EDGARD — The West St. John High Rams (2-2) and White Castle Bulldogs rivalry goes back years with each meeting during the regular season and playoffs in multiple seasons.

The familiarity has not bred contempt for Rams coach Brandon Walters, who respectfully expects the spread offense Bulldogs (1-3) to bring a talented group of players to Edgard this week ready to perform at their best. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We’ve been through some tough battles through the first four games and seen some tough teams,” Walters said. “Going forward, we’ll see some teams in our classification with the same personnel we have as a small school. It’s definitely going to be a lot more evenly matched.”

The 1A Rams dropped a tough 28-41 game to 4A Plaquemine last week, but Walters was quick to point out Monday that his players were ready to play early and often, battling to the last whistle.

He praised the play last week of quarterback D’Andre Gaudia and receiver Trenton Grow.

“Gaudia had a real good game, throwing for 400 yards, and Trenton Gros had a breakout game as far as big catches and a couple of touchdowns. We have to clear up some things with the offensive line to open up better holes for our running backs.”

ESJH vs. H.L. Bourgeois

Late Sept. 15 after a tough loss to McDonogh 35, East St. John High coach Alden Foster was emphatic in telling a reporter that the Wildcats’ tough early slate of opponents would set up ESJH well for district play.

One week in and the young Wildcats football players have proven their coach prophetic.

East St. John defeated Central Lafourche 35-13 last week, improving the Wildcats record to 2-2, 1-0.

The District 7-5A schedule continues this week with a Reserve home game against the H. L. Bourgeois Braves (1-3, 0-1).