MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / November 8, 2000

ST. JAMES – Opposites will attract when St. James hosts Green Oaks Fridaynight in the Class 3A bi-district playoffs.

St. James has been a perennial playoff contender for most of the lastdecade, making two state championship game appearances, two trips to the semifinals and four more to the quarterfinals. Green Oaks, on the otherhand, had not made the playoffs in four years heading into this season.

But the Giants, out of Shreveport, made one of the biggest turnarounds in the state this season, going from 1-9 in 1999 to 7-3 in 2000. That includesa District 1-3A title over a Benton team that was 13-1 in 1999.

Leading that turnaround was a rushing attack led by junior fullback Jarracea Williams, a 270-pound wrecking ball. Also in the backfield are juniors DarnellHarris and John Knox. Seniors wide receiver Brian Caldwell and LamarcusPreston add balance in the passing game. Leading the push up front is juniorTramaine Williams.

“They have some size, especially in the running backs position,” St. Jameshead coach Rick Gaille said. “They like to pound the ball right at you.”On defense, Green Oaks is led by a secondary of seniors Roderick Bryant and Terrance Vinson and junior Kelly Aldon. Junior end Mitchell Harris andlinebacker Tovorgs Lee lead the front seven.

St. James is coming off a bye week after losing to Lutcher in the ninth weekof the season. The Wildcats begin the playoffs with a 5-4 overall record anda 2-2 mark in District 9-3A.

The Wildcats overcame the loss of running back Montrell Steib to have a balanced attack on offense. Travell Steib, Donavan Williams and MichaelHarry have led the rushing attack in Steib’s absence. Quarterback ChrisHymel and receiver Davin Dennis have combined on 26 passes for 507 yards and six touchdowns.

Gaille said the players have to treat the practices and games with a greater sense of urgency now with each game possibly their last together as a team.

He said its not a beginning but a continuation of the season.

“It has to be a continuation,” Gaille said. “We have to pick up where we leftoff and move upward. It’s a continuation of what we have been working on allseason.” Friday’s kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at St. James. The winner will continueon to the regional round to play the winner of Winnfield and Bunkie next week.

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