MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / September 9, 1998

EDGARD – The West St. John Rams kick off their home opener againstPlaquemine Friday, looking to bounce back from a loss to St. James for thethird-straight season in their season opener. But unlike the last twocontests which were heartbreakers for the Rams, this time the Wildcats rolled to a 48-6 victory.

West St. John trailed by only 7-0 at halftime thanks to a fine performanceby its defense. The Rams twice held St. James on fourth-and-short frominside their 30. But a series of turnovers early in the second half led to 27unanswered points by the Wildcats.

West St. John coach Laury Dupont said the turning point came when St.James’ Eltonary Oubre blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown to put the Wildcats up 14 points.

Dehaven Duronslet rushed for a team-high 47 yards in the game and Carl Gauthier passed for 53 yards. Brian Lumar caught three passes for 40yards, including one for 30 yards. The Rams were held to 66 yards as theWildcats recorded four sacks. Quoon Edwards got the Rams’ only points ona 86-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter.

“St. James was the better football team Friday night,” Dupont said. “Theywill beat a lot of people this year. We have got to put it behind us andmove on and get ready for Plaquemine. We have got to learn from ourmistakes and become a better football team.”Plaquemine is also coming off a romp at the hands of Patterson Friday night, 38-6. Patterson quarterback Tony Richardson passed for 142 yardsand two touchdowns. Plaquemine fumbled nine times, losing five, and hadone returned 75 yards for the touchdown. The Devils were held to 99 totalyards, including 33 on the ground, while giving up 215 yards to Patterson.

Mario Migliacio, who scored the Devils’ only points Friday, is taking over as quarterback. Senior tailback Jules Blanchard rushed for over 1,400yards and 13 touchdowns but will be going behind an inexperienced line this season.

The defense will be a strong point as Plaquemine returns seven starters.

The line will lead the way with tackle Wilford Jones and ends Adrian Butler and Clint Walker. Linebacking is also strong with Monkeithen Brownand Phillip Rivers.

The team does have a new coach in Don Jones after making the state playoffs last season. The Devils were eliminated by Independence in thebi-district playoffs, 55-22.

“They play an aggressive style of football and have some quality athletes,” Dupont said of Plaquemine.

The Rams defeated the Devils in 1997, 52-30, behind a 24-point second quarter. Joseph Gross rushed for 105 yards and scored three touchdowns,including a 76-yard run and a 75-yard kickoff return.

Adair Alexander connected with Lumar for a 68-yard score and Duronslet scored from 12 yards out. The defense capped it off as Marlon Jacksonreturned a fumble 29 yards.

Kickoff for Friday’s game is scheduled for 5 p.m. at West St. John Stadium.West St. John visits White Castle next Friday while Plaquemine travels toMorgan City.

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