By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

West St. John Coach Laury Dupont had been waiting for his 200th career coaching victory since the end of the 2006 season.

That wait is finally over.

After losing five consecutive games to open the season, the Rams began district play on a high note, defeating District 9-1A foe White Castle, 24-19.

And in the process, the Ram players delivered a real milestone to their coach.

&#8220I’m happy for the kids and the program,” Dupont said. &#8220This is a team deal. 200 wins is a milestone in coaching, and I’m proud to accomplish it.”

West St. John (1-5) handed White Castle (4-2) its second loss of the season after the Bulldogs had won its last three games convincingly.

Rams quarterback Dray Joseph had his most productive of the season, passing for 181 yards and four touchdowns.

&#8220He did a good job throwing the ball,” Dupont said. &#8220He was the difference in the game for us.”

Kenneth Dabney led West St. John in rushing with 63 yards.

Joseph led his team to a 6-0 lead after finding receiver Terrance Nathan for a 32-yard score. After White Castle answered with a touchdown to take a 7-6 lead, Joseph struck again, finding Blake Comminie for a 15-yard touchdown to make it 12-7.

A 29-yard scoring strike from Joseph to Raynard Thomas made it 18-7, and a 55-yard pass to Brad Robertson made it 24-7.

White Castle scored twice to make it close late in the second half, but could not take the lead.

&#8220White Castle came in 4-1, they were a team to beat,” Dupont said. &#8220The defense played very well, they held down (White Castle running back Charles) Edwards who’s a very good player.”

And that defense, as much as anything else, helped set up Dupont for his 200th victory, an achievement Dupont admits took a bit longer than he would have liked due to a brutal pre-district schedule.

&#8220Playing tough games like that always prepares you physically and mentally,” he said. &#8220Those teams will all be in the playoffs. At the same time, you’re hoping your kids can get through it.”

&#8220The important thing is not how you begin, but how you end the season.”