St. James faces tough test against Kaplan

It was just two years ago that St. James played the Class 3A state championship.

The Wildcats have visions, aspirations and genuine hope for a return engagement the second week of December in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

To get there, St. James must first defeat a traditionally strong team in fifth-seeded Kaplan Friday night at home.

The Wildcats (9-3) have been dominating in the playoffs, shutting out Marksville 39-0 and Madison Prep 50-0, much to the delight of head coach Robert Valdez.

‘We are playing solid defensively,” Valdez said. “They say defense wins championships and we are playing championship-type defense right now. We will have to continue to do so. It will not be easy.”

Kaplan (9-3) comes to St. James with its Wing-T attack.

While it is not an offense that you see much anymore, the Wildcats have seen it twice already this year, in victories over E.D. White Catholic and Marksville.

Senior Mac Thibeaux is a fine running back for the Pirates. Junior Braylon Romero, senior Mathew Roden and junior Logan Roy figure prominently in the running game as well while senior quarterback Trae Case anchors the attack. Massive junior tight end Quintlan Cobb (6-5, 264) is a threat. The Pirates play a slew of players both ways, more than most top 3A teams.

“They have a great scheme and they are methodical,” Valdez said. “The biggest thing is they play keep-away. You have to get stops to get them off the field. Otherwise, they can shorten the game and simply not allow you enough opportunities on offense. They did that against Acadiana and almost won the game. They are good on the perimeter.”

What is impressive about Kaplan is the schedule the Pirates have played.

Their three losses came to 5A power Acadiana (17-12), 2A top-seed Welsh (27-18) and Division III top-seed Notre Dame (35-6). Clearly, the Pirates will not be intimidated by the raucous crowd at St. James as they arrive with a seven-game win streak.

Kaplan has enjoyed deep playoff runs of late, reaching the 3A quarterfinals in 2013 and 2015 and the semifinals in 2016.

Sophomore Shamar Smith has played well since taking over for senior Demarcus Williams at quarterback for St. James. Senior Shawn Preston has been a top target. Junior Dontaz Sterling and sophomore Sean Lebeouf are top running backs for the Wildcats. Junior Arum Joseph had an interception return for a touchdown in the win over Madison Prep.

“Smith has had the hot hand for us,” Valdez said. “Demarcus will play some quarterback but he is playing a lot at receiver. Shamar is playing with a lot of confidence. Demarcus is still not at 100 percent with his sports hernia and he can play more effectively at wide receiver. Smith has gotten better for us. We are focusing on the things that he can do well. We can switch quarterbacks in the same drive if we have to. We feel that comfortable with both.”

St. James has four state titles but has not won since 1979. The Wildcats reached the finals under Rick Gaille in 1994, 1996 and 2007 and under Dwain Jenkins in 2015. Passionate fans are hoping for a return engagement.

“We know what the goal is but we have to win this week and that will not come easily,” Valdez said. We have a goal of going 1-0 for five weeks in the playoffs. It is truly one game at a time. We’ll be ready,” Valdez said.