EDGARD — The Brandon Walters era has arrived at West St. John, and if his first game as head coach is any indication, it should be interesting.

Playing to a set of stands packed to the top on each side of the field, the Rams got out to an early 12-0 lead and held on for a 12-6 win against St. James High.

“It is indescribable,” Walters said of his first win as head coach. “I just want to keep winning. I appreciate the guys and all the effort they put out. Those guys really fought and believe in what we are doing. I am looking for to the rest of the season.”

The Rams put together an impressive offensive package in the first half, led by senior quarterback Jemoine Green, who threw touchdown passes on back-to-back drives to senior wide receiver Reginald Ross. Ross is a recent transfer from St. Charles Catholic and a surprise star on the night.

“It means a to to me being my first game at this school,” Ross said. “Seeing everyone here means a lot to me.”

Following the game, Green praised Ross’s abilities.

“He is a hard worker at practice,” Green said. “You can’t underestimate his skills.”

The passing game was not the only part of the offense that was clicking. Ross’s first touchdown reception came on the heels of a 45-yard run by tailback Lamore Boudoin and was just one of a string of long runs Boudoin put in throughout the night.

On defense the Rams were dominant much of the game , keeping pressure on Wildcats quarterback DeMarcus Williams, forcing four turnovers and shutting out St. James’ offense for the game. While Williams hooked up with wide receiver Aaron McKenny for an 89-yard touchdown pass with just 2 minutes to play in the first half, it was called back on a holding call.

Williams would hook up with McKenny several times throughout the night for long gains, but the two were unable to find the end zone.

The Wildcats’ only score of the night came in the second half after the West St. John defense held tight, stuffing a run on a fourth-and-goal goal line stand. After the turnover on downs Green threw an interception to a Wildcats linebacker who returned it one yard for the touchdown.

Williams was hard pressed to overcome a strong pass rush led by Rams senior defensive end Dauntae Gaudia that saw the Wildcats quarterback suffer a number of hits and take a few sacks.

A last ditch effort to tie the game up saw St. James convert a few pivotal third-and-longs and a fourth-and-long off of a late hit. A pass interference call in the end zone on West St. John cornerback Kie’Ave Harry saw the Wildcats draw even closer with less that 20 seconds left on the clock.

But on the very next play Harry came down with an interception and a long return to end the game.

“The interception by Kiev saved the day,” Walters said. “It was a hell of a way to come back. After getting a penalty called on him in the end zone to come back and take the game into his own hands was beautiful.”

With the win, West St. John maintains possession of the Railroad Classic trophy that goes to the winner of the rivalry each year.