Loaded with experience and talent at the skill positions, West St. John hopes to return to 03′-04′ title form

By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

After consecutive 2A state titles in 2003 and 2004, West St. John’s move back down to 1A came as it rode a wave of momentum.

The Rams advanced in the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, but fell short of the lofty standard that Laury Dupont and his team had set in the years prior.

But in 2007, the Rams look to be back. West St. John could be the team to beat in Class 1A.

The Rams will bring a very experienced team into the season. They will see seven starters return on offense, and eight on defense.

Dupont says that the team’s skill positions are well stocked, and expects them to give the Rams a big boost in a tough District 9-1A field.

&#8220We have good depth and experience at those positions,” Dupont said. &#8220Our wide receivers are as good as we’ve had here.”

Among those receivers is the Rams top offensive weapon, All-District wide receiver Terrance Nathan. Nathan, a junior, will be joined by fellow returning starter Raynard Thomas on the other side of the field.

Sophomore Dray Joseph will again be in charge of getting them the football, after leading the team in passing as a true freshman last year.

&#8220(Joseph) is very intelligent with a good arm,” Dupont said. &#8220He has done a good job leading us.”

The offensive line is led by returning All-District tackle Lebaron Thomas. But beyond Thomas, Dupont has depth concerns, as he says the injury bug has already exposed a potential Achilles’ heel.

&#8220We have questions as far as depth on our lines,” Dupont said. &#8220We don’t have great numbers there, only 11 kids total, and two are out right now.”

Defensively, the group is led by two returning All-District players, senior defensive end Blake Comminie and senior defensive tackle Darwin Bovie. In the secondary, Thomas returns after leading the team in interceptions a year ago with three, including one return for a touchdown.

&#8220We’ve pretty good up front,” Dupont said. &#8220(Comminie and Bovie) both provide leadership with good size and quickness.

West St. John’s non-district schedule will have a River Parish flavor to it, as it will host St. James and Riverside before traveling to St. Charles. It will provide an opportunity for many fans in the region to see if the Rams are ready for another big postseason run.