The Pattonville Pirates have been off the area radar in recent years, but they are starting to make some noise in 2014.
Led by a stingy defense and a talented freshman quarterback, the Pirates are off to a 4-0 start this season. Pattonville’s defense has given up only 14 points this season with three shutouts. They are led by junior linebacker Jordan Wilkes, who has four sacks, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. He also leads the team in tackles. Senior defensive end D’Mondre Williams has five quarterback sacks.
On offense, freshman quarterback Kaleb Eleby has been an instant standout with 928 yards passing and nine touchdowns. Eleby has several targets, led by senior Jake Stroker, who has 16 receptions for 353 yards and four touchdowns. Senior running back Tyrone Eastern has rushed for 355 yards and six touchdowns.
The Pirates will get their toughest test of the season to date when perennial state power Webster Groves pays a visit on Friday night at 7 p.m.
Edwardsville dominates ESL
Edwardsville High turned in one dominating performance in defeating East St. Louis 57-32 in their Southwestern Conference showdown last Saturday. The Tigers scored on eight of their nine possessions and put on a show in the passing game. Senior Dan Marinko threw for 441 yards and a school-record seven touchdowns. He also scored on a rushing touchdown. Senior Fontez Davis also had a school-record 258 yards receiving and three touchdowns. It was quite a display of offense for the Tigers, who just barely missed knocking off the state’s No. 1 team in Loyola Wilmette Academy in the previous week.
Under Armour All-Americans
Congratulations to Metro East area standouts Terry Beckner Jr. of East St. Louis and Austin Siebert of Belleville West, who were both selected to participate in the Under Armour All-American Game. The All-Star game will be held in January in Tampa, FL. Both players received their All-Star Game jerseys last weekend in special ceremonies at their respective schools. The 6’4” 290-pound Beckner, Jr. is one of the top defensive linemen in the country. Siebert is one of the top kickers in the nation. He has committed to Oklahoma.
Shout Outs
Miller Career Academy’s Marquis Stewart rushed for 244 yards on 12 carries and scored four touchdowns in the Phoenix’ 68-6 victory over Madison Prep.
University City’s Jabree Mason rushed for 206 yards and three touchdowns in the Lions’ 25-6 victory over Parkway West.
Westminster’s Dyllan Conway had seven receptions for 175 yards and two touchdowns in the Wildcats’ 21-7 victory over MICDS.
Belleville West’s Ramon Stacker scored two defensive touchdowns in the Maroons’ 41-0 victory over Granite City. He scored on a 25-yard interception return and a 20-yard fumble recovery.
Fort Zumwalt South’s Pendlton Whaley and Cameron Jackson combined to rush for 305 yards and five touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 61-41 victory over Holt.
Top Games of the Week
This week’s schedule is loaded with excellent matchups all over the area. Metro Catholic Conference powerhouse CBC will host an emerging Chaminade team on Friday night at 7 p.m. Undefeated Pattonville will host Webster Groves on Friday night in another excellent matchup. On Saturday, Miller Career Academy will take on Soldan in a battle of 4-0 teams for the top spot in the Public High League. Another Saturday showdown will be in the Metro League when undefeated John Burroughs pays a visit to Lutheran North. Undefeated Ladue will host undefeated and state-ranked Cape Girardeau Central in a non-conference battle on Saturday.
Other Games of Note
Fort Zumwalt North at Fort Zumwalt East, Friday, 7 p.m.
Fort Zumwalt West at Francis Howell, Friday, 7 p.m.
Festus at Hillsboro, Friday, 7 p.m.
East St. Louis at O’Fallon, Saturday, 1 p.m.
Belleville West at Belleville East, Saturday, 1 p.m.
