By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

PLAQUEMINE – West St. John scored a key district win last week, relying on its defense in crunch time to down St. John-Plaquemine 51-46 in overtime on Thursday.

The Rams held the Eagles to three points in the extra period to notch the win on the road, especially key as a district matchup with state powerhouse Christian Life was on tap on Tuesday (after presstime).

St. John had just had its most productive offensive quarter – it scored 16 in the fourth – entering into overtime.

“We stepped up our defensive play in overtime,” said Edwards.

“Defense flat out won it for us down the stretch.”

Dray Joseph scored 19 points to lead West St. John.

Blake Carter added nine and Daylon Feist scored eight.

St. John led 23-20 at halftime.

The Rams appeared to be taking control in the third quarter thanks to a similar defensive effort to the one it put fourth in overtime – WSJ led by six after outscoring the Eagles 13-4 in the period.

But St. John answered back, tying the game before the end of regulation.

“We’re still committing too many turnovers, and we won’t win too many more if we don’t fix that problem,” said Edwards.

After Tuesday’s game at home against Christian Life, West St. John will go on the road for five straight games – four within district and one coming at rival St. James next month in Vacherie.