Barnes, Booker T. Washington hold off Ehret in Thursday night shootout

It had been heartbreak city for Booker T. Washington.

The Lions entered Thursday night’s game against John Ehret having lost its first two games, each by a scant point.

It was another close game Thursday night against the Patriots, a high-scoring battle from the start.

This time, the losing trend ended.

Booker T. Washington outscored John Ehret, 48-42, in a thriller at Hoss Memtsas Stadium.

The Lions took a 16-13 lead after one quarter before the Patriots rallied to take a 27-24 lead at halftime behind pair of touchdowns by Wardell Mack, one each rushing and receiving. Ehret led 35-32 after three quarters.

Tulane commit Arnold Barnes simply would not led the Lions lose.

Barnes raced 55 yards for a score early in the fourth quarter to give the Lions a 40-35 lead.

Charles Coleman returned a kickoff 81 yards for a touchdown but Barnes produced what proved to be the winning score on a 65-yard run.

Barnes erupted for 365 yards on 22 carries with six touchdowns, based on the official numbers of Booker T. Washington, in a simply brilliant performance.

“We finished tonight,” Lions coach Wayne Reese Jr. said. “We played four quarters. Our offensive line did a great job. Our defense held up when it had to. We did all the little things right. We practice the little things during the week and let everything else take care of itself. That finally got us a win.”

Reese had huge praise for his star running back.

“Arnold was excellent,” Reese said. “He had a big night because of the offensive line. Arnold did his job. I don’t want to step on any toes but I know a lot of great running backs played on that field. I’ve been around for a while. I think that’s one of the best performances I’ve seen on that field in many years.”

It does not get any easier as Booker T. Washington (1-2) battles Warren Easton next Friday night while John Ehret (0-3) will still be in search of its first win, hosting Bogalusa next Saturday afternoon at Hoss Memtsas Stadium.

“This schedule is tough,” Reese said. “I told you that before the season. If you want to be the best, you have to play the best. We are playing good teams. We know it will be tough but we welcome the opportunity to improve and show what we are capable of. We start working on them at midnight.”

Louisiana Prep Football Finals for Thursday, Sept. 15
Abramson 36, Jefferson Rise 30 (3 OT)
Acadiana 48, New Iberia 14
Alexandria 54, Natchitoches Central 6
Booker T. Washington (NO) 48, John Ehret 42
Byrd 14, Calvary Baptist 7
Erath 30, Catholic (NI) 14
Franklin Parish 47, Rayville 14
H.L. Bourgeois 26, Ellender 14
Iota 15, Crowley 8
Istrouma 42, Broadmoor 20
John Curtis Christian 28, Oak Grove (MS) 23
Kentwood 32, East Feliciana 26
Live Oak 41, Bonnabel 7
Madison 26, Lafayette Renaissance 6
Northeast 14, Fisher 13
Ponchatoula 23, St. Thomas Aquinas 8
Opelousas Catholic 52, Port Barre 0
Red River 39, Woodlawn (SH) 6
Sophie B. Wright 20, The Willow School 3
St. Martin’s 35, Riverdale 20
St. Martinville 41, Breaux Bridge 13
Vidalia 62, Block 20
Walker 35, Mandeville 32
Welsh 65, Hamilton Christian 0