EDGARD — Quarterback Shawn Hoye, Jr. and tailback Albert McDonald led the way for West Jefferson Friday night as the Buccaneers left Edgard with a 38-20 win over West St. John.

Jeremy Jackson had a breakout performance for the Rams (1-4) in his first career start at tailback. Jackson, an eighth grader, rushed for 123 yards on 21 carries and added an 84-yard kickoff return for a score.

“It was his baptism by fire,” said Valdez. “We made the decision to go with Jeremy tonight and it worked out well. We moved it effectively against a very athletic defensive unit.”

Jarius Moll hauled in four receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns, each coming off of passes from quarterback Mark Wright.

West Jefferson (2-3) led 24-6 at halftime.

“They had a big second quarter,” said Valdez. “For the most part I felt we played well tonight. It got away from us a bit there.”

Hoye got the night started with the only score of the first quarter, a 5-yard touchdown run that made it 7-0.

West Jefferson added to that lead with a pair of runs from Albert McDonald, the first an 81-yard score and the next from a yard away, putting West Jefferson ahead 21-0.

Wright connected with Moll from 14 yards away to cut into the lead, but Jose Mazier extended it back to 24-7 on a 41-yard field goal.

Redd Hartman made it 31-7 on a 58-yard reception from Hoye. West St. John answered with consecutive scores, first on Jackson’s 84-yard kickoff return (Kylum Favorite converted a two-point run), then on a Wright to Moll 32-yard connection.

“We started to hold our own in the second half. Jeremy Jackson had a great night. Mark Wright threw a pair of touchdowns passes. We had some key people out, but the kids played very hard.”

But the Rams would draw no closer. Ronald Lewis’ 85-yard kickoff return for a score late in the third quarter effectively sealed things.

“We’re 1-4 and we’ve gone up against some big people,” said Valdez. “But it helps us prepare for what’s ahead. Now we go into district. The numbers on both sides are more or less even. Now we have to get ready to make our run and crank it up next week.”