By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

EDGARD — West St. John football is known for producing wins, stars, championships and great tradition.

This Friday night, as the Rams prepare to host Varnado for Class 1A regional round action, it will be asked to produce something more: an uplifting distraction for a community in great need of it.

As the Rams community mourns the loss of West St. John assistant coach Juan Joseph (story on 1A), West St. John players and coaches are tasked with quickly regrouping to prepare for a playoff game this week, one that will undoubtedly be played before an emotionally charged crowd.

“Our players are looking to the coaches for strength and our coaches are looking to the players for the same,” West St. John coach Robert Valdez said.

“We’re going to get back to playing football and show our strength and resolve.”

Valdez said Joseph was like a brother to he and his fellow coaches, and that the emotional toll of his loss has been very real.

He said the Rams (8-2) will celebrate Joseph’s legacy through their play.

“I expect our kids to come together,” Valdez said.

“I expect our community will band together. It won’t be the same without him when we go out there. I know that. We know that. But we’re going to push forward.”

No. 14 seed Varnado scored its most decisive win of the season in the opening round, beating Ringgold 44-8 to advance to play the Rams. West St. John, the No. 3 seed in 1A, comes off a bye week and has won six straight games by an average margin of 39 points.

Running back Wilbert Gray and quarterback D.J. Jefferson form the backbone of the Varnado (5-6) attack. Gray and Jefferson accounted for two touchdowns each in the first half of the victory over Ringgold.

Varnado’s defense has been up and down this season, allowing eight points or less four times — all victories — but 40 points or more three other times.

An explosive Rams offense will try to expose those leaks. WSJ has attacked teams successfully at all levels this season.

Wide receiver Morell Bartholomew has feasted on single coverage whenever it has come his way, while first-year passer Jemoine Green has proved a viable dual-threat. The  backfield has been led by Lamore Boudoin and Bradley Borne, each of whom has scored at least nine times.