By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

The River Parishes were once again well represented on Wednesday’s National Signing Day.

19 River Parish players signed national letters of intent to play in college, including five East St. John Wildcats.

Receiver David Hampton (Holmes Community College), and defensive lineman Grant Laurent (Southeastern Louisiana), Jamaar Cook (Holmes), Will James (Belhaven) and Brandon Ross (Jackson State) all signed on Wednesday, declaring their intentions for the upcoming season.

Class 5A state champion Destrehan saw five players sign: quarterback Jordan Jefferson (LSU) receivers Tim Molton (LSU) and Damaris Johnson (Tulsa), running back/safety Jerico Nelson (Arkansas) and linebacker Chris Richard (Louisiana Lafayette).

Hahnville saw receiver LaRon Byrd (Miami, Fla.), quarterback B.J. Young (Louisiana-Lafayette), tight end Andrew Bonvillian (Arkansas-Monticello) and defensive back Blake Prince (Arkansas-Monticello) all sign on the dotted line.

St. James saw three players sign: Running back Luther Ambrose and defensive lineman Casey Narcisse (both at Louisiana-Monroe) and linebacker Juarelle Narcisse (McNeese State).

Lutcher quarterback Blaine Gautier is on his way to Louisiana-Lafayette, while Bulldogs’ tight-end Tyrus Harris is going to Southern.