By RYAN ARENA

PLAQUEMINE – Mark Wright connected with Jarius Moll for a 24-yard game-winning touchdown with 2:45 left in the fourth quarter, leading West St. John to a regular-season ending 21-14 win over St. John-Plaquemine.

St. John defeated the Rams last season to clinch the District 9-1A crown. WSJ gained a measure of payback with the win, which clinched outright possession of second place in the district behind White Castle.

“At this point of the year, a win is so big for momentum and confidence. St. John is a well-coached team that played hard,” said West St. John coach Robert Valdez. “It was 7-7 at halftime, but our kids answered the bell in the second half.”

Jeremy Jackson’s streak of 100-yard games was snapped at five, but he was still productive with 72 yards on 13 carries for West St. John (5-5, 4-1).

Moll was a major key, scoring on a 50-yard punt return to go along with his game winner.

“It was a real breakout type of night for him,” said Valdez. “We were running it effectively and we got that one-on-one matchup on his touchdown. Mark threw the fade off of play action and he came up with it.”

Lawrence Williams got the Rams on the board first on his interception return for a score.

The Ram defense held St. John (5-5, 3-2) to 73 yards of total offense.

“Any time you face an offense so based on misdirection, you’re going to give up some plays here and there,” said Valdez. “But we tackled well. We got penetration in the backfield. Our defense was lights out.”