PLAQUEMINE — Southern Lab quarterback Brice Preston knew he had the potential to be special after an offseason filled with training.

He flashed his greatness against St. John on Thursday, torching the Eagles through the air and on the ground.

Preston racked up five total touchdowns in Southern Lab’s 40-0 victory as the Kittens (9-0) clinched the District 8-1A title and a perfect regular season.

Preston finished with 189 yards passing, completing 10 of 18 attempts with three touchdowns. He also rushed for 114 yards and two TDs.

“I worked so hard over the summer. I knew what I expected from myself,” Preston said. "I knew I was going to be one of one in this state.”

Kittens coach Darrel Asberry praised his senior leader.

“He does some things I can’t teach,” Asberry said. “He’s just a great athlete, great kid.”

Southern Lab scored on its first drive after taking over near midfield after a failed onside kick. A pass interference call early in the drive moved Southern Lab to St. John’s 35. One play later, Preston found Ramaj Flowers on a slant, who broke a tackle for a 27-yard touchdown.

St. John ripped off a 21-play drive after Southern Lab’s score but failed to score after getting to the SLHS 11. A holding call wiped out a potential touchdown and the Eagles eventually turned it over on downs.

St. John (7-2) approached the red zone three times and managed just 143 total yards.

“We’re going to bend, but we don’t break,” Asberry said. “We’re not going to flinch.”

After the turnover on downs, Terrence Hunter rushed four times for 44 yards to get to St. John’s 26. On the first play of the second quarter, Preston floated a pass to Flowers for a 26-yard TD.

Southern Lab moved down the field again behind runs of 34 and 42 yards by Preston. He then found Hunter for a 15-yard TD.

Late in the first half, Hunter carried  six times for 55 yards to help Southern Lab reach the St. John 11. On the final play before halftime, Preston scrambled to his left and dove into the end zone for a touchdown.

The Eagles reached Southern Lab’s 21-yard line early in the fourth. The 12-play drive ended after Cruz Romero’s pass was deflected into the hands of Mason Boyd of Southern Lab for an interception.

Preston found Jayce Wright downfield for a 50-yard pass after the turnover. One play later, Preston lofted a 23-yard touchdown pass over a defender to Jayden Hatch. Preston added a 23-yard rushing touchdown on the final play of regulation.

The Kittens now turn their attention to the playoffs.

“I’m ready,” Flowers said. “Especially other teams above us, it’s like a hit list. We’re coming for them all.”