Ram offense stifled by potent St. James defense in 42-0 win

By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

VACHERIE – Wildcat junior running back Luther Ambrose was a playmaker for St. James Friday night, taking just nine handoffs to reach 174 yards rushing and recording four touchdowns in the game, a 42-0 win for Rick Gaille’s team.

&#8220He’s a tough guy who can dodge people,” Gaille said of Ambrose. &#8220He can catch and carry the ball well. He’s a true multi-threat player.”

The West St. John assistant coaches, taking over for head coach Laury Dupont who was in the press box still recovering from a staph infection after a recent surgery, saw their Ram squad with an opportunity to challenge St. James despite a 16-0 lead after just the first quarter of play.

On a St. James possession late in the first half, the Wildcats marched downfield and neared the red zone for what looked to be a nail in the coffin. But a fumble recovery by WSJ turned the tide and gave the Rams the ball at the Wildcat 40-yardline. The Rams were unable to capitalize on this set of downs, but retook possession with another SJ turnover in the red zone, this one an interception.

But the Rams were unable to get very much going offensively all night. Daron Bartholomew provided a handful of tough, gashing runs, though much of his biggest gains were wiped out by penalties, including an 80-yard punt return into the end zone. Freshman quarterback Dray Joseph went 7-for-20 and was sacked and harassed relentlessly.

(See WSJ, Page 8A)