The Game Of The Week – Intensity, Momentum Changes, Lead Changes, Suspense – East Ascension vs Warren Easton
– Jo Gonzales Content Editor and Evaluator/Analyst Recruit Louisiana
In a non-district battle in Gonzales Friday night two of the top teams in Louisiana met on the battle field to do just that – Battle For The Win. A true test of endurance, teamwork, and playing until the clock was at zero is all that can be said about this game. If there is a game this season that neither team should have had to take the loss, this one would definitely go down with the vote.
To say the most about this game, it was a field of athletes that made athletic plays all night long, with two great coaching staffs that pushed them to be the best they could be and to leave it all on the field.
The showdown between East Ascension and Warren Easton, two highly ranked teams in the state, was heralded as a top game in the Baton Rouge area and it did not disappoint anyone who came to see these two great teams play.
It was a battle test of wills and determination as the Eagles found themselves under 2 minutes remaining in the game and trailing the Spartans 35-42. Holmes, Clayton and the Eagles offense went to work to mount a quick offensive series that came down to a final Hail Mary pass into the endzone. Eagles senior wide receiver Jewell Holmes caught the pass for a touchdown as the last second of the game ticked off the clock, bringing the score to 42-41 Spartans. Head Coach for Warren Easton Jerry Phillips made the decision to go for the win. “In a game and environment like this, you don’t play for overtime. You have to go for the win,” HC Phillips said.
This set up the final dramatic play of the game as both teams lined up for the final play. Would the Eagles be able to get in the endzone to take the win or would the Spartan defense dig in and stand their ground one more time? The result, a total defensive stance on the 2-point conversion by the entire Spartan defense to stop Easton’s quarterback Dayshawn Holmes short of the goal line.
Defensively for the Spartans Sophomore linebacker, Rionte Jones, lead the charge with a hard hitting and physical attack. He was all over the field and in every play, including a tip and interception in the last minutes of the game to give the ball back to the offense. Jones also contributed on special teams as the Spartans where looking to punt on 4th down but the ball was handed off to Jones on a fake. Jones turned back into the physical running back he once was, as he reversed field and pounded his way through would-be tacklers to fight for the first down. This gave the Spartans a critical first down to extend a much needed offensive drive.
Another defensive player that stood out, Junior defensive back Kael Babin who snagged an interception at crucial time during the game.
“They (the entire Spartan Team) literally did what it took to get this win,” stated Head Coach Darnell Lee. “It took all areas of the game to win tonight and I am proud to be a Spartan. I am happy for our team, they played hard. Our slogan is “We are bigger than Me”, we challenge our guys to put the guy next to them ahead of themselves. Do what it takes!”
East Ascension’s high flying and offensive aerial attack between Senior QB Cameron Jones and two of the most dynamic receivers in the state, Senior WR Steven “Stevo” McBride and Jyrin Johnson was exciting all night.
Game Notes:
Warren Easton got on the board first when quarterback Dayshawn Holmes faked the hand off to Clayton and scrambled, virtually untouched into the endzone for the touchdown. 2-Pt conversion was good as Holmes’ short pass to defensive lineman, yes defensive lineman, Junior (6’1″ 240) Sidney “Country” Humble was complete and Humble over powered the Spartan defenders to get into the endzone. (8-0 Warren Easton)
Junior Alred Luke Jr. showed his lightning speed when he took a short pass from Holmes and darted down the sideline for a touchdown with 3:26 left in the 1st quarter. Extra Point good (15-0 Warren Easton)
Senior WR Jyrin Johnson takes the pass from Jones and scampers down the sideline into the endzone to give the Spartans their first TD of the night. (7-15 Eagles)
Senior WR Steven McBride with a big time reception for a Spartan touchdown to bring them within one (14-15 Eagles) with 10:26 left in the half.
Outstanding defensive play and interception by EA’s Kael Babin with 4:47 left in the first half to give the ball back to the offense. On 4th down the Spartans fake the punt and the ball does to Sophomore running back, converted linebacker, Rionte Jone who reverses field and rumbles and stumbles for the first down. Pass from Grayson to McBride in the endzone for a touchdown then ties the game up at 21. Half time score 21-21
Coming out of halftime the Spartans mount one of the best offensive series of the game with both the running and aerial attack (Jyrin Johnson, Goodlow (Jr, SB), Washington (Soph, RB) in full display. Senior Cameron Jones takes the quarterback keep and scampers into the endzone for the Spartans first lead of the game 28-21 East Ascension.
Warren Easton will not be denied and strikes back. Senior running back Ashaad “Shaddie” Clayton turned it up a few notches and showed why he is one of the top running backs in the state as he rips off back to back touchdowns with runs from 54 Yards and 68 Yards to put the Eagles back to a 35-28 lead at the end of the 3rd Quarter.
Senior wide receiver Steven McBride strikes again as he and Jones connect for a Spartan touchdown, tying the game at 35 apiece with 9:11 left in the game.
Almost a muff punt but Spartans get it off and pin the Eagles deep, tipped pass by Rionte Jones leads to an interception by Kael Babin and the Spartans get the ball back on offense.
Fake field goal and the quick pass to a waiting Jyrin Johnson who takes it to the house with 2 minutes left giving the Spartans the lead 42-35.
But warriors do not yield especially in a game like this, here come the Eagles. Warren Easton’s offense marched down the field, Eagles senior wide receiver Jewell Holmes caught a Hail Mary pass from Holmes for a touchdown as the last second of the game ticked off the clock, bringing the score to 42-41 Spartans.
Defensive stance on 2-Pt conversion by the Spartan Defense and that is your game. 42-41 East Ascension
Warren Easton Eagles: Warren Easton’s Offense netted 477 Yards of Offense with a majority of it (433 Yards) coming from senior Dayshawn Holmes and senior running back Ashaad Clayton, who looked to be strong during the run game after coming back from injury.
Dayshawn Holmes – Passing Yards 163 Yards, Rushing Yards 97 Yards
Ashaad Clayton – 13 Carries 176 Yards 2 TD’s (54 Yards, 68 Yards)
East Ascension Spartans:
Cameron Jones – Passing 18-33 197 Yards
Steven McBride – Receiving 5 Receptions 111 Yards 3 TD’s
