West Monroe runs past East St. John, 27-8

West Monroe dominated a Class 5A playoff opponent from south Louisiana in the second half for the second straight week, defeating East St John 27-8 after just a 6-0 halftime lead to advance to the semifinals Friday on Don Shows Field at Rebel Stadium.

Running back Derome Williams was again the show pony with 118 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

Williams scored the only touchdowns of the game through three quarters.

West Monroe led just 6-0 at halftime on a 27-yard score by the senior running back.

Williams extended the lead early in the third quarter but the Rebel offense was often hampered by fumbles (losing three of the three) and a physical play from the Wildcats.

“They were the most physical team we have played without a doubt,” West Monroe coach Jerry Arledge said. “You try to set the stage for kids. And they are starting to believe in one another.”

East St. John had a terrible 11 second sequence in the third quarter that put the game out of reach.

West Monroe freshman quarterback Hayden Federico entered after a hard hit knocked senior Lane Little’s helmet off.

Federico ran for 11 yards then finished the drive with a one-yard plunge into the endzone to give West Monroe a 20-0 lead.

Seconds later, Kade Pittard stepped in front of a Marcus Jackson pass and raced 12 yards untouched for another score.

West Monroe has outscored opponents 41-8 in the second half the past two games.

Williams ran for a game-high 123 yards on 18 carries as the Rebels filled up 251 yards rushing and 289 of total offense.

Arledge and the Rebels now travel to Alexandria to face district foe Alexandria in a rematch of a close game two months ago as West Monroe still thinks it hasn’t shown it’s best dspsite outscoring opponents 98-40 through three games.

“I do not believe we have hit our peak yet,” Arledge said. “And I ask them after every game if we played the best we can.”