JENNINGS — In a game that heavily contrasted last year’s shootout, Jennings used big plays and timely turnovers to top Kinder 34-0 in a historic opening night at Jerry Simmons Stadium.
The victory marked Jennings head coach Rusty Phelps’ 150th win with the program, and Bulldogs senior running back Travis Etienne broke the school’s career rushing record after finishing with 185 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.
“These fans make it possible,” Phelps said. “You saw the stands tonight. It’s the kids and the coaches that deserve all the credit. I just get them lined up right. I’m the coach here, and I feel like I have the best job around.”
Despite possessing the ball for less than 2 minutes in the first quarter, the Bulldogs owned a 7-0 lead after the quarter thanks to an 85-yard punt return by sophomore running back Darrian Achane.
The Yellow Jackets hurt themselves with turnovers throughout, losing three fumbles, an interception and a turnover on downs.
“Jennings is better defensively this year,” said Kinder head coach Bret Fuselier. “They fly around and get to the football. Great job by them and their coaches.”
Three times Kinder used long, lumbering drives to move deep into Jennings territory only to turn the ball over with a fumble.
The second fumble gave Jennings the ball on the 15-yard line, and the Bulldogs took advantage, using 12 plays in a drive capped with a 10-yard Etienne touchdown run late in the second quarter that gave the Bulldogs a 13-0 lead at the half.
Etienne made history on the drive with a 12-yard run that put him more than 5,130 career rushing yards, breaking the school record set by Ken Cormier in 1961.
“It’s well deserved, and when you talk to him, he’s going to be the first to tell you it’s because of the other 10 guys out there,” Phelps said. “He’s a very humble young man.
“We walk by (Cormier’s) jersey every day in our trophy case,” Phelps said. “His is the only jersey that’s retired in Jennings football history. You look what he did … for him come out here and be able to give Travis the game ball was absolutely great.”
The Bulldogs didn’t rest on their laurels, however, as the Jennings defense forced another fumble on its 2-yard line that led to a 90-yard touchdown run to put it up 20-0.
Brent Meche grabbed an interception and returned it to the Kinder 8-yard line in the fourth quarter to set up a touchdown run by Jennings quarterback Kendrick LeJeune, and Achane capped things off with a 47-yard touchdown run in the final minute of the game.
Phelps said he was proud of how his team played, but he reminded the Bulldogs that Thursday marked the first of 10 games on the schedule. He said they’re not there yet, but they’re getting there.
“One hundred and fifty wins is great, but now we have to get ready for the next one,” Phelps said.
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