The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns defeated the Ohio Bobcats Thursday night in a devastating fashion. Coming out victorious in the 49-14 thriller, true freshman running back Montrell Johnson stole the show, punching in four touchdowns.
Johnson became the first Ragin’ Cajun to rush for four touchdowns in a single game since Alonzo Harris and Elijah McGuire, who each had four scores against Arkansas State on Oct. 21, 2014. On top of his four touchdowns, Johnson totaled 84 yards on 13 carries.
The engine that keeps the Cajuns going, Levi Lewis, had yet another phenomenal showing, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown. Lewis continues rewriting Louisiana record books, now throwing for a touchdown in 21 straight games.
The Cajuns receiving corps is something worth mentioning, proving to be one of the deepest units not only on this team, but in the entire Sun Belt Conference.
In Thursday’s victory, five different Cajuns caught three or more passes, with TCU transfer John Stephens Jr. reeling in two touchdown receptions. This first-year Cajun continues to impress with his sheer strength and ability to play the ball at its highest point. This consistently provides mismatches for opposing teams.
Along with Lewis taking command of the offense, Coach Billy Napier and his staff had the chance to let redshirt freshman quarterback Chandler Fields get his feet wet and get some snaps under his belt.
Fields looked as poised as ever under center, even throwing for a touchdown in the fourth quarter for this Cajuns squad.
Defensively, Lorenzo McCaskill took over, leading the team with 10 tackles. McCaskill has been wreaking havoc all season for opposing teams’ offenses, covering sideline to sideline on a consistent basis.
New Orleans native Sonny Hazard also contributed for the Cajuns, totaling three tackles of his own in the Cajuns victory.
The main takeaway from Thursday’s dominant victory was the showing of true freshman Montrell Johnson. His ability to open the offense in the run game makes the job easier for Levi Lewis, keeping defenses on their toes all night.
Johnson, out of De La Salle High School, has continued to impress this Ragin’ Cajuns coaching staff, looking to be the next great back out of Louisiana. After pushing Elijah Mitchell, Trey Ragas and Raymond Calais to the NFL, this staff sees Johnson being next in line of elite running backs to come out of Acadiana.
As a whole, this Cajuns team showed what they’re capable of against the Bobcats, dominating from start to finish. Pushing out to an early 14-0 start, Coach Napier’s squad never looked back, keeping this Ohio unit in check from the first snap.
In a shaky start to the season where this Louisiana team went 1-1 through two weeks, Thursday showed that this team has the chance to run the table to win the conference. As Lewis continues putting up impressive numbers and the running back trio of Montrell Johnson, Emani Bailey and Chris Smith do their part, there is no limit to this team’s success.
The Cajuns open up conference play this Saturday, Sept. 25 on the road against Georgia Southern on ESPN+.
Story: Zachary Nagy