Warren Easton coasts into semifinals with one goal in mind

When you have excellent players and are well coached, your game will play anywhere.

No. 2 Warren Easton was a long way from home in Shreveport Friday night but it did not matter as the Eagles easily handled No. 7 Northwood 34-7 in the Class 4A quarterfinals.

UL-Lafayette commit Jahmal Sam returned a kickoff 99 yards for a score and ran 96 yards for another touchdown. He rushed four times for 108 yards and the score and caught three passes for 22 yards. Kiaeem Green, who was previously committed to Louisiana Tech, had three catches for 55 yards.

Lance Legendre, who has as many as 18 college offers, was 9-of-19 for 113 yards and a touchdown. Junior Shaddie Clayton, who has offers from LSU, Auburn, Texas, Georgia and Tulane, among others, rushed 22 times for 170 yards.

Speaking on The Three Tailgaters Show Saturday morning on WGSO, 990 AM, Easton coach Jerry Phillips once gain made a bold claim about Legendre.

“I have said this many times but I think Lance is the best quarterback in the state and country,” Phillips said. “He is a great young man, a great student, a great player and leader. He will make anyone very happy at the next level. Shaddie can write his own ticket. He has really good speed and toughness. He will be among the top backs anywhere next year. Kiaeem has made plays for us all year long.”

Warren Easton (10-2) will now host No. 6 Leesville Friday night in the semifinals. The Wampus Cats outscored No. 3 St. Martinville 53-49. The winner reaches the state title game on Dec. 8.

“We have to be concerned about Leesville after they scored 53 points on a good team,” Phillips said. “We know we will have to prepare properly and be ready to play.”

Phillips believes that his team has the mettle to win a state championship.

“Because we are more mature, have talent and have a good work ethic,” Phillips said. “This team understands what it takes to win and we are well prepared having faced Karr, John Curtis, Landry-Walker, Belle Chasse, Jesuit and Brother Martin.”

The danger is to look ahead to the rematch that everyone has pointed to since Nov. 1 when two-time defending 4A state champion Karr edged Warren Easton 21-20. Of course, the Cougars must get past No. 4 Neville next Friday night to reach the title game.

“We know what people are saying, what they are expecting,” Phillips said. “We always believe we will win, as well, but we have to focus on the task at hand. You cannot win the title it you don’t get there. Our entire attention is on a good Leesville team.”