Baton Rouge - East Iberville is off to a great start to the 2024 season with a 3-0 record. They've scored nearly 150 points in their first three games, and many of those points have come from senior running back Ashontis Brooks.

Brooks had 230 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns in East Iberville's win over Northeast. He also had 135 yards and another score on kick returns. 

After having three straight losing seasons for his high school career, the start of this season gives Brooks and his team a lot of confidence moving forward. They've been able to play so well because of how they prepare for Friday nights.

"We always practice as if we're playing in a game. We have situational things during a practice that we try to get our kids moving, so because of that and the execution of what we do at practice, it makes it simple for them to relay it to the game," first year head coach Peter Villa said.

The Tigers use Brooks where ever they need him to be on the field. He's played as a running back, safety and kick returner. However, pushing the ball into the end zone is what he enjoys most. 

"I feel like I excel the best at running back. I'd say that's my position that I've really played... I started playing running back my 10th grade year, so I'm pretty used to it now," Brooks said.

"I think he has something that I think a lot of scouts and stuff are going to be looking for. He's a down hill runner. He's able to change directions. He's patient. He's not only patient, but he also has a lot of poise with him," Villa added.

Brooks currently has two college offers and hopes to take his talents to the next level, and hopefully more performances like the one against Northeast will put more attention on the running back from St. Gabriel.

The Tigers look to keep the momentum going as they face Coach Villa's former school, the Donaldsonville Tigers, on Friday, and Brooks wants to get the win for his coach.

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Baton Rouge - St. Michael football has created an identity in being a run heavy offense. Senior running back John Martinez lit up the scoreboard last Friday in their win over Tara to enforce a solid ground game.

Martinez rushed for 164 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. He is on his way to hopefully match or top his junior season where he rushed for 1,179 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

Martinez says that as a freshman, he was undersized, but he spent a lot of time in the weight room and working on his game to get where he is now as a go-to back for the Warriors.

St. Michael's season didn't get off to the best start after losing to Episcopal in week one. Since then, Martinez and other seniors on the team have stepped up as leaders to get the team back on track. It seemed to have worked when the Warriors beat Tara 46-0.

"We struggled in the first bit, but we've been seeing it in practice, and that's where it's got to start off in practice, where we could take it to the games. I definitely fuss at them a good bit, and I think they they need that sometimes, but I also need it too. So whenever I'm struggling, they'll pick me up, and whenever they're struggling, I'll pick them up," Martinez said.

The road will only get tougher from here, though. The Warriors are looking to surge past a quarterfinal finish in the play offs, but playing in 6-4A will be a battle every week.

"I think the ceiling is what we make it. You know, we are in a very competitive district. I've talked about this before, 6-4A, is often overlooked. You know, we want to take care of our game plan, and that's what we expect from John to be able to help lead that offense, and do what we need to do, and come away with a win," Head coach Zach Leger said.

St. Michael will face district opponent, Istrouma, this Friday in their official home opener at Olympia Stadium. Their first home game of the season against Episcopal was moved to Strawberry Stadium due to weather, so this is their first time in Olympia Stadium as the home team this season.

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