 for 213 yards and two touchdowns, plus he ran for another to help Riverside to victory.

Jeremy Gibson had 18 carries for 91 yards and two scores .

Plaquemine turned the ball over five times, including a late interception by Cardaz Joseph, who returned it to the 2.

Loving ran in from there to cap the scoring.

Kentwood 15, West St. John 0

The Kangaroos opened the game with an 85-yard kickoff return and never looked back.

Playing without starting quarterback Austin Alexander, who suffered a concussion last week, the Rams were held to 182 yards of total offense. Kentwood gained 229.