Edna Karr defeats Warren Easton 45-20 in the 1st Annual Don Wattigny Classic

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Edna Karr wins the 1st Annual Don Wattigny Classic. Team pictured with the Wattigny Family and Trophy

Edna Karr opened their 2020 season with a commanding win over across the river rival Warren Easton 

How often do you get a rematch of the state championship game as the first game of the season? We got it this year. Karr and Easton faced off in the first annual Don Wattigny classic, named after the late Don Wattigny who coach Karr’s Head Coach Brice Brown and Easton’s Head Coach Jerry Phillips at Karr. 

Player of The Game AJ Samuel making a throw down field. Photo by: Beau Brune

After throwing a pick the first play of the game, Karr’s first year starting quarterback AJ Samuel (So.) never looked back. He finished the game with 253 yards and 4 Touchdowns to 4 different receivers. Karr also established the run game well with Kevin Marigny (Sr.) & Christopher Vasquez (So.). Wide receiver Destyn Hill (Sr.) had a quite night but with his speed, strength and athleticism, he had to be accounted for every play. 

Easton Sophomore Linebacker Jirrea Johnson Photo by: Beau Brune

Easton is young on defense, but talented. Linebacker Jirrea Johnson (So.) is a complete player. Playing sideline to sideline, able to drop in coverage and is a big hitter. Wallce Foster (Fr.) had the tall task of guarding 5-star wideout Destyn Hill (Sr.) and was able to hold him to under 5 catches with a pick on his first high school snap. Big LSU commit Shone Washington (Jr.) is a one man wrecking crew. He often got double teamed resulting in a quite night for him. The Eagles defense did make some big 3rd down & 4th down stops but big plays downfield killed their young defenders resulting from miscommunication.

Easton Quarterback Keddrick Connelly in warmups. Photo by: Beau Brune

On the offensive side of the ball, Easton couldn’t get in much of a rythem. They had success running the ball early with Jay Gordon (Jr.). Because of some key turnovers and Karr scoring constantly, the Eagles had to turn to a passing attack that wasn’t successful only completing 10 passes on the night. In the 4th quarter Quarterback Kenddrick Connley (So.) found his rythem throwing for 100 yards and 2 TDs, all to the speedster Alred Luke (Sr.) but it was ultimately too late. 

Karr Defensive Back Destin Refuge Photo by: Beau Brune

Karr’s defense was a force all game making play after play. Tygee Hill (Jr.) basically lived in Easton’s backfield getting constant pressure on the quarterback and making some tackles for loss. Defensive End Johnathan Bax (So.) had a fumble recovery for a Touchdown. Cornerback Destin Refuge (Sr.) had a nice night as well accounting for an interception and a few pass breakups. He is definently a DB that should be on some schools radar.

Edna Karr Head Coach Brice Brown credited the win to his coaching staffs preparation of the team, “a big key in what we do is preparation and especially with recovery, knowing how to practice hard and when to lay off a little bit”. 

Both teams will have a short week of preparation for their week 2 matchups. Karr will travel to Baton Rouge to face Catholic B.R. Who had their number last year beating the Cougars 47-12. Easton will host East Ascension who beat the Eagles last season 42-41.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

AJ Samuel (So.)- Edna Karr
  • Poised in the pocket, keeps eyes down field 
  • Able to extend plays with his legs
  • Big arm, can really throw the deep ball in the pocket or on the run
  • Only 5’11 and 180lb and a sophomore there is a lot of upside to this kid
  • With this being his first year starting, over the next 3 years we will be able to see him develop into a great Quarterback

AJ Samuel Post Game Interview

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