El Dorado scored on eight of its first nine possessions in Friday’s 50-30 win over Magnolia. Sharmon Rester threw for more than 300 yards, including a pair of 80-yard touchdown tosses to Jackie Washington and DeAndra Burns, Jr.
“Something that was opening up the passing game - Shadarious Plummer is a good player,” began El Dorado coach Steven Jones. “They had to add an extra (defensive) lineman in there to try to stop the run. When they did that, we were able to take the top off a couple times and get it out in space.”
Plummer rushed for 92 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries in the game. In the first half, he had six totes for 65 yards.
“Having that solid run game is really helping our passing game,” said Jones. “We didn’t do a lot of play-action tonight because they played a lot of soft coverage. But moving forward with Plummer being such a threat, we’re able to give a ball fake and they have to tighten down to respect that. It’s opening up more things outside.”
The Wildcats finished the non-conference slate with a 2-1 record, averaging 41.6 points per game. Rester had an 83-yard touchdown run against the Panthers. But the senior hasn’t been in a lot of distress due to the play of the offensive line.
“The couple times that he got out of the pocket, it was after he was through his third and fourth progression. He had all day to throw,” Jones said. “So they did a great job. They did a good job of moving bodies in the run game, too.”
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El Dorado linebacker Danquez Shelton was credited with 26 tackles in Friday’s win. The senior had 22 unassisted tackles, including two tackles for loss.
"Danquez played an amazing game," said defensive coordinator Trey Outlaw. "He was all over the field 'literally.' He made tackles on his side of the field, the other side of the field and in the back field. I don’t know the records for tackles in a game but that has to be top 10. It is definitely the most tackles we have had in a game since I’ve been here"
Ahmayus Young was second on the team with eight tackles, including one sack from his defensive end position. Linebacker Javin Steward also had eight tackles. Damarian Rester and Nic Wilson had five tackles apiece. Patrick Sixbey had five tackles, including a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
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After missing his first extra point attempt, Rojemi Aydogdo kicked the next four in a row on Friday. The Wildcats went for two on the final touchdown after Magnolia was flagged for off sides.
Jones said he feels good about El Dorado’s PAT situation with Aydogdo, who was on the field at halftime working on his kicking.
“He’s a pretty confident kid. We feel good about him moving forward making PATs.”
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El Dorado’s first home game of the season brought a festive energy. The school unveiled its video board and also celebrated the stadium’s 75th anniversary of holding Wildcats’ football.
“It was awesome. I think we had a big crowd there tonight,” Jones said. “I think the video board really brings a whole new element to the game. I think a lot of people enjoyed that. Playing on the new turf, First Financial Field, it was just a really fun night.
“Another thing that stood out was the student section. With the COVID protocols still in place, they can’t come out on the field. They waited for our kids to come out of the locker room. What a moment to see our student body celebrating victory together. It’s just an exciting time to be a Wildcat and enjoy that with the fans.”
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The Wildcats will go back on the road this Friday as they open conference play at Jonesboro. The Hurricane sits at 1-2 on the season after falling to Conway 42-25 last week. Jonesboro lost to Cabot 47-27 and beat Little Rock Catholic 37-7.
In three games, El Dorado’s offense has five touchdown passes of 50 yards or more and two rushing touchdowns of more than 60 yards.
“We feel good about the momentum of our team heading into conference play,” said Jones. “We did more good things than bad throughout non-conference play. But we still have things to clean up. We’ll address that this week and be ready to play a good Jonesboro team. It’s going to be a big one.”