By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

West St. John coach Robert Valdez was recognized this week as the New Orleans Saints Prep Coach of the Week, following his team’s Week 1 come from behind win over St. James.

Valdez and West St. John received a check for $1,000 to go toward the school’s athletic program. The coach also received a framed certificate signed by Saints coach Sean Payton, owner Tom Benson, general manager Mickey Loomis and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

“It’s an honor and a privilege,” said Valdez. “It feels good to be noticed by the pro team in the area. That’s big time.”

It is Valdez’s first time receiving the honor.

The win over St. James was dramatic.

The Rams were trailing rival St. James 12-6 with less than two minutes left, the Wildcats having the ball on the Rams’ 8. Defensive back Jarius Moll stripped a Wildcats ballcarrier right before he was able to cross the goalline, essentially taking the ball clean away.

He’d return it to the 37; a short time later, he scored on a reverse and WSJ went on to win in overtime, 18-12, clinching the game officially on Kylum Favorite’s touchdown run.

“They told me it came down to it being a comeback win, over a school in a higher classification and a rival,” Valdez said. “It’s very exciting. It’s something to share with friends and family.”