EDGARD — When you discuss the West St. John Rams this year, you have to mention the incredible offensive production after just five games. Quarterback D’andre Gaudia has passed for more than 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns after five games. Wide receiver Trenton Grow, his favorite target, has 23 receptions for over 600 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Running backs D’kyri Jackson and Wantrell Williams have combined for over 600 yards rushing this season. The Rams have proven they can hurt you on the ground and through the air.

Coach Brandon Walters mentioned Gaudia and Grow have been an outstanding combination on the field.

“Offensively, D’Andre Gaudia has been throwing the ball really well,” Walters said. “He’s been finding the right targets. Gaudia and Grow hooked up a good bit, and they’ve been really successful.”

In last week’s game against McDonough 35, Walters added that Grow made some great plays, even when being double and triple covered.

“He refused to lose battles,” Walters said. “It’s just unfortunate how it ended. Even with battling and making a play, that pass interference gets called. Clearly, everyone can see that wasn’t the case. It’s just tough, with those kids to work their butts off in high school when it comes down to a bad call.”

Walters added that the season has been really exciting and really challenging.

“I think we’ve done a good job as a whole, and we have a lot of things to clean up.” He said that the penalties are really hurting the team, however.

Walters was very complimentary in regards to the Rams defense.

“Defensively, the entire front four of the defensive line have been terrorizing people,” Walters said. “Jakobe Lewis, Jason August, Kailep Edwards and Zyron Wilson are really giving people fits and problems.”

Other than Zyron Wilson, the front four are all sophomores.  Jacob Ellis, another sophomore, also gets playing time in that group. Ellis is described as a strong talent that plays really physical. Walters said they all bring something unique and different to the team, noting Jason August is having a great season so far.

“He’s making a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage,” Walters said. “He’s getting a lot of pressure on the other team, and he’s learning. That’s a great thing about all of them. They are learning and picking up more and more.”

About Kailep Edwards, Walters couldn’t say enough.

“If you don’t get him blocked, he’ll beat you, and he also makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage as well in the back field,” Walters said.

He added that Edwards, Wilson and August are really up there in double-digits for sacks and tackles. “They are doing a really great job getting after people and stopping the run upfront,” he said.

Walters reported that they are in the black and blue part of the schedule and they have several people with some bumps and bruises. When the Rams can get past the nagging injuries and sprained ankles to get back to full force, he feels like the team will be more successful.

The Rams travel to Slidell to face Salmen this Friday before beginning district play. Walters feels good about his team and how they fought back last Friday night. He would have liked to be on the winning side on the scoreboard, but the team fought hard. “We were right there with it and the team fought really hard to tie it up. We learned, and we showed some character that night,” he said.

Walters looks forward to the remaining part of the season. He said the Rams just have to execute and minimize the mistakes, and they will be successful.