MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / September 8, 1999

LAPLACE – The way Riverside and West St. John looked Friday night, arepeat of their matchup in the Class 2A state championship game a year ago could very well be in the works.

Both teams are coming off victories against traditional rivals. Riversidedefeated St. Charles Catholic on the road, 46-7, while West St. John beatSt. James at home, 20-14.The teams got the victories by different routes. West St. John rallied froma 7-0 halftime deficit and scored in the final minute for its victory.

Riverside never trailed, jumping out to a 20-0 first half lead.

The Rams did most of their damage through the air as Carl Gauthier passed for 214 yards and three touchdowns. Jeremy Lumar, Brian Lumar andMarlon Jackson all had scoring receptions with Jackson’s coming from six yards out for the winning score with 37 seconds left.

The Rebels, on the other hand, went to the ground game, as Casey Remondet rushed for 139 yards and three touchdowns. BrandonDelaneuville added 57 yards and two scores as the Rebels rushed for 286 yards.

But both teams got big-time performances from their defenses. The Rebelsheld the Comets to 143 total yards and forced two turnovers. West St.John allowed 280 total yards but forced four turnovers and kept the Rams in the game in the first half by stopping St. James three times in Ramterritory.

Both teams will also be facing teams that were shutout in Week One. WestSt. John travels to Ellender, a 15-0 loser to Franklin Friday. Riversidehosts L.B. Landry, which dropped a 12-0 decision to McMain Friday. Kickofffor both games is set for 7 p.m. Friday.Ellender, a member of District 9-4A which has won one game in the last two seasons, are led by running backs Kevin Johnson and quarterback Josh Washington, both of whom also play on defense. Tight end Shaun Verdin isthe top returning receiving threat. The Patriots use a I-formation andsplit-back offense. On defense, the Patriots are led by linebackers KirbyVerrett and Verdin and lineman Ken Dixon.

Landry, a member of District 10-3A, went winless last season and scored a total of 12 points.

First-year head coach Norman Mack leads a team with offensive lineman William Barkin, defensive lineman Deshawn Jones and linebacker Angelo White as the best of the returning players.

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