Zachary junior running back Jeremy Patton spent the whole day thinking about his opportunity.

After serving as a backup to leading rusher Davekio Ruffin last season, Patton made his first varsity start a memorable one with 217 yards and two touchdowns to propel Zachary to a 52-28 home victory over Plaquemine in Friday’s season opener for both teams.

“I was just ready to play,” said Patton, who rushed for 117 yards on five carries after halftime and had a total of 17 carries. “I had it on my mind since I left campus after school. I just trusted in my line, and they trusted in me.”

Patton’s career-high outing was part of a 263-yard rushing attack on 33 carries (8.0 yards per carry) for Zachary, which also had 48 yards and a score from Tylek Lewis.

Plaquemine, the No. 7 team in Class 4A,

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