By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

EDGARD – Two of West St. John’s best were also recognized as among the very best in the state this week, as the Rams’ Cailin Cola and Ronnie Feist were named to the Class 1A Al-State football team.

Cola is a 6-foot-2, 300 pound offensive tackle while Feist is a 6-foot-1, 220 pound junior defensive end.

The Rams’ Jarius Moll was named honorable mention. Moll is a wide receiver/quarterback/defensive back.

On an offensive line that coach Robert Valdez had to shuffle throughout the season due to injury, Cola was a rock. He primarily played at left tackle. The Rams, however, deployed him at various spots on the line depending on need and matchup throughout the season.

He was proficient as a pass blocker and a run blocker. The West St. John running game, in particular, really took off as the season went on. Jeremy Jackson and Kylum Favorite combined for over 1,300 yards.

“(Cola) is the main reason we were so successful running the ball,” said West St. John coach Robert Valdez. “We could use him on the right or left side and he was very tough at the point of attack. Most of the time, it was no secret where we were going with it.

“He always had good feet, and it allowed him to be just as good of a pass blocker.”

Feist was the District 8-1A Defensive MVP this season and any observer of a Rams’ game knew why. Feist “feasted” on opposing quarterbacks and running backs, making numerous plays in the backfield seemingly each week. West St. John allowed no more than 14 points in any game over the last six weeks of the season. That includes a combined 24 points – 12 in each – against eventual state champion White Castle, a team that averaged almost 40 points per game.

“He brought major attitude and intensity to our defense,” said Valdez. “His motor was always at 100 miles per hour. “He’s going to play fast, and it really gave us an edge. He plays the game the old school way. If you have a few guys like him, everything is peachy.”

Oberlin’s Cedric Skinner was named the Class 1A Offensive Player of the Year. South Plaquemine’s Beau Fitte took defensive honors.

Ferrante Dominique of White Castle was named the class’ coach of the year.