West St. John looks to move forward after challenging season

When you invoke the name of West St. John football, you immediately think of success at the highest level.

The Rams have captured four state championships, all since 1998, and are always a threat to win it all in whatever classification they are in.

Greg Johnson enters his second year on the job in Edgard as he looks to stabilize the program after a bit of a turbulent season, interrupted by Hurricane Ida and by an abrupt coaching change prior to the season.

Johnson, a West St. John alumnus, did not get the job until early August after Brandon Walters departed in July of 2021.

It was a challenging season, with numbers a bit down and lacking a wealth of experience a year ago. West St. John finished 4-5, falling to Oak Grove in the Class 1A quarterfinals.

“It was tough,” Johnson said. “I came into a situation where we were trying to put a team back together. We only had 17 or 18 kids at that time. They started coming back but we did not have a spring and did not who our quarterback or running back would be. Some kids didn’t even know if we would have a season. Two weeks prior to the season, we had a hurricane.”

That was not the only issue for the Rams.

“COVID hit the team and it was just tough,” Johnson said. “I had kids living in Atlanta, Houston, Dallas after the storm. I only had a few kids return. We did not know we would have the season. What was most important is that everyone was safe. They came back slowly. We played our first game with 20 kids. They worked hard. Everyone was on board.”

While West St. John must replace seven key players who graduated, there is talent returning on what is again a young team.

On offense, there is not a decision on a starter at quarterback.

“We have two we are looking at,” Johnson said. “Jayce Farnell is a freshman and Keimyran Weber is a sophomore. They are competing for the job. It is a close competition.”

At running back, senior Milkhail Burrell (6-0, 175) figures to be the starter.

“He played some for us last year,” Johnson said. “His experience should help but we will have others.”

Junior Kylin Smith (5-10, 165) is an outstanding two-way performer at wide receiver and defensive back. Freshman Chance Bovie (6-1, 160) will be in the rotation as well, among others.

“Kylin is our everything,” Johnson said. “We are going to rely on him a ton this year.”

The offensive line is young as well, led by junior Kenveon Harrell (6-1, 297), freshman Ke’Juan Fobb (6-2, 295) and sophomore Brandon Jones (6-1, 280)

“Kenveon Harrell enters his junior year and he will be solid. Brandon Jones is a leader as well. Sophomore Jarrien Smith (6-2, 240) should start. We will simply have to come together as a unit.”

On defense, up front, Smith and junior Darnell Jarrow (6-2, 170) figure prominently.

At linebacker, senior Timothy Bartholomew (5-11, 205) is back after earning first team all-district honors a year ago.

“Bartholomew is a two-year All-District player,” Johnson said. “He is simply outstanding.”

The secondary should be strong, led by Smith and by senior Milkhail Burrell (6-0, 175). Freshman Jakai Milton (5-8, 155) is another player to watch.

“I feel strongly about the secondary,” Johnson said. “We have experience returning from a year ago. Weber will also play there and we have some young talent coming up.”

The schedule opens on September 2 at Ascension Catholic before a River Parish rivalry is renewed at St. James. A tough home game follows against Donaldsonville. Then comes a non-district game at Ascension Episcopal.

District 10-1A play begins against Varnado, followed by Riverside, St. Martin’s and Homecoming against Crescent City. The final game of the season is against Cohen.

“I think we’re going to be competitive,” Johnson said. “A lot of the young guys have to buy into the process and trust it. At West St. John, it does not matter what grade you are in. If you are good enough, you will play. The opportunity will be there. Our young players have to find their way fast.”

With more stability and less distractions, the 2022 season should be a better one for the Rams.

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