George Becnel

The Wildcats: a History of St. James High School Football George Becnel

"Football at St. James is a religion and people in St. James go to church every Friday night." That old saying typifies the passion the people of St. James, La., have for high school football. Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River among sugarcane fields and petrochemical plants of southeast Louisiana, St. James High School has a storied gridiron tradition. St. James High School football began in 1930 with fewer than 20 players. From that humble beginning, the Wildcats have gone on to capture countless district titles and four state championships. The Wildcats: A History of St. James High School Football recounts the exploits of players and coaches who helped make football Friday nights such a special event.