St. John’s stout defense complements offense

• By ROBIN FAMBROUGH
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Oct 29, 2009 - Page: 11C

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PLAQUEMINE — One well-known cliché states “Behind every good man is a good woman.” 

Credit top-ranked St. John of Class 1A for putting a football spin on the popular phrase — behind the Eagles’ potent offense is a powerful defense.

St. John is yielding 10.1 points per game and has allowed only three fourth-quarter points and 13 first-quarter points all season.

The defensive numbers will be as important as the offensive statistics as the Eagles (7-1, 3-0) host to East Iberville (3-4, 1-2) tonight at Plaquemine High. Ascension Christian (0-2) hosts False River Academy (1-7) in Gonzales in nondistrict action.

Another key game takes place in Tangipahoa Parish. Fourth-ranked Independence (7-1, 3-0) hosts No. 8 Amite (6-2, 3-0) in District 9-3A action.

“We knew we had a chance to be good because we had eight defensive starters back,” St. John coach Tut Musemeche said. “The big thing that they learned in our games with larger schools was how to be tough when they needed to be.

“They found out that sometimes you do give up yards and maybe some big plays. Those plays don’t mean you can’t make stops when you need to.”

The Eagles did not play a Class 1A opponent until District 8-1A started.  St. John’s predistrict schedule consisted of three games against 2A teams, one Class 4A foe and one 5A opponent. SJHS’ lone loss was to 5A Dutchtown.

Yes, the offensive totals are notable. The Eagles are averaging of 31.1 points per game. In 8-1A play, the St. John offense is averaging 438 yards per game, including and 368 rushing.

Also impressive number for the St. John defense — just 81 points allowed in eight games, second only in Class 1A to Grambling.

Returning starter Corey David, a linebacker-safety, and a new starter, defensive back Casey Toussaint are among the leaders for the St. John defense coordinated by Vince Argave, who played quarterback for Musemeche at another local school, St. Michael.

Other returning starters are defensive back Kade Yarbrough, linebacker Warren Bates, linebacker Ryan Suarez, end Nathan Voisin, end Herman Fitch and defensive back Case Randazzo. Another starter, Matthew Marionneaux, shifted to the offensive line with the emergence of freshman Curtis Jones.

“We don’t have the biggest line, but what we do is fly to the ball,” David said. “The thing I like about this group is the way we play together as a team. We’re like a bunch of hornets swarming out there.”