DONALDSONVILLE — St. James could not avoid the fate of a winless season in 2010, not after a loss at Donaldsonville Friday night.

But the Wildcats made sure nothing came easy to the Tigers, as a spirited comeback effort in the second half fell short in a 54-40 loss.

It was St. James’ best offensive effort of the season, and one in which the team showed tremendous resolve, rallying after falling behind 46-0 early in the second half.

Donaldsonville (5-5, 3-2) built its lead by scoring on its first seven possessions of the game. Devon Breaux entered as one of the state’s leading passers and most explosive players, and the Tiger quarterback still managed to put up a night for the ages: 17 for 27 and 226 yards passing with two touchdowns and an interception, and 306 rushing yards on 33 carries to go along with four touchdowns.

St. James (0-10, 0-5) did not help its own cause as it fell behind partially thanks to four first half turnovers

St. James got in a serious rhythm in the second half, scoring on five straight possessions. Lester Verret scored to get SJH started, and LaRohn Cambre scored twice on passes from Shaquille Narcisse. A safety tackle recorded by Rashann Dennis and three two-point conversions cut the lead to 46-26. Narcisse ran in a two-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter and then a conversion to make it a 12-point game.

But after St. James held firm defensively again, Donaldsonville forced another turnover, this time a Narcisse interception. Breaux scored to all but put the game away.

Cambre led SJH with 194 total yards.