'Jacks net 1st win behind dominant 2nd half

Patterson scored 28 unanswered second-half points to stun E.D. White, 38-14, Friday in District 8-3A play at the Sugar Dome at Patterson.
It was the Lumberjacks’ first win this season.
“I believe in the process, and coming in here, there was a change in philosophy, a change in the way we do things,” Patterson Coach Marvin Dantzler said. “I’m coaching with guys I’ve never coached with, playing with players I’ve never met, so we knew it was going to be a transition period, but we didn’t think it would be six-weeks before we got a win. We just finally put it all together.”
Patterson came into the game averaging just 15.5 points per game but have score 35 and 38 points, respectively, the last two weeks.
“We’ve been running the same offense since the Ellender game, and we are getting better at running it,” Dantzler said. “It’s probably going to take a couple years for them to learn the reads and keys I want them to.”
Patterson (1-6, 1-2) grabbed momentum in the third quarter when Jaymioun Butler let a punt sail over his head before picking it up, finding a wall of blockers and dashing 90 yards for a touchdown with no time left in the quarter. Christian Soria’s kick gave the ’Jacks a 17-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Patterson’s strong run game continued with running back Dajon Richard carrying 13 times for 105 yards and three touchdowns and Dontre Nicholas carrying 20 times for 97 yards and a score.
Richard scored on a 25-yard run with 10:29 remaining in the game to extend the ’Jacks’ lead to 24-14. He added a 10-yard score with 2:58 left in the fourth to push the lead to 31-14.
After an interception and long return by Irvin Celestine, Richard closed the game with an 18-yard score.
Patterson outgained E.D. White (2-5, 1-2) 351 yards (127 passing, 224 rushing) to 255 yards (all rushing).
Nikolas Shanklin led the Cardinals offense with 128 yards rushing on 19 carries. Quarterback Brandon Legendre also carried eight times for 71 yards and a touchdown, but he was 0 for 5 passing with an interception. Hayden Tortorich added a 10-yard touchdown run.
Patterson quarterback Hector Tolento was 5 of 13 passing for 104 yards, and Randy Paul was 3 of 5 passing for 23 yards.
Jordan Butler was the ‘Jacks’ leading receiver with four receptions for 76 yards, while Richard had three catches for 45 yards.
“You have to score points to win games, but I’m most proud of my defense tonight,” Dantzler said. “We’ve given up 40 in back-to-back games, so to hold E.D. White to 14 was big.”
Patterson had three of four injured defensive starters return Friday. Defensive backs Drew Lucas and Brandon Ramagos returned along with nose guard Treyvon Burrell. Strong safety Dillan Giandelone is expected back this week.
“I don’t make excuses, but when you have your better players, things can change real quick,” Dantzler said.
E.D. White continues district play Friday at North Vermilion, while Patterson travels to Erath.