Big second half by Assumption dooms Patterson, 41-32

By JACOB BATTE
Ernest Adams rushed for 195 yards as the Assumption Mustangs outlasted the Patterson Lumberjacks, 41-32, on a cool Friday night.
Assumption coach Anthony Paine said he talked to his team this week about surviving the ebb and flow of the game after a poor second quarter doomed it last week against Donaldsonville. Paine emphasized that again to his team at halftime after a 19-7 run by Patterson in the first half gave the Lumberjacks a five-point lead heading into halftime.
“We talked about weathering the storm and the peaks and valleys of the game,” Paine said. “You’ve got to withstand the low points and extend the high points. Our kids gave us their everything, and we got a win (Friday).”
Adams took over in the second half, rushing for 148 of his total yards and scoring twice in the third quarter to give the Mustangs a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
First-year Patterson coach Ryan Stewart said his young defense wasn’t prepared to handle the physical nature of the Mustangs’ strong running game.
“We tried to roll with some young kids up front, but we just don’t have the linemen to bang with teams like this,” Stewart said.
But the Lumberjacks didn’t just go away. Missing star player Dajon Richard, who left the game early with an injury, and with sophomore quarterback Randy Paul struggling in the second half, they had to lean on senior running back Dontre Nicholas.
Nicholas delivered. He led the Lumberjacks with 222 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Every time it seemed that Assumption had put the game out of reach, Nicholas would respond with a big run.
“He’s a hoss,” Stewart said. “He’s not the strongest or the fastest, but he plays hard.”
The Mustangs’ defense, which allowed 468 yards Friday, made two big plays when it mattered, intercepting Paul on each of the last two drives to put the game out of reach.
Paul finished 17-for-30 passing for 220 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 9 yards and a score.
Richard led the Lumberjacks with three receptions for 61 yards.
Adams led the Mustangs in rushing, scoring three times. He also hauled in 55 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Tahj Parker finished 7-for-22 passing for 131 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Senior running back and receiver Zyshawn Richard led the Mustangs with 61 receiving yards on three catches and a touchdown. He also had 33 rushing yards and a score on three carries.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Batte is a sports correspondent for The Houma Courier and Thibodaux Daily Comet.