ERIK SANZENBACH / L’Observateur / October 7, 2000

EDGARD – A wet and muddy field made for some very down and dirty football last night as the 4-1 West St. John Rams slipped and tripped their way to avictory over the 1-4 Buras Wildcats by a score of 22-8.

Despite the weather conditions, numerous penalties, four fumbles, two which were recovered by Buras, it really was no contest as the Rams racked up a total of 223 yards as compared to the Wildcat’s 123 yards.

Both teams were almost even in rushing yards with 94 for the Rams and 96 for Buras. But the Rams really showed their prowess by going to the air. Quarterback Randall Nicholson was 8-for-17 for 129 yards and two touchdowns.

Buras’ quarterback, Lynn Henry couldn’t get anything accomplished and ended the evening with 3-for-17 for 27 yards and zero touchdowns.

The Rams defense was very effective, sacking Henry three times, blocking a punt and two passes.

In rushing, Devin Herbert of the Rams carried 11 times for 71 yards and the Rams’ only rushing touchdown. Buras’ Scott Riley carried the ball 23 timesfor 55 yards and he was responsible for the only score for the Wildcats.

All the game’s points were scored in the first half.

Buras lost the toss, and the Rams elected to kick-off. Buras’ Riley lookedcrisp and clean in his running in the first series of downs, but the Rams’ defense sacked Henry forcing a punt that was blocked by Lionel Howard. whoalso recovered the ball on the Wildcats’ 20-yard line.

Two plays later, Devin Herbert ran it in for a 17-yard touchdown. He also ranit in for the two point conversion and the score was 8-0 in favor of West St.

John.

The Wildcats took over on their 30-yard line and behind the running of Riley got the ball down to the three-yard line where Riley ran it in for Buras’ only score for the evening. Riley also ran it in for a two point conversion and thescore was tied at 8 with 4:55 left in the first quarter.

The Rams took the next kick-off and ran it back to their 27-yard line. Forthe next 12 plays, West St. John moved the ball with the help of Herbert’srunning and catching, and also the running of Darnell Landry down to the Wildcats’ 17-yard line. On third-and-five, and no time left in the firstquarter Nicholson connected with receiver Jamalair Mayho for a touchdown.

The two point conversion was no good and at the end of the first quarter, the Rams went ahead 14-8.

Buras took over on their 15 but were forced to punt on their 30. West St.John again used the legs of Herbert to get down to the Wildcats’ two-yard line and Nicholson threw a two-yard TD pass to Davin Farnell. This time thetwo-point conversion was good and the Rams widened their lead 22-8.

Buras kept the ball for the remaining six minutes of the half, but despite two key penalties by the Rams, one for roughing the kicker during a punt attempt and a pass interference call, the Wildcats were unable to get to score and the half ended with the score still 22-8.

The weather proved to have the upper hand in the second half. As a mistyrain moved over the field, both teams stumbled, fumbled and dropped passes.

It was four plays and punt for most of the third quarter, and West St. Johnwere penalized three times. In the fourth quarter, Buras managed to recovertwo Rams’ fumbles but were unable to capitalize on the turnovers. Againpenalties were the Rams’ biggest enemy, but in the end, they managed to persevere and hold on for a 22-8 victory.

Next week, the 5-1 Rams will host the 6-0 Riverside Rebels for a district match-up to see who will take over the lead of District 9-2A.

Return To Sports Stories

Copyright © #Thisyear# Wick Communications, Inc.Best viewed with 4.0 or higher