MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / October 14, 1998

EDGARD – When West St. John heads to Metairie Friday night to play St.Martin’s, they will do so in an unusual position – with a loss in the district standings.

The Rams’ 26-6 loss to Riverside last Friday was their first in district play since 1992. The loss also snapped a three-game winning streak forthe Rams. West St. John heads into this week’s play with a 3-3 record anda 11th-place ranking in the state polls.

West St. John gained 248 yards in total offense against the Rebels butfailed to score in three trips inside the Riverside 20-yard line. The Ramsgot on the scoreboard on a 68-yard scoring strike from Carl Gauthier to Donriel Louis early in the fourth quarter.

Gauthier finished the evening by completing 13 of his 26 passes for 203 yards. The junior signal caller has now completed 48-of-99 passes for719 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. Louis was his main targetFriday night, catching five passes for 130 yards. Brian Lumar is the Rams’leading receiver on the season with 13 catches for 275 yards and four touchdowns.

Jamar Bailey was the leading ballcarrier in the absence of Dehaven Duronslet with 49 yards on 12 carries. Duronslet, who has been out withan injury, may return for the St. Charles Catholic game next week. Anotherinjured running back/linebacker, Torrian Thomas, may play Friday night.

The defense allowed 272 yards to the Rebels but were also hurt by poor field position. The Rams had one punt tipped, another go for seven yardsand allowed a 24-yard punt return.

The Rams will face a St. Martin’s team that threw a scare into RidgewoodFriday night. St. Martin’s led 6-0 before Ridgewood rallied for a 24-13victory. The Saints enter Friday’s game with a 1-5 record overall.St. Martin’s is led by running back Danny Trahant, a 1,000-yard rusher lastseason. This year, the senior has rushed for over 400 yards and sixtouchdowns, including two Friday.

Trahant is joined in the backfield by senior fullback Andrew Stakelum. Theteam is quarterbacked by sophomore Dennis Stewart, a first-year starter.

The Saints’ defense, which has allowed 156 points through six games, is led by senior defensive end Alan Watts. Junior linebackers Nick Hintz andPeter Castaing and sophomore defensive back Nathaniel Rogers are newcomers to the defense.

A year ago, the Rams trample the Saints, 53-29. Joe Gross scored threetouchdowns for the Rams while Trahant had 130 yards rushing for the Saints.

West St. John travels across the river to play St. Charles Catholic nextFriday while St. Martin’s plays at Ben Franklin.

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