The North Iberville Bears are continuing on their memorable run since returning back to the varsity ranks for the first time in 15 years as the Bears are playing like they never left. The Bears have improved their record now to 6-0 and they also won their first district game against the St. John Eagles with a 32-28 victory.
Although the Bears are still unbeaten, their recent win was not as easy as it seemed it was going to be. Entering the fourth quarter, North Iberville had a 26-8 lead over St. John, but the Eagles soared back to score 20 unanswered points and took the lead when Caden Cannella trucked a North Iberville defender for a five yard touchdown to make it 28-26 with two minutes left to play.
This would be the biggest test of the season to date for this North Iberville Bears team that is returning back to varsity action, and they were able to past that test. The Eagles’ two point lead did not last long as it only took a minute for the Bears to respond as Jeremy Favorite took a toss and scored on an 8 yard rushing touchdown to make it 32-28.
“Playing Wing T teams, you don’t see them come back from three score deficits and they stuck to their game plan, grinded out a comeback, and we haven’t been in a situation like that this year. We ran away with every game so far. We haven’t had a deficit in the fourth quarter, but we practice that stuff. We practiced two minute offense and they didn’t flinch. I am very proud of our guys for stepping up and showing resiliency. I think that is going to be huge for us down the stretch as we go through the rest of the season.”
North Iberville Head Coach Joshua Gast
St. John had one final chance with the football, but the Eagles tried a hook and ladder play that ended up going out of bounds when the time expired.
The Eagles, led by head coach Bryan Troxclair, started off hot jumping out to an 8-0 lead going on a 14 play, 82 yard drive that took seven minutes off the clock. Ahmad Wilson was able to get the touchdown run while Tyler Edwards connected with Dalwine Beloney for the two point conversion.
The Bears had an offensive explosion in the second quarter with three touchdowns in that 12 minute period to take a 20-8 lead at halftime. First, Justice Roy completed a 27 yard screen to Corey Domino that put them on the board followed by a two point conversion from Jeremy Favorite to tie the game. Then, Roy hit Bra’Jon Melancon twice once on a deep 43 yard touchdown pass and the second right before halftime to set up a quarterback sneak for a touchdown heading into the break.
In the second half, North Iberville even extended its lead at 26-8 when Mekell Toussaint spun out of a tackle and outran St. John defenders 52 yards for a touchdown to what seemed to be the nail in the coffin, but nobody told the Eagles that.
Just entering the fourth quarter, Nathan Burleigh scored on a six yard touchdown run and the two point conversion to pull the Eagles within 10 at 26-16. After St. John forced a punt and got great field position on a short punt, the Eagles scored on the first play of the drive with a 45 yard touchdown run by Daniel Braud to make it 26-22.
With the momentum being swung towards St. John, the Eagles got another defensive stop and had another long drive with a 14 play, 57 yard drive to take a short lead at 28-26, which set up an entertaining final two minutes in this Iberville Parish classic.
Justice Roy completed 12 of 23 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Bra’Jon Melancon finished with four grabs for 97 yards and a touchdown.
“We always have each other’s back. Sometimes, the defense carries us and they did last week where it was 8-8 at halftime and they kept us in it. Sometimes, the offense does when they need to. Whatever the situation is so far, I am proud of our guys for meeting it. I tell our guys all the time that comfort is the enemy of progress. We are trying to take a step forward every week. We are going to meet new challenges and we got to expect that and be ready. I can’t be more proud of our guys right now and the coaching staff too. Everybody was ready to step up when we needed it.”
North Iberville Head Coach Josh Gast
For St. John, Ahmad Wilson finished the game with 112 yards and a touchdown to lead a rushing attack that had 306 yards on the ground.
North Iberville will be looking to keep its undefeated season next week against White Castle while St. John will take on Ascension Catholic next Thursday.
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