St. John blasts Grambling in Class 1A quarterfinals

The St. John Eagles had reason to give thanks even one night after Thanksgiving.

The No. 1-seeded Eagles thrilled fans on a frigid Friday night at Andrew Canova Green Devil Stadium with a 47-6 win over Grambling.

St. John (12-1) now awaits next Friday’s semi-final visit from Haynesville, who defeated Delhi Charter 32-13 in the quarterfinals. Haynesville eliminated White Castle 67-42 in the regional bracket.

Quarterback Michael Martinez powered the Eagles with four touchdowns. He completed 8 of 11 passes for 193 yards.

Davante Williams, who carried five times for 94 yards, scored on two receptions.

Friday’s game was the first quarterfinal berth of the decade for Grambling, which entered the playoffs seeded No. 25.

St. John improved to 12-1. Grambling ended its season 8-5. Rockese Goree completed 5 of 11 passes for 109 yards and one TD for Grambling. He connected with JaMarcus Markray in the fourth quarter for a 46-yard touchdown that avoided a shutout.

The Eagles led 28-0 at halftime.