Westgate quarterback Aaron Bird (8) throws to the end zone during the Tigers’ 33-21 win over Thibodaux on Friday. - Lee Ball / The Daily Iberian

After seven weeks of frustration, Westgate High finally tasted victory Friday as Jamal Sam rushed for 193 yards and three touchdowns in the Tigers’ 33-21 District 7-5A win over Thibodaux.

“I’m proud of the guys,” said first-year WHS coach Ryan Antoine. “They’re starting to get it. They’re starting to play well. We’re starting to understand schemes. We knew it was going to take a little while, but the guys are coming along.”

Sam had touchdown runs of four, 10 and 10 yards for the Tigers, who rallied from a 7-0 first quarter deficit to improve to 1-7 overall, 1-4 in district.

It was a win that Antoine could see coming, after rallying to tie the previous week’s game at Central Lafourche, only to lose in overtime.

“We took some losses but it started coming together and clicking for us,” said Antoine. “Now we’re starting to get a feel for each other. It’s all starting to come together and I’m glad for the future around here.”

Sam, who had been battling injuries all year, finally had a game where he was healthy and showed what he can do.

The WHS senior got into a duel with Thibodaux running back Donta Johnson with each proving to be a load for the other team to stop.

Johnson finished with 141 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and added a touchdown reception in the first quarter that gave Thibodaux an early 7-0 lead.

“It was very disappointing. We just made too many errors,” said Thibodaux coach Chris Dugas, whose team fell to 2-5, 1-3. “Too many errors in special teams and too many errors in turnovers. It’s just a killer when you give it away on special teams and other errors that we should be making at this junction of the season.”

Dugas was frustrated that Thibodaux constantly gave Westgate good field position.

“Giving them a short field is tough because it’s hard to slow down a big back like Jamal (Sam),” said the THS coach.

The visiting Tigers started not long after Westgate’s Aaron kicked a 38-yard field goal that cut the THS lead to 7-3.

Twice Thibodaux converted first downs from third and long situations but an ineligible receiver downfield penalty finally forced a punt, which Westgate and Sam turned into a touchdown to take the 10-7 lead.

Thibodaux fumbled the ensuing kickoff which Westgate recovered and Sam scored his second touchdown of the night two plays later to give WHS a 17-7 lead.

“I think the offense moved it around pretty good in the first half and then we came out in the second half and finished the game off,” said Sam, who’s battled ankle sprains and a third degree burn this season. “I always knew I had this type of effort in me, I just had to finally get healthy and play.”

Antoine concurred.

“He’s finally healthy,” said the WHS coach. “He practices hard all the time and the coaches work with him all the time to make sure he’s ready. He’s our workhorse and we rode him tonight.”

Thibodaux twice cut the lead to 3 points, at 17-14 in the second quarter and 24-21 in the third quarter, both on Johnson touchdown runs, but each time Westgate regained momentum and scored to put pressure on the visitors.

“Letting them drive the field, some fumbles on kickoffs, that was big stuff,” said Dugas. “It was too much to come back from.”

With the win, Westgate now turns its attention to a non-district game with Carencro next week and the Tigers close out the regular season with a game against H.L. Bourgeois Nov. 2.

Antoine would like nothing more than to close out the season on a three-game win streak.

“We know that we don’t have a chance to go to the playoffs,” said Antoine. “But we’re working towards next year and we’re playing for our seniors, who’ve led us all year long. As long as we keep that in mind the future will be bright for us.”