Alabama football commit Eli Holstein ends season in LHSAA semifinals vs. No. 1 Ruston
RUSTON – The final high school season for Zachary High's Eli Holstein ended with a fourth quarter sack that sent the Alabama commit to the sidelines with 10 minutes to play Friday night in the LHSAA Non-Select Division semifinals.
His Broncos lost 37-22 to No. 1 seeded Ruston (12-2), which advances to next weekend’s state title game in the Caesars Superdome.
Holstein, one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Louisiana history, didn’t save his best for last. He was constantly under duress from the Bearcat defense. He threw just one TD pass, and it came with about two minutes remaining in the third quarter on an 8-yard throw. It cut the deficit to 30-14.
Holstein was sacked on a rollout to his right and he lay prone on the field for several minutes after getting hit from behind. He rose to his feet and walked gingerly to the sidelines but did not return to the game.Zachary finished the season 9-3.
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Although overshadowed by Isadore Newman quarterback Arch Manning in the national rankings, Holstein is arguably the most coveted quarterback in Louisiana with multiple tools to offer.
No. 5 in the 247Sports Composite rankings, Holstein passed for 3,228 yards and 30 TDs last season while adding another 523 rushing yards and 14 TDs in leading his team to the LHSAA Class 5A state title. His numbers are down a bit this fall, with 2,035 passing yards and 21 TDs and 456 rushing yards and nine scores.
A noted workaholic when it comes to football, the senior was committed to Texas A&M before opting for the Crimson Tide.
He plans to graduate in December and report to Tuscaloosa for spring workouts after carrying a 4.0 GPA with a 28 on the ACT.
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Alabama commit Eli Holstein ends season in LHSAA semis vs No. 1 Ruston
