Southern Lab: Kittens clinch district title with 40-0 shutout

Southern Lab quarterback Brice Preston recorded five total touchdowns in a 40-0 victory over St. John on Thursday. The Kittens defeated the Eagles at Plaquemine to secure the District 8-1A title and finish the regular season with a perfect 9-0 record.

Preston completed 10 of 18 pass attempts for 189 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 114 yards and two scores. The senior had prepared extensively during the offseason, stating he knew he was capable of a standout performance. "I worked so hard over the summer. I knew what I expected from myself," Preston said.

The game began with a quick strike by Southern Lab. A failed onside kick gave the Kittens possession near midfield. A pass interference call moved them to the St. John 35. On the next play, Preston threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Ramaj Flowers on a slant route.

St. John attempted a 21-play drive in response but stalled at the Southern Lab 11. A holding penalty erased a potential score, and the Eagles turned the ball over on downs. The team managed only 143 total yards across the game and reached the red zone three times without scoring.

Southern Lab extended its lead in the second quarter. Terrence Hunter rushed for 44 yards on four carries to set up a 26-yard touchdown pass to Flowers. Preston later found Hunter for a 15-yard score. Preston finished the first half with a rushing touchdown after scrambling into the end zone.

Coach Darrel Asberry noted that Preston possesses natural abilities that go beyond coaching. "He does some things I can’t teach," Asberry said. "He’s just a great athlete, great kid." Asberry also emphasized the team's defensive resilience, stating, "We’re going to bend, but we don’t break."

In the fourth quarter, St. John reached the Southern Lab 21. The drive ended when Mason Boyd intercepted a pass from Cruz Romero. Preston then threw a 50-yard pass to Jayce Wright. On the following play, he completed a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Hatch. Preston added a final 23-yard rushing touchdown to close the game. The Kittens now prepare for the playoffs.