John Essex has seen its fair share of long nights over the years but got a chance to cruise to a victory Friday when it downed Saint Luke’s 49-2 in its season opener.

“I’m happy for those guys that they can be on the right side of one of these things,” new head coach Jerome Antone said following his JEHS coaching debut.

The Hornets led 26-0 at half and added another score in the third quarter as well as two more in the fourth for the commanding victory.

Denzell Charleston anchored the offensive attack for the Hornets, carrying the ball 16 times for 225 yards and five touchdowns. Terry Fountain ran the ball five times for 56 yards and score while also hauling in a 45-yard touchdown pass and helping to lead the defense with eight tackles. A.J. Bennett recorded four tackles and picked off two passes, returning one 35 yards for a touchdown. Korey Jones also recorded six tackles to assist with the defensive effort.

“I couldn’t say enough about these kids,” Antone said. “They came down. They worked hard. They were disciplined. They played their tails off.”