By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

EDGARD – West St. John absorbed a heartbreaking defeat on Friday, meaning a district title may not be in the cards. But the Rams still hold a Superdome run in their sights.

West St. John fell to White Castle 12-6 in Edgard Thursday, and now will attempt to regroup as it travels to face Ascension Catholic in another District 8-1A game.

West St. John outgained White Castle (5-3, 3-0) on Friday, committed just two penalties, rushed for over 200 yards and held the Bulldogs’ dynamic offensive duo of Tyree Bracken and Ronald Martin in check.

But Bracken’s lone offensive score in the first half was coupled with a fumble return by Martin on defense, putting West St. John in a hole despite being statistically superior on the night.

“Those are the ones that really hurt,” said West St. John coach Robert Valdez. “We felt like we beat them in every category but the scoreboard. White Castle came in scoring 50 points a game and our defense played exceptionally. But we had three turnovers and ultimately that’s what hurt us.”

Jeremy Jackson had his fourth 100 yard game with a 107 yard effort, but struggled with fumbles. Kylum Favorite (9-67) scored the Rams’ lone touchdown in the third quarter.

But West St. John (3-5, 2-1) was stymied after driving to the Bulldogs’ 10 on a later drive, falling short on a fourth and two play.

“We were six inches short,” said Valdez.

Like White Castle, Ascension Catholic boasts the moniker of Bulldogs. Unlike White Castle, West St. John’s next opponent has no district or state championship aspirations. It boasts a lot of pride – Ascension Catholic (1-7, 1-2) hung tough with St. John-Plaquemine last week, falling 13-6 against its tough district rival.

“You can throw records out at this time of year,” said Valdez. “Everyone’s fighting for respect. Those two teams were rivals, and we’re going to get their best shot too.”