BY DAVID FOLSE II

and MONIQUE NARCISSE

EDGARD-When you win back-to-back state championships, it’s probably because you have good football players.

Wednesday afternoon, the West St. John football program had a trio of players that signed to play college football.

Signing with prominent schools like McNeese State and Louisiana Tech, these former Rams hope to continue their winning ways in college.

Rams head coach Laury Dupont was happy for his players and their families.

“I’m happy for everybody,” Dupont said. “For all of the guys and their parents. They were great on and off the field.”

Patrick Jackson will take his talents to Ruston, Louisiana and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Ray Bartholomew and Darrell Morris will continue to be teammates in college as both have signed to play for Division I-AA powerhouse McNeese State in Lake Charles.

The Class 2A Most Valuable Player and future engineering major, Jackson will have the chance to play immediately for the Bulldogs.

“I’m satisfied with the decision I made,” Jackson said. “Louisiana Tech is a great school and I can’t wait to get there. I think I will get a legitimate shot to play my freshman season.

“I am also happy that this whole thing is over because the recruiting process was getting hectic.”

Patrick’s mother’s Collette was excited to see her son make his college decision.

“I am very proud of Patrick’s decision,” she said. “I am also very happy that he decided to stay in Louisiana.”

One of the best defensive players in the state, Bartholomew will have the chance to play immediately for the Cowboys of McNeese State.

“I’m very happy for Ray,” his mother Stephanie Bartholomew said. “I am happy Ray made the decision to remain so close to home so he can receive the support from his family. I can’t wait to be able to watch him play college football.”

Rounding out the trio of Ram signees was Darrell Morris.

Morris will be joining his teammate Bartholomew in Lake Charles as he too signed to play with McNeese State.

“I’m excited about getting a scholarship and the chance to play college football at a school as good as McNeese State,” Morris said. “I hope I can be able to contribute immediately.”