By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

10 weeks ago, Laury Dupont may have been wondering if his 200th win, and the Rams first of the season, would ever come.

But since getting that win in the season’s sixth week, the Rams have yet to lose. And the way things are going, Dupont may never lose again.

The veteran coach is retiring after 35 years once this season concludes, and his players are on the doorstep of delivering his fourth state championship as a goodbye present.

But it is not likely to be easy, as the explosive South Plaquemines Hurricanes await this Saturday at the Superdome in the Class 1A state championship game.

West St. John is as hot as any team in football, winners of nine straight after its 0-5 start, with all but one game decided by over two scores. West St. John has yet to lose in 1A competition.

But South Plaquemines may have the most explosive offense in Class 1A. The Hurricanes have won 10 straight games, over which time they’ve averaged 59 points per game. That includes two games over 70 points, and two others over 60.

The Hurricanes are the tournaments No. 3 seed, and have not slowed down against tough playoff competition, blowing out each of its four opponents, most recently a 56-6 win over Desire Street in the semifinal round.

But while South Plaquemines is especially proficient on the offensive side of the ball, West St. John brings a rock solid defense to the table. The Rams defeated old nemesis Ouachita Christian on the road on Friday night, 32-20. Before that game, the Rams had limited its previous seven opponents to 14 points or less. West St. John has seen St. James, St. Charles, Patterson and Riverside, among other potent teams, so they will not be intimidated.

Hurricanes quarterback Ridge Turner accounted for seven touchdowns in Friday night’s win, with three through the air and four on the ground. He is a true dual threat that the Rams will have to be on their game to account for.

Another duel threat is Hurricanes RB Kyle Fitte, who ran for 81 yards and added another 124 yards on four receptions.

“That team has unbelievable speed,” said Dupont. “It’s a big challenge for our defense. The best defense may be to keep the ball away from them.

And the Rams may have the horses to do just that. Its running game, behind Romell Howard, Kenneth Dabney and Tyler Lewis, is chewing up opposing defenses. If West St. John can control the clock, it may control the game – the team rushed for 288 yards on Friday.

Many times, a strong offensive team will succumb one with to a good defense and running game in the postseason. If that holds true, Laury Dupont will leave West St. John on top.