By GEORGE MAHL – Sports Editor

EDGARD – The West St. John Rams looked just as good in their scrimmage against O. Perry Walker as they did in defeating Sterlington in the 2A state championship last December. The Rams first team offense and defense had little difficulty in handling the Chargers first unit, as they defeated them 42-18 Friday night at Dinvaut Field.

“The kids did a good job out there. I think it was a combination of us playing better than we thought at this point and O. Perry Walker not playing as well as they have in the past,” said West St. John Head Football Coach Laury Dupont.

The Rams got on the scoreboard first when running back Patrick Jackson scored first on a one-yard run. He then broke lose with a 37-yard touchdown run making the score 12-0 Rams.

A touchdown pass from quarterback Olajawon Hall to Victor Dupard gave West St. John a three touchdown lead late in the first half. The final play of the half came from quarterback Juan Joseph. His one-yard quarterback sneak over then right side made it 24-0 at halftime.

Following a Chargers punt, Joseph completed his second touchdown pass, this time to Initius Howard. His touchdown pass made the score 30-0.

“I was glad that I was able to get a good look at both quarterbacks. Each one (Hall and Joseph) brings something different to the table,” said Dupont.

The Chargers finally got on the board when Emmanuel Cooper scored a seven-yard touchdown with about seven minutes left in the third quarter.

After the Rams punted on fourth down, West St. John defensive back starter Devon Lumar recovered a fumble with under seven minutes left in the game.

After the final quarter, both teams had eight plays on ten-yard line. This is where O. Perry Walker scored both of its touchdowns. The Chargers scored on fourth and ten play as well as a fourth and nine.

“That might be the only disappointment of the game,” said Dupont.

There were few mental mistakes, such as jumping off sides and other penalties for the Rams.

“I think we only had four of those in the game. If you only have four of those in a scrimmage game, I would say you are in pretty damn good shape,” he said.

“We might not have the size of last year’s team, but we have got the talent,” Dupont said.

West St. John will play East St. John in the jamboree