By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

NEW ORLEANS – West St. John and St. Augustine wrapped up their respective spring programs with a spring game scrimmage Saturday morning at Tad Gormley Stadium.

No official score was kept, though St. Augustine scored five total touchdowns to WSJ’s four.

West St. John coach Robert Valdez said he was pleased by his team’s effort against a Class 5A squad in the Purple Knights.

“I was happy with what I saw,” said Valdez. “We moved the ball pretty well. We were very strong defensively against the run. And our guys played hard. I was proud of their effort.”

Wideout Blandy Young provided the biggest highlight for the Rams when he scored on a 60-yard run off of a reverse.

West St. John also did a lot of damage in the goalline drill, that led off the scrimmage. WSJ scored three times in five plays, while the Purple Knights scored once.

“Our line play was a strength,” said Valdez.

It was the spring debut of new quarterback Jarius Moll, who replaces Dray Joseph. Moll, a wide receiver in 2009, did well in getting his feet wet, said Valdez.

Where St. Augustine separated was through the vertical passing game. While the Rams’ run defense allowed little – Valdez specifically mentioned the play of linebackers Ronnie Feist and Dontre Turner as boons in that aspect — St. Augustine victimized a young secondary by converting on four deep touchdowns passes.

“We lost three seniors among our defensive backs, so we’re shuffling there,” said Valdez. “After we had some success against the run, they went vertical and made plays.

“But that’s what the spring is all about. You find out who can do what so you’re ready when it’s time to play for keeps.”