PAGE 2 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 3
5
Stories & photos Mike Pervel • Chris Kinkaid Erik Sanzenbach • Joey Michel Cover design • Chad Hebert Cover photo • Mike McCall
Cover Story
Archbishop Hannan
Hawks Lakeshore
Titans Northlake Christian School
Wolverines Pearl River
Rebels Pope John Paul II
Jaguars Salmen
Spartans
6 8 10 12 17 19
New Orleans
Lions
Tulane Green Wave
24
25
26
LSU
SE Louisiana
Tigers
23
Saints
Salmen utility man Matt Lipham to lead Spartans in 2010
PAGE 4 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 5
JACK TRADES of all
Lipham has played four positions at Salmen
“Hard work, doing what the team wants me to do, not being a selfish person, being a team leader and doing what it takes to win,” By Chris Kinkaid Lipham said. “Not to do what satisfies me, St. Tammany News but what the team needs.” Leonard said Lipham is a good person almen senior Matt Lipham is a versatile and competitive starting player for the and a good leader. Spartans’ football and baseball team, whose main focus is on winning. “He’s a real competitive kid. He likes the Lipham has been part of a Spartans’ football squad that has been to the state semifi- competition and he likes the pressure, so nals the past two years, posting a 10-3-record each season. Although he’s happy the team’s we’re real fortunate to have him,” Leonard been that far in postseason, he’s not satisfied. said. “We’re very fortunate to do that, to have a great team and as a matter of When asked about fact, have the best coaching staff in the state and I wouldn’t rather be anyLipham’s biggest quality, where else. It doesn’t matter what Leonard said he is a natuI’m playing, I’d rather be here,” ral leader. Lipham said. “But, I’m tired of set“I think that’s one of his tling for semifinals. I want a state strong suits. The way he championship. I want a ring.” presents himself, the way Since he has donned the Sparhe comes across, he is tans’ uniform, Lipham has proven kind of one of those guys himself as an excellent athlete. He has that does everything played quarterback, wide right,” Leonard said. receiver, tight end and lineLipham replaced MATT LIPHAM backer. Daniel Sams at quarterSalmen senior On the gridiron, Lipback for the final seven ham was a second-team games after they lost all-district player last Sams for the remainder of year. the 2009 season. His first This year, Lipham said he’d game was against Riverdale, a 35-12 victomostly be playing quarterback ry. In that game, Lipham threw three and wide receiver. touchdowns, one each to Jamal Robinson, “He gives us everything he George Williams and James Foucha. has at everything he does,” said Lipham talked about being the starting Salmen coach Jerry Leonard, who quarterback. enters his ninth season with a 56“I just trusted God and what he would do,” 33-career mark. “So whether I’ve Lipham said. “I knew I had to lead my team, Salmen senior asked him to play receiver, line- step up, be the top leader and do what we had Matt Lipham backer, quarterback or whatever it to do to win a state championship.” was named is, he gives us everything’s he’s got,” Lipham, who moved to Slidell from second-team In baseball, Lipham pitches and Oxford, Ala. when he was three, said his dad all-district plays the middle infield positions. Chris got him started in football as a ninein 2009. He’s earned first-team all-district year old for the Slidell Youth Football (Photos by honors the past two years. Association. Mike McCall) Salmen baseball coach Bill Morris, who also coaches “The first day I put on pads, I’ve loved it since,” the defensive line in football, said Lipham does everything Lipham said. “It’s been one of my two favorite sports and I love it to death. I don’t think I he can to hone his skills. could live without it.” “He’s a talented kid and he puts the work into the talent,” Lipham is being recruited by several colleges to play football, baseball or both. He said Morris said. “He’s willing to put the time into the sports.” his top sport is football. He talked about what he likes the most about football. Lipham said he loves both sports and is blessed to be good “Just the intensity and the atmosphere of football. There’s nothing like it coming out on enough to play both. He talked about the key to his success at so many positions. SEE LIPHAM, PAGE 22
S
“I’m tired of settling for semifinals. I want a state championship. I want a ring.”
PAGE 6 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
Aug. 27 - @False River Jamboree • Sept. 3 – Northlake Christian • Sept. 10 – Albany • Sept. 17 - @St. Michael’s • Sept. 24 – Pine (Homecoming)
Archbishop Hannan Hawks Founded: 1987 Head Coach: Pat Lambert 2009 Record: 1-8
★
Hawks rebuilding under new head coach By Mike Pervel St/ Tammany News
A
rchbishop Hannan has hired Pat Lambert, who enters the fray with 35 years of coaching experience, to run the Hawks’ football program. Hannan will compete in District 6-1A coming off a 1-8 record as Lambert replaces former head coach George Templet. The Hawks open the 2010 season going against the Class 2A Northlake Christian School Wolverines.
Lambert, 57, who brings a wealth of experience to the Hawks, can look back on three previous head coaching jobs at St. Frederick High School (1975) in Monroe, Slidell High (1981) and he started the program at Northshore High and spent six years there. Lambert was also an assistant coach and offensive coordinator with Covington High for 10 seasons with the Lions. Two years ago, Lambert was on the Hawks’ staff, working with the offensive line.
“I’m extremely excited and it’s almost like starting over again since my time beginning at a Class 1A catholic school (St. Frederick). I guess you could say things have come full circle for me,” Lambert said. “Hannan is a good school and the new principal Father Charles Latour is doing a tremendous job. He understands the importance of athletics. He knows they are going to be student-athletes,” Lambert added. Lambert plans on running a multiple set offense
with a lot of spread formations and option stuff with it. “We are very young and will have to play people both ways. We’ll move guys around and just try to get the best combinations,” Lambert added. Lambert said he likes what he sees in his freshman QB Korey Zeigler (5-9, 150), last year’s offensive MVP, who passed for 1,200 yards with eight TDs. He also rushed for 569 yards with a score. “Korey’s a really talented and good kid. He listens
and wants to learn. He is a very similar type of player that I had when I was at Covington High coaching quarterback Corey Leonard and Nick Boulosa. We are counting on him to do a number of things,” Lambert added. Senior wide receiver Stuart Seiler (5-8, 150) is a returning starter and one of six seniors, who led the club with 585 receiving yards. “I think we will have a pretty good team. We have a great coaching staff and we love playing for them,”
Seiler said. Seiler talked about his new head coach (Lambert). “He is wonderful. Honestly, he couldn’t be any better. He’s put in a new offense and we’re picking it up. This year’s offense is more run-based than last year. I think we will be more balanced,” Seiler added. Seiler described his team’s QB (Zeigler) as a tremendous young player. “Korey has a lot of talent and he’s a hard worker. He’s SEE HAWKS, PAGE 7
Oct. 1 - @Mt. Hermon • Oct. 8 - @Southern Lab* • Oct. 15 – Kentwood* • Oct. 22 - @Varnado* • Nov. 5 - @North Central (*denotes district games)
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 7
HAWKS: New era at Archbishop Hannan
» 2010 hannan hawks No. 2 4 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 18 21 23 25 27 29 33 35 51 55 57 60 61 62 64 65 66 68 69 70 71 72 74 75 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87
Name Jason Brooks Stuart Seiler Wesley Harwell Bruce DiMartino Nick Palermo Korey Zeigler Collin Becnel Griffin Hakenjos Daniel Hollander Justin Allo Steven Lambou Derrick Tomberlin Michael Froeba Zack Castelluccio Jordanne Vilkan David DeHarde Frank Mondello Mason Caillouet Thomas Harrison Jack Witte Chris Hutton Anthony Ryan Cameron Dupuy Patrick Tomberlin Doug Hartigan Austin Burgess Joey White Kevin Savage Nathan Fouquet Mark Morel Jacob Sylvia Lucas Incandela Mitchell Morel Matthew Morel Shaun Seiler Tyler Shelton Jake Doran Brandon Sylvia Adrian Lapeyronnie Anthony Caronna Philip Kranz Roosevelt Smith Nick Pounds Thomas Sens
Pos. WR/LB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB OL/WR QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB QB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB K RB/DB WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DB WR/DB TE/DL TE/LB
Ht. 5-8 5-8 6-2 5-9 5-4 5-9 5-7 5-6 5-11 5-5 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-6 5-9 5-11 5-8 5-3 5-8 5-6 5-0 5-7 5-8 5-8 6-2 5-11 5-8 5-3 6-0 5-8 5-5 5-9 5-6 5-5 5-4 5-11 5-7 5-5 5-8 6-0 5-8 5-5 6-1 5-11
Wgt. 156 150 165 139 131 150 121 125 130 147 130 145 138 149 140 156 140 133 140 157 153 150 150 232 223 178 189 149 195 210 165 189 154 197 170 164 130 125 167 153 175 118 165 166
Class Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. 8th Fr. So. 8th 8th So Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. 8th So. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. 8th Fr. Sr. 8th Fr. 8th Fr. 8th Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Sr.
“With just six seniors, it is important for everyone to step up and accept a leadership role.” DAVID DeHARDE Hannan Running Back/Linebacker
» FROM PAGE 6
totally dedicated to what he’s doing,” the senior receiver said. “I’m not the biggest guy and I’m not the fastest guy, but Korey puts the ball where it needs to be. He throws a lot of good passes so we just need to bring them down,” Seiler said. Seiler, an infielder and pitcher on the Hawks’ baseball team, said they have some young talented freshmen receivers in Jason Brooks and Bruce DiMartino. “They are fantastic and are bringing down everything he (Zeigler) throws up. The passing game is working out pretty good,” Seiler said. Senior running back/ linebacker David DeHarde (5-11, 156) said it’s exciting, being a two-way performer. “I love going both ways. It’s tough sometimes, but I just want to do what is best for the team,” DeHarde said. DeHarde will help carry the load, but coach Lambert said it would also be by committee including sophomore Collin Becnel and freshman Michael Froeba. DeHarde said he realizes the importance of being a team leader. “With just six seniors, it is important for everyone to step up and accept a leadership role,” DeHarde added. “I plan on doing my part to lead the team in prayer and getting my teammates ready and pumped up for games.” DeHarde, who runs the forty-yard dash in 4.63, has attended a number of camps at Ole Miss, Louisiana Tech, University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Tulane. Lambert said he has a young offensive line and may start three freshmen, which will be a big challenge for O-line coach who Holden, Jimmy
coached with him at CHS. Bobby Scelfo will serve as the Hawks’ defensive coordinator. Senior Mark Morel (5-8, 210), a starting offensive guard/linebacker, will go both ways. He played Oline and D-line before moving to linebacker. Morel said he’s up for the challenge. “We have some pretty good backups that are stepping up so they can come in if I need a break. It’s tough going both ways, but it is also very rewarding,” Morel said. “I’ll play wherever needed and do whatever it takes to help my team. I know there are always younger guys, who can also do the job, so that motivates me to play hard and keep getting better,” Morel said. Morel said he is getting used to coach Lambert and his coaching style. “Coach impresses me
SENIOR DAVID DeHARDE
and we want to play hard for him,” the senior lineman said. Senior tight end/linebacker Thomas Sens (5-11, 166), who played as a soph-
omore, but not last year, said the team is coming together. “I’m just ready to play SEE HAWKS, PAGE 21
PAGE 8 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
Aug. 27 – @Newman Jamboree • Sept. 3 – Jesuit • Sept. 17 – Miller McCoy • Sept. 25 - @Thomas Jefferson • Sept. 30 – Lusher • Oct. 8 - @Newman
Lakeshore Titans Founded: 2009 Head Coach: Larry Route 2009 Record: 9-1 Home: Titans Stadium
★
Titans take quickness, speed to the big time By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News
T
he Lakeshore Titans opened their football program on a strong note last season registering a 9-1 record under head coach Larry Route in the school’s initial competition. Lakeshore with one year under its belt takes a big jump up in class moving up to varsity level competition this year. The Titans as a second-year school are competing as an independent and are not eligible to advance to the playoffs. Lakeshore opens its sea-
son at home September 3 hosting Jesuit. The Titans got out of the gate early in their initial campaign and never looked back. Lakeshore employed a mixture of solid offense putting up 28 points per contest, while the defense held its opponents to an average of 12 points per game last season. The Titans registered their first victory downing Miller McCoy Academy out of New Orleans 20-13 and followed with a clutch 2820 win over St. Paul’s after coming back from a 20-7
deficit to earn the victory. “The team battled back against St. Paul’s. By overcoming that adversity really helped us become a better team,” Route said. The Titans only blemish came in week three falling to Mandeville 34-14. Lakeshore managed to rebound from that loss in fine fashion reeling off seven consecutive victories including a thrilling 14-12 win over Franklinton, which started the streak. Route was the offensive coordinator at Covington High before transferring to take the Lakeshore coach-
ing job. Previously he served as the offensive coordinator at Helen Cox and prior to that he coached at Edna Karr. Route said it is exciting being at a new school. “It’s an unbelievable environment. Everyday I come out here, I have to pinch myself because operating in some of the practice facilities and field houses I had in Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish doesn’t even compare to this. I’m very thankful,” Route remarked. “I’m appreciative of all the parental support,
which is just great. They help us out with whatever we need. I just feel blessed to have this opportunity,” Route added. Route said the team developed some early confidence last year. “You could see their confidence grow and they responded. They stepped up every week and got better and better. By the end of the season, we were executing the offense and defense,” Route said. Coach Route talked about this year’s club. “We’re a young team and we have a lot to learn. I’m
Oct. 15 – Southern Lab • Oct. 22 - @Riverside • Oct. 29 – Mt. Hermon • Nov. 5 - @St. Charles Catholic
interested to see how we react to varsity competition. We have some talent, but we’re not very big up front. I think our guys have good feet and can move,” Route said. Sophomore quarterback Michael Ball delivered the goods as the Titans’ starter completing 45-of-61 attempts for 831 yards with 12 TDs. The Titans are behind the power curve entering their second season as Ball was injured in the Pearl River spring game breaking his collarbone. SEE TITANS, PAGE 9
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 9
» 2010 lakeshore titans No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 32 33 34 40 41 45 46 47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 62 64 65 66 67 68 69 72 74 75 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
Name Pos. Ian Jones K Greg Selser RB Tyler Thames WR Chris Hurst LB Al Damion Riles QB/RB Treston Decoud S Michael Ball QB J.P. Pussiguer RB Jacob Vigh RB Austin Leblanc K Mathew Marshall RB Anthony Mayes DL Tyler Chatman DB Cody Duronslet QB James Harkin DB Jared Scott RB Christian Shreve K Dustynn Smith DB Andrew Dyer DB Charles Clark LB Cyril Crutchfield DB Nick Williams RB Travis Mitchell DB Devin Batiste DB Ethan Leger RB Gerald Simone LB Alex Champagne LB Andrew Bays WR Alex Wood DE Brandon Paulsen S Lanier Crandle DL Dylan Rodgers DL Josh Wahlen OL Jason Fontenoe DL Zach Lechleiter OL Max Mazik OL Ryan Hughes OL Randy Boudreaux OL Isiah Laurent LB Jonathan Meador DL Philip Gorney DL Frank Plaia DL Brandon Ducre DL Thomas Marlbrough OL Ian Elsensohn OL Conner Thames DL Daniel Debenedetto OL William Accardo OL Mark Crawford OL Micah Udeh DE Chris Hughes OL Trevor Venable OL Pearson Villarubia OL Sean Barron OL Mikal Mazik DE/WR DE Alaan LaBostrie WR Xavier Chatman WR Mark Evans James Holmes WR Ryan Jones WR WR Tyler Jones Rodney Gracas De Deus WR Terrence Collins DL Tristian Teal WR
Class So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. So. So. Fr. So. So. Fr. So. Jr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr.
AL DAMION RILES
TITANS: Performing at varsity level this year » FROM PAGE 8
Route said he isn’t released for full contact as of yet but should be cleared prior to the Newman Jamboree (Aug. 27). The Titans have moved junior Al Damion Riles, a starting running back, to fill the void at quarterback. Route said he’s done a great job taking over until Ball can get back into action. Riles contributed 453 yards on 42 rushes and found the end zone three times last year. Riles was the team’s leading receiver catching 15 passes for 231 yards with four touchdowns. Riles talked about being part of a new school. “It’s kind of exciting. There are a lot of people waiting to see what we’re going to do this year. I’m eager and ready to get out there,” Riles said. “We are definitely a running team and I love being part of it. I consider myself an all-around athlete. We have decent running backs and our backfield is definitely a threat,” Riles added. Riles, who possesses 10.8 speed in the 100-yards, will also line up in the slot as a receiver. “I like handling my various responsibilities for the team.” Junior Nick Williams topped the Titans’ running backs with 525 yards on 72 carries with five touchdowns. He was complemented by Jared Scott, who picked up 476 yards on 53 rushes also with five scores. Williams talked about this year’s club. “I think it’s going to be great. If everybody goes hard and puts their heart into it, I think we’ll be a very decent team,” Williams said. Williams talked about playing against JV squads last year to get things underway. “We have a lot of sophomores on our team now.
CHARLES CLARK
NICK WILLIAMS
DUSTYNN SMITH
Everybody’s stepping up and doing pretty good,” Williams added. Williams talked about the chemistry between the running backs. “We have a good group of running backs. We hang out together and go places together. We look after each other and keep our heads up all the time. We believe in each other,” Williams said. Williams said the
strength of the Titans’ rushing attack is overall speed. Sophomore Rodney Gracas De Deus chipped in with 12 receptions for 169 yards and three scores for the Titans, while junior Mikal Mazik contributed 10 catches for 129 yards and topped the club with five TDs. Coach Route employs a true spread offense without utilizing a tight end.
“We have a lot of empty formations and we like to spread the field and run the ball,” Route said. Lakeshore has a number of offensive threats to choose from and averaged over 200-yards on the ground last season. “I really like our running backs. We spread it around. Last year, we had three SEE TITANS, PAGE 21
PAGE 10 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
Aug. 28 – St. Martin (Jamboree) • Sept. 3 - @Hannan • Sept. 10 – Crescent City • Sept. 16 - @Newman • Sept. 24 – Christian Life • Oct. 1 - @Westminster
Northlake Christian School Wolverines Founded: 1978 Head Coach: Tony Agresta 2009 Record: 6-5 Home: NCS Stadium
★
Wolverines to fight for title in new home By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News
N
orthlake Christian School will have some new digs this
season with a brand new stadium along with a new offensive look as senior Tyler Clark moves under center as the Wolverines starting quarterback. Clark
is taking over for last year’s starter Timmy Broussard, who transferred to Mandeville High, earlier in the summer. Clark, a proven leader
and veteran, who is a twoway performer, is accustomed to change as he was asked to make the transition to offensive guard as a junior last year in addition
to playing linebacker. He responded by making the District 8-2A First Team All-District squad at guard. “I’m excited about the season, not just because I’m
a senior, but because I know we have a lot of experienced guys. We had some curve balls thrown at us as SEE NCS, PAGE 11
Oct. 8 - @St. Helena* • Oct. 15 – Pope John Paul II* • Oct. 22 – Pine* • Oct. 29 - @St. Thomas Aquinas* • Nov. 5 – Springfield* (*denotes district games)
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 11
» 2010 ncs wolverines No. 1 2 3 4 5 7 9 10 12 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 24 25 27 28 30 34 35 38 40 42 45 50 56 57 58 59 62 63 74 75 77 79 85 91
Name Cody Hughes Zachary Malloy Taylor Mussachia Cory Weaver Dylan Paquette Tyler Clark Derek Williams Joshua O’Rear Devin Milazzo Samuel Shaw Nicholas Condon Michael Peck Michael Woodruff Landon Lyon Christopher Schell Jonathan Katz Ryan Dupont Mallery Mele Gregory Mula Jr. Riley Dimaggio Blake Dufrene William Sigl Stefan Black Christopher Craighead Drew Sandifer Micah Agresta Shawn Burst Cole Shorter Garret Loupe Nicholas Zimmerman Monroe Hand Cliff Hall II Jake Springer Miles Hand Garret Kuracka James Tomkins Reid Shorter Riley Risher Cody Fricke Caleb Rowe
Pos. DB/WR LB/WR LB/RB TE/DE LB/RB QB/DB RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB LB/WR WR/DB DB/WR LB/OG WR/DB DE/TE WR/DB WR/DB DB/RB RB/DB WR/DB DL/RB LB/TE LB/WR DB/WR LB/TE DT/RB LB/TE C/DE DL/OL OL/DL OL/DL OG/DE OG/DT OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OT/DE OT/DE TE/DL OL/DL
Ht. Wgt. Class 5-8 155 Sr. 5-9 175 Sr. 5-9 155 Fr. 6-2 215 Sr. 6-0 190 Sr. 5-8 185 Sr. 5-10 190 Sr. 6-0 160 Fr. 5-9 165 Jr. 5-9 170 Jr. 5-10 155 Jr. 5-9 160 Sr. 5-10 180 Jr. 5-7 155 So. 6-2 175 Jr. 5-11 160 Fr. 5-11 165 Jr. 5-10 170 Jr. 5-6 145 So. 5-5 125 Fr. 5-7 155 Fr. 6-0 175 So. 5-6 145 Fr. 6-0 170 Sr. 5-9 205 Jr. 5-7 170 Sr. 6-0 225 Sr. 6-1 170 Sr. 5-10 170 So. 5-8 210 Fr. 6-0 210 Sr. 5-10 185 Sr. 5-6 145 So. 5-9 165 Fr. 6-1 185 Jr. 5-10 220 So. 6-2 185 Jr. 6-1 220 Fr. 6-0 160 Fr. 5-10 275 So.
NCS: 6-5 in ‘09 » FROM PAGE 10
a starting safety (Austin Cherry) and our starting quarterback (Timmy Broussard) left. As long as we put God first, I know that he is going to help us through hopefully injury free. This season is just really all about him,” Clark said. “Football season starts the school year and it starts everything off on the right foot. As a football team, collectively we acknowledge God as our No. 1 and that’s the most important thing here at Northlake,” Clark added. Clark (5-8, 185) is a three-sport athlete. He is the starting catcher on the Wolverines’ two-time state champion team and a twotime defending power lifting state champion. “I’m thinking about adding either soccer or basketball. If I’m lucky enough to get a scholarship to play football, I’ll probably want
to play another sport,” Clark said. “Power lifting is all you, there are no teammates. At quarterback, you have the ball every play and there is never a time you can go unnoticed. It’s pressure I’m looking forward to,” Clark added. Clark describes himself as tough and gritty football player. “I’m not the tallest guy, but I have gotten a lot faster. I don’t have blazing speed, but I have confidence knowing I can get the job done.” Clark runs a 4.69 fortyyard dash. Clark named Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back Maurice Jones- Drew as his favorite NFL player. “When I think of a guy on the field that I would like to be like its Maurice Jones-Drew. He’s a small guy who will just knock the snot out of you,” Clark said He also said he looks up
DEREK WILLIAMS
MICAH AGRESTA
SHAWN BURST
TYLER CLARK
to Saints’ QB Drew Brees. “He’s a great guy and a great quarterback,” Clark said. Wolverines’ head coach Tony Agresta enters his second year after leading his club to the playoffs last year. “It was a new system for our players last year. They embraced that, but we were able to get through the spring and summer with some familiarity, which was a positive for us,” Agresta said. “”In all honesty, we will miss a player like Timmy Broussard’s ability, but we’re not going to take any steps backward with a competitor like Tyler (Clark). “Tyler has played just about every position on the field in the four years he’s been here. He had been working out at QB prior to moving him to the O-line last season. He is a very capable and talented player. He’s one of the fastest and strongest players on the team and can play anywhere on the field,” Agresta added. “I think this was a way of blessing Tyler for making a huge personal sacrifice moving to the offensive line when we asked him to,” said the coach. Agresta said he hopes to limit his time on the defensive side of the ball, but will probably have him in on certain packages on key third and fourth down situations. Senior running back Derek Williams (5-10, 190),
a second team all-district selection, returns as a 1,000-yard rusher. He gained 974 yards, averaging 5.56 yards per carry during the regular season with 13 TDs. He added 73 yards in the Wolverines’ 34-8 bi-district playoff loss to Capitol. Williams bragged on Clark’s ability. “Tyler is a really smart guy. He’s knows what to do to get the job done. I have so much confidence in him,” Williams said. “Tyler’s a really hard runner. I think he runs harder than I do.” Williams said he’s ready to do whatever his team needs him to do. “I think we will throw the ball more this year. I need to be a good blocking back to protect my quarterback. I really need to be able to watch Tyler’s backside in pass protection,” Williams added. “I’ve worked hard to get my blocking assignments down.” Williams describes him-
self as a straight-ahead runner. “I’m more of a northsouth kind of guy. I’m not that fast, but I think I have good vision. I like to get the yardage the easy way going straight ahead. It’s the shortest distance on the field from end zone to end zone just going straight,” the senior running back added. Williams said he’s ready to make whatever team contribution he needs to. “If you can play the game and have fun, not too much can go wrong. If you have fun and do your best that’s all you can ask. We had a good season last year and we have to show people that wasn’t a fluke,” Williams said. Coach Agresta described Williams as a natural runner. “There may be guys that are a step and a half faster, but there aren’t many guys out there that have the heart the size Derek has. I think what gets Derek
over the hump is his big heart,” Agresta said. Agresta said he’s thrilled to have the nucleus of his defense back. “We ask our linemen to tie up offensive linemen to let our linebackers run free to make plays.” Agresta said his 14 seniors were baptized under fire a few years ago when they had a young, inexperienced team. “They competed and continued to grow gaining experience. Speed and size matters in this game, that’s the bottom line.” Senior middle linebacker Shawn Burst (6-0, 225), a District 8-2A First Team All-District performer, topped the Wolverines with 100 tackles. He registered 54 solo tackles with 42 assists and had four stops for losses. He caused four fumbles and intercepted a pass. “This is the biggest senior class Northlake SEE NCS, PAGE 20
PAGE 12 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
Aug. 27 - Salmen Jamboree • Sept. 3 - Varnado • Sept. 10 - @W. Feliciana • Sept. 17 - @Northshore • Sept. 24 - Loranger • Oct. 1 - Bogalusa • Oct. 8 - @Vidalia
Pearl River Rebels Founded: 1968 Head Coach: Chris Thomas 2009 Record: 5-6 Home: PRHS Football Stadium
★
New beginnings happening at Pearl River By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News
C
hange is in the air at Pearl River this year as new faces are all over the starting lineup and guiding the team is a familiar face in a new position. Since Pearl River played last, a playoff loss to Salmen, the Rebels lost 17 seniors, most notably James Gillum, who ran 743 times for 5,826 yards and scored 75 touchdowns in his four-year high-school career. Also in the off-season, coordinator defensive Chris Thomas was elevated to the head-coaching position when Joe Harris
stepped down following a nine-year tenure. Thomas will still serve as defensive coordinator. “I’m really excited. I guess it’s like anything first. Like your first day on a new job, you want everything to go right,” Thomas said. “The only thing is, being the head coach, it’s not just one day. One day is your season. You want that whole thing to go right. I know everything’s not going to go right, but we’ve been trying to work hard and make things a little better for our kids.” Thomas said he would have a young team this season with mostly sophomores and juniors.
“Offensive line is going to be where our seniors are at,” Thomas said. “Our defensive backs are pretty much coming back, all three of them ( juniors Brandon Comeaux, Brandon Billiot and Eric Warren). The young men have worked hard this summer in the weight room and outside running. We’ve been doing 7-on-7’s this summer to help them learn the offense. I think that’s going to be the big key, how quick can they pick up the offense.” Offensively, Pearl River is switching from the wingT to being multiple. “We’re going to have double slots and double
wings at times,” Thomas said. “We’ll just try to spread people out. We’re still looking to run the football, but try to pass a little bit more.” The unit features two returning starters in senior left tackle Brent Thigpen (6-foot-3, 265 pounds) and senior Louis Rodriguez (60, 220). The rest of the line includes senior right guard Shane St. Pierre (5-11, 200), senior right tackle Matt Flores (5-9, 227) and sophomore center Aaron Davis (5-8, 227). St. Pierre was a secondteam all-district tight end last season. Sophomore Brent Bour-
geois and freshman Chase Moore are competing for the starting quarterback position. Joining the signal caller in the backfield are junior running backs T.J. Rinkus and Jordan Vicknair along with sophomore Jerry Davis. “Rinkus is one of those blue-collar kids,” Thomas said. “He’s tough and he’ll pound it in there. He’s not a guy that’s going to try to run around you.” The wide receivers are senior Nathaniel Stiegler and junior Gabriel Wiley. “We’re just learning new plays, putting in the passing, so we’re looking forward to seeing how that
goes. It’s going to be kind of exciting,” Wiley said. Defensively, Pearl River is running the 3-5-3 once again and they return four starters in Comeaux, Billiot and Warren along with junior linebacker Julian Carter. Warren, who switches to free safety from cornerback, said the unit would be young. He said the position change is working out pretty well. He said the biggest adjustment is more responsibility. “We have to swarm to the football and play hardnosed football,” Warren said. SEE REBELS, PAGE 15
Oct. 15 - Riverdale* • Oct. 21 - Franklinton* • Oct. 30 - @East Jefferson* • Nov. 5 - @Salmen* (*denotes district games)
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 13
PAGE 14 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 15
» 2010 pearl river rebels No. 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20
Name Anthony Donaldson R.J. Delaune Armando Guedimin Luke Cummings Larry Hale Adler Tonon Jerry Davis Brent Bourgeois Chase Moore Tavin Steele Jordan Vicknair Jacob Turner Cory Miller Gabriel Wiley Nick Pichon Justin Tillman Brandon Comeaux Aaron Roberson
Pos. DB LB LB LB LB K WR QB/SE QB QB SE SE DL WR WR DB DB RB
Ht. 5-9 5-10 5-6 5-7 5-9 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-7 5-7 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-9
Wgt. 152 160 145 175 146 185 143 162 155 160 130 148 223 192 149 175 167 164
Class Sr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. So. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So.
No. 22 25 26 28 31 33 34 35 36 42 44 46 48 51 52 54 55 57
Name Colton Emerson Shelton Pichon Steven Melerine Eric Warren Daniel Boyet Avery Abram T.J. Rinkus Clayton Smith Brandon Billiot Robert Daigre Julian Carter Shannon Frierson Ethan Craddock Eddie Martenson Aaron Davis Phillip Hano Brett Thigpen Mark Leebrick
Pos. DL DL DB DB LB DL RB DB DB LB LB SE LB OL OL LB OL DL
Ht. 6-2 6-0 5-7 5-11 5-7 5-11 5-11 5-7 5-11 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-11 5-8 5-11 6-3 5-10
Wgt. 175 190 130 150 143 190 180 145 160 200 205 150 172 215 227 160 265 217
Class So. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So.
No. 61 64 67 69 70 71 72 75 77 78 80 81 82 83 85 89
Name Devin Sevin John Fourcade Nate Hand Robbie Cutrer Dalton Gonzales Louis Rodriguez Shane St. Pierre Matt Flores Joseph Broom Tyler Heberling Jessep Holley Nathaniel Steigler Cory Cummings Mark Harrison Nic Botsford Jessie Authement
Pos. OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR DB WR WR LB
Ht. 5-4 5-6 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-0 5-11 5-7 5-9 6-0 5-6 6-1 5-9 5-9 5-7 5-7
Wgt. 180 180 260 210 305 220 200 215 191 242 143 155 145 132 140 145
Class So. So. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr.
REBELS: Working toward continued success » FROM PAGE 12
Coach Thomas said he felt his defensive backs did well last year. “You’ve got to look at who they went against,” Thomas said. “Putting sophomores against those type of caliber of teams, they were all pretty good. All of those teams had BRETT THIGPEN
ERIC WARREN
receivers and I thought our defensive backs did fairly well against them.” The newcomers include senior lineman Cory Miller, junior lineman Shelton Pichon, junior linebackers Robbie Daigre, Phillip Hano and Luke Cummings along with sophomore lineman Nate Hand and sophomore linebacker R.J.
Delaune. Delaune, who’s going to
SEE REBELS, PAGE 16
PAGE 16 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
REBELS: » FROM PAGE 15
LOUIS RODRIQUEZ
handle middle linebacker duties, said he loves the opportunity to start. Senior All-district punter Adler Tonon returns to handle kicking and punting duties. The Rebels play half of their games at home. This year’s jamboree is at Salmen. Then they open the regular season at home
against Varnado Sept. 3. That’s followed by a twogame road trip to West Feliciana and Northshore, which precedes a two-game home stand with Loranger and Bogalusa. Oct. 8 is a road trip to Vidalia. The district season begins Oct. 15 at home with Riverdale followed by another contest with Franklinton Oct. 21. The finals two are road games against East Jefferson and Salmen.
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 17
Aug. 27 - Newman Jamboree • Sept. 3 - @St. Patrick’s (Biloxi, Miss.) • Sept. 10 - St. John • Sept. 17 - De La Salle • Sept. 24 - @False River • Oct. 1 - East Jefferson
Pope John Paul II Jaguars Founded: 1980 Head Coach: Mark Jeanmard 2009 Record: 6-5 Home: Lester Latino Jaguar Field
★
New batch of players ready for opportunity By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News
P
ope John Paul II’s Jaguars lost 23 seniors off of last year’s roster, but that opens the door for others to get their shot. This year’s squad returns 10-of-22 starters, four offensive and six defensive. Last season, PJP went 65 on the season. Their season ended with a 41-21 loss to Many in the
bi-district round of the state playoffs. Offensively, Pope John Paul II runs the doublewing and option. The Jaguars biggest loss is probably running back Tyler Lusignan, who ran for more than 1,300 yards. This year’s junior fullback Kyle Canulette (5foot-9, 195 pounds) and wingbacks junior Quinn Fiore and sophomore Greg Cavalier will look to carry the load.
Jaguars’ coach Mark Jeanmard, who has compiled an 11-10 record in two years at PJP and guided them to the postseason each time, said Canulette started just about every game at fullback last year. He said the group has more speed this season, but aren’t quite as big. This year’s backfield is led by senior quarterback Clyde Perkins, who started last year. Perkins said the club
would have a pretty decent passing game. “We’ll probably be pretty strong,” Perkins said. “We have good receivers this year. They all catch pretty well and run routes well. They’re both giants 6-2, 63.” The wide receivers are seniors Michael Calogne (6-3, 185), Brandon Colvin (6-0, 170) and sophomore tight end Sean Bruhn (6-2, 190). Perkins said being better
in the passing game gets him excited because it allows them to do more. “It definitely opens up a running game even more even though we lost Tyler Lusignan,” Perkins said. Jeanmard said he’s excited about Perkins being his starter. “He did a very good job last year of changing the run plays,” Jeanmard said. “This year, we hope he’ll SEE JAGS, PAGE 18
CALVIN DUREL
Oct. 8 - Pine* • Oct. 15 - @Northlake Christian* • Oct. 22 - @Springfield* • Oct. 29 - @St. Helena* • Nov. 5 - St. Thomas Aquinas* (*denotes district games)
PAGE 18 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
JAGS: Big offensive line to anchor Jaguars » FROM PAGE 17
R.J. BARBA
CLYDE PERKINS
read the defense and maybe change to more pass plays if need be. I’m very excited about that. He was a little rusty at the beginning of the year because he had sat out a year (after transferring from St. Paul’s) from football. I think toward the end of the season, he made
some very good plays, very good reads and he made our job easier. I’m excited about Clyde because he’s been working hard to get to where he is.” A key component to the offense will be the line play, which is replacing three starters in center Brandon Jeanmarie along with tackles Wes Edwards and Scott Whitehead. The line should be big. “Everybody should be over 200 pounds and right about 6-foot,” said senior Myles Luparello (6-0, 200). “Strength wise, I think we’re going be fine. Everybody will be able to hit somebody at least.” The rest of the line includes senior guard R.J. Barba (6-6, 295), guard Tyler Dutruch (6-0, 230), tackles Calvin Durel (6-2, 200) and Alex Ramirez (60, 185). Defensively, the Jaguars play an aggressive style of the 4-4 under coordinator Joe Schiro, who returns for his third season with the Jags. Several of the players will be asked to go both ways Coach Jeanmard said the unit, which returns six starters, would be a little smaller than they were in the past. “I do like their physicalness. We played a little bit more 7-on-7 this year because they have to understand how to cover the pass and that’s the best place for it,” Jeanmard said. The third-year coach said the schedule is about even in the number of teams that like to run and pass. “I’m not worried them being physical. The main part is them picking up coverages,” he said. “I’m excited. Calvin Durel is going to be very good. Guy Sergi had a very good year last year as a junior and he’s kind of
» 2010 pope john paul II jaguars No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 40 41 42 43 45 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 65 66 70 73 74 75 78 79 80 82 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94
Name Luis Delgado Jordan Gremillion Clyde Perkins Evan Labat Patrick Wogn Ryan Noonan Matt Oakes Teddy Macke Beau Riviere Blaine Haro Cory Bienvenu Brandon Colvin Rhett Restivo Austin Babb Mac Neyland Mark Fos Greg Cavalier Sean Tran Michael Calogne Joe Feraci Quinn Fiore Michael Waller Michael Nobile Huston Oakes Alex Colton Wade Saucier Guy Sergi Charlie Loupe Kyle Canulette Marcus Rome Sean Bruhn Cameron Dean Austin Fairchild Daniel Eckholdt Jonathan Bauer Derek Trosclair Tyler Dutruch RJ Barba Allen Burkhardt Dominick DiCarlo Zac Pichon Trey Schultz Jude Canady John Babin Chris Goodnow Logan Kadinger Kyle Roubal Brett Gleason Alex Ramirez Matthew Carlos Myles Luparello Christian Grady Corey Frederickson Jonathan Swalley Justin Gandy Nick Walling Mason Klotz Leon Duncan Mark Mornay Cory Davie Jordan Richter Decatur Durel Kyle Roubal Calvin Durel Joe Boyd Christian O’Brien Sean O’Brien Spencer Dean Mickey Dewhirst
Pos. RB WR QB RB/DB WR QB DB LB/K DB QB/DB WR WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB WR/DB WR/DB RB DB/RB DB/RB RB/DB DB/RB DL DB/WR LB/RB DB/WR DT/FB TE/DL TE/DL LB/TE LB DB DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL/OL OL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL OL/DL OL/DL WR WR WR TE/LB WR TE/LB DE OL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL OL/DL WR
moved between outside linebacker and cornerback. Then we have some other kids that are just trying to prove themselves.” Durel, who is playing end, said the line should be good. “We’re going to be a young team, but I think all of our seniors have a shot at starting,” Durel said. He also said the ends have speed. The other end is either
Ht. 5-7 5-9 6-0 5-7 6-0 6-2 5-1 6-0 5-7 5-9 5-7 6-0 5-6 5-5 5-8 5-7 5-8 5-8 6-3 5-7 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-10 5-10 6-1 6-0 5-8 5-9 6-0 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-6 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-8 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-8 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-7 6-2 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-4 5-7 5-10 6-0 5-10
Wgt. 150 155 175 150 175 190 116 175 150 160 150 170 120 115 170 180 170 150 185 150 165 170 175 165 190 175 170 175 195 165 190 175 170 170 170 190 230 295 175 190 185 180 180 165 170 175 200 185 185 200 200 175 175 150 225 200 170 175 120 230 185 150 185 200 175 167 190 175 130
Grade 11 12 12 10 11 10 10 11 9 9 9 12 9 9 9 9 10 10 12 9 11 12 9 12 11 12 12 9 11 9 10 11 11 12 10 9 12 12 10 11 10 9 9 10 9 12 11 12 11 10 12 10 11 10 9 12 9 10 10 9 10 10 10 12 12 9 9 9 9
going to be Ramirez or Wade Saucier. Durel said the defense does a lot of different things. “We switch it up a lot,” Durel said. “We do sliding, shifting, different stunts and a new look every play.” Durel said it’s a fun style to compete in. The corners are Calogne, Sergi, a senior, and Saucier SEE JAGS, PAGE 22
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 19
Aug. 27 - Salmen Jamboree • Sept. 3 - Northshore • Sept. 10 - @Slidell • Sept. 17 - @John Curtis • Sept. 24 - Belle Chasse • Oct. 1 - @St. James
Salmen Spartans Founded: 1966 Head Coach: Jerry Leonard 2009 Record: 10-3 Home: Spartan Stadium
★
Spartans look to take final step to earn a title By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News
T
he past two seasons have been extremely successful ones for the Salmen Spartans, but have ended in disappointment. Two years ago, Salmen made it to the state semifinals, but suffered a heartbreaking 14-10 loss against Archbishop Shaw. Last season, the team once again earned a statesemifinal berth, but played Franklinton in the snow and struggled, losing 60-0. Along the path to the semis, Salmen came back from an 18-3 deficit against Edna Karr in the quarterfinals to tie things at 18-18
MALCOLM PICHON
before capturing an exciting 25-24-overtime victory. Salmen coach Jerry Leonard, who enters his ninth season with a 56-33-career record, said it was a great game.
“It was nice for us to come out on top in an overtime game because we had come up short in two previous against Curtis and Franklinton, so it was nice to come out on top in a playoff game like that,” Leonard said. “It showed a lot of resilience from our kids and that’s what we expected.” This season, behind an experienced group the Spartans are hoping 2010 is the season they take that final step and make it to the Louisiana Superdome and play for a state championship. “When we lost last year in the semifinals to them, it wasn’t even great anymore just making it there. We’re
just trying to get over that hump now,” Salmen senior offensive lineman/ defensive end T.J. Price said. Offensively, Salmen runs the spread behind senior quarterbacks Matt Lipham and Daniel Sams. Leonard said the Spartans don’t have a true starting quarterback, but instead have two starting QBs. Leonard said both signal callers do a lot of things similarly well, but they do have some things they excel at the Spartans will try and take advantage of. season, Sams Last missed the final six games and Lipham stepped into the starting role. Sams is the team’s leading returning rusher with
85 carries for 610 yards and five touchdowns. Lipham finished the year hitting on 94-of-171 (54.9 percent) for 1,289 yards with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. The advantage the Spartans get is both players are athletic. Both players are also wide receivers. “We feel like we’ve got two real quality quarterbacks,” Leonard said. “We’ve never been in this position before and probably will never be again. Both of those guys are very very good. We feel blessed to have them because they both are extremely versatile.” The wide outs are experienced. The main target is
senior wide receiver Jamal Robinson (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), a first-team alldistrict player in 2009. Also, senior Greg Brickley returns to the starting lineup, while senior Ryan D’Alton along with sophomores Chuck Baker and Eric Bell are the newcomers. Robinson caught 44 passes for 516 yards and five touchdowns after missing four games due to injury. He came back strong with nine catches for 137 yards and a score during a 36-0 victory over East Jefferson. Robinson talked about the receivers. SEE SALMEN, PAGE 20
Oct. 8 - East Jefferson* • Oct. 22 - @Riverdale* • Oct. 28 - @Franklinton* • Nov. 5 - Pearl River* (*denotes district games)
PAGE 20 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
SALMEN: » FROM PAGE 19
“Everybody catches the ball, good speed and everybody’s got hands,” Robinson said. Leonard said they’ve got a good group of receivers. “We’ve got some young guys trying to step in,” Leonard said. “We’ve got Ryan D’Alton back, Jamal Robinson and then we have a couple defensive guys, who saw time at one of our other receivers’ spots last year, who will split time there again Chrishawn Dupuy and Greg Brickley. We have two young guys trying to get a starting spot Chuck Baker and Eric Bell. It’s a good little competition they have going and it should be able to provide us some depth at receiver.” The running back is senior Joron Adams. The returning starters on the offensive line are all seniors, including tackle Malcolm Pichon (6-3, 330), right tackle/defensive tackle Zephaniah Rudolph (6-0, 240) and tackle Price (6-3, 220). Rudolph went both ways last year. He talked about the key to the team having a good
» 2010 salmen spartans No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 21 23 24 25 26 27 29 31 32 33 34 35 40
Name D’juan Mackey Greg Brickley Chrishawn Dupuy Henry Glover Daniel Sams Joshua Adams Chuck Baker Kyre Green Emanuel Terrel Eric Bell Chris Gulino Elliott Scales Aaron Hall Matt Lipham Logan Oliver Jamal Robinson Demetrius Mack Gerard Batiste Darrell West Joron Adams D’Lane Harris Ike Spencer David Ryans Priest Crockett Joseph Reynard Trey Lynch Alonzo Stokes Kenneth Vidato Devante Hall Rey Barnhill Denzel Williams
season. “The O-line getting the blocking right, not allowing any sacks and we’ll be all right,” Rudolph said. The newcomers are senior guard Ben Ryen (6-0, 215) along with center Bobby Tate (5-11, 235). Price was a second-team all-district player at center last season. Defensively, Salmen plays a 3-3. The unit brings back six starters from last season. Ends Price and senior new
Class Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So.
No. 41 43 44 45 48 49 51 52 53 54 55 57 58 60 62 63 64 66 71 73 74 75 76 77 80 81 85 87 89 90
Name Adrian Smith Reginald White Shaun Jackson Myron Forrestier Sterling Doss Bruce Smith Bobby Tate Larry Warren Christian Head Claude Schick T.J. Price Zephaniah Rudolph Ben Ryen Josh Dunlap Devin Turner Eddie Brooks Isaiah Thomas Malcolm Pichon Jabari James Devon Gauthreaux Scott Landry Jeremy Bourgeois Payton Pagart Marcus Cochran Dimitri Willis Ryan D’Alton Ryan Robin Colby Woods Chris Sibley Collin France
starter Kyre Green flank tackle Pichon, a first-teamer from last year. Pichon returns after collecting 87 tackles in 2009. Price said the line is going to be pretty good. “We’re just missing one person from last year (Isame Faciane), but we’re going to be all right,” Pichon said. The linebacking corps is collectively the position with the least experience, but there are two seniors. Senior Joshua Adams, a
Class So. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. So. So.
first-team all-district player last year, is the lone returning starter. Senior Claude Schick, junior Alonzo Stokes and sophomore Emanuel Terrel round out the linebackers. The backs are a seniorladened group that comes with experience as all three are returning starters. The group includes Joron Adams, a first-teamer from a year ago, along with Dupuy and D’juan Mackey. Dupuy made second-team all-district last year at kick
DANIEL SAMS
JAMAL ROBINSON
returner. Adams returns after picking off five passes last season. Dupuy said part of the key to success is stopping the run and everybody doing their job. Leonard said he feels good about the unit, especially the secondary and the line. “The linebacking corps is coming around. We think those guys are going to be solid for us this year,” Leonard said. On special teams, junior Chris Gulino handles the place-kicking duties after being named a first-team player last season. Salmen’s punting chores are still up in the air. Leonard said Gulino has been real good for them. “We’re happy to have
him back,” Leonard said. “He’s been real consistent for us over the last two years. This is his third year going in, so he’s been kicking for us since he was a freshman. He’s handled all those duties since his freshman year, so we feel real good about him. Salmen hosts a jamboree Friday before opening the season Sept. 3 at home against Northshore for the Spanther Bowl. They then have a two-game road trip to Slidell and John Curtis before coming back home to face Belle Chasse. Oct. 8 is the district opener at home against East Jefferson before heading to Riverdale and Franklinton and then closing the regular season at home against Pearl River.
NCS: Looking to compete for the District 8-2A crown with new QB » FROM PAGE 11
Christian has ever had. A lot of them are playing defense (seven returning starters). Everybody just needs to do their job so we can win,” Burst said. “We have a tremendous bond on defense. A handful of us have been starting since our freshman year and the rest since our sophomore year. When we are out there together, things just click between us,” Burst added. Burst, who runs a 4.8 forty-yard dash, said the Wolverines would switch between a 3-4 and a 4-3 alignment. “We are focused on trying to win a district championship. We want to take every day like it’s our last and make sure we glorify God,” Burst said. Burst said he likes Baltimore Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis, and wants to force turnovers.
“He always says great defense scores touchdowns. I’ve watched him countless times and watch U-Tube videos. It’s good to learn from the best because they have been there,” Burst said. Burst considers himself a student of the game. “I love breaking down film and I work really hard making sure everyone on defense knows their responsibilities. I hold team meetings to make sure the defense is on the same page,” the senior backer said. Senior nose guard Micah Agresta, the son of the head coach, who made the District 8-2A First Team last year, returns to help anchor the Wolverines’ D-line. Agresta registered 24 individual tackles with 16 assists and six stops for losses, which was a team-high. He had one sack and three quarterback hurries. “We have a lot of people coming back (7 starters on defense). We’re looking pretty
good,” Agresta said. Agresta, not a typical nose guard based on his size (5-7, 170), said he just tries his best to stay low and uses his leverage to get past the offensive linemen. “I just try to do my best to engage the linemen so the linebackers can make the tackle. Sometimes the linemen try to bull rush me to the ground and that’s when I use my quickness to get past them,” Agresta added. “My defensive coaches always tell me my main job is if I can’t make the tackle to take on as many lineman as I can so our linebackers can make the tackle,” Agresta said. Agresta praised the ability of Burst at his middle linebacker spot. “He makes a lot of stops for us.” Agresta said he feels if the Wolverines maintain their gaps and wrap up when tackling they’ll be successful.
“A lot of our players got bigger, faster and stronger because we spent lots of time in the weight room this summer,” he said. The nose guard talked about playing for his dad. “It’s great because not a lot of players get to do that. It’s kind of cool to have my dad as my coach. During games, I can’t treat him like my dad, but after games he’s your coach and your dad at the same time,” Agresta said. “He’s always been there for me. Even if I didn’t play sports he would treat me the same. Micah Agresta also spoke about defensive/ offensive line coach Mark Robert, who formed the NCS program back in 2002, and what he means to the club. “Coach Robert has the ability to be funny and serious at the same time, which makes practice fun. He has a great personality and I like going to practice,” Agresta said.
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 21
HAWKS: 1-8 in ‘09
TITANS: Coming off impressive debut season
» FROM PAGE 7
» FROM PAGE 9
football and contribute where I can. We know what we need to do to get better and we are working hard to improve,” Sens said. Sens, a third baseman for the Hawks’ baseball team, said the club has its work cut out. “A number of underclassmen are stepping up and doing their part to help the senior team leaders,” Sens added.
MARK MOREL
backs that averaged 60 to 70 yards a game. Hopefully, we can start this year in varsity and gell again offensively,” Route said. Route said his offensive line isn’t huge, but they have good footwork. Defensively, the Titans play an eight-man front along with a 4-4type scheme. “We’re not huge, but we have some athletes that can run to the ball. We are aggressive up front and do different things to get after the quarterback,” Route said. “We stress getting 11 players to the ball. We want our defenders to be active and close on the ball with good pursuit angles. Somebody might miss a tackle, but we want four or five other guys coming behind him. We want to really attack people on defense and we want to be aggressive,” Route said. Route said the defense’s strength is the line. Mazik, who topped the Titans with 55 tackles and 12 sacks, and sophomore Alaan LaBostrie, who had 48 tackles and 6 sacks, team up at defensive end. Route said both
STUART SEILER
THOMAS SENS
players are athletic and have quickness off the ball. Route said sophomore tackle Brandon Ducre and junior Conner Thames provide the muscle inside along with junior Terrence Collins. “We’re not huge, but our defensive line really gets after it.” Route said they would attack the offense with its linebackers. “We don’t think we can just line up and out muscle anybody. We’re going to put numbers in the box and try to attack whatever the offense is doing,” Route said. Sophomore cornerbacks Dustynn Smith (25 tackles, 3 interceptions) and Cyril Crutchfield (son of former South Plaquemines’ head coach and current Landry coach) head up the secondary. “They started 10 games for us last year. We put them on an island a lot as freshmen and they responded. They know they’re going to be in a lot of man coverage. They are both tough competitors,” Route said. Smith talked about the defense. “We’ve been working hard all summer to be prepared to play a varsity schedule. Going from JV to varsi-
ty is a big step,” Smith said. “We are an aggressive defense and we hustle to the ball. We never take plays off,” the cornerback said. Sophomore outside linebacker/ strong safety Charles Clark talked about the linebacking corps. “Our linebackers are pretty set. We have a pretty strong defense. I think the strength of our defense is our speed. That’s what sets us apart from everybody else,” Clark said. “Our linebackers pretty much are as fast as our defensive backs. I think that is what drives us is our speed. Speed can make up for mistakes,” Clark added. “We like to blitz and send numbers at you. It’s fun playing in that environment. Everyone loves to be aggressive. That’s why they play defense, just so they can hit somebody. I love to make the big play,” the linebacker said. Clark talked about the excitement of playing last year at a new school. “It was great. Having all the equipment, new jerseys and new everything was fantastic. We had a large crowd at our first game. It was nothing short of amazing,” Clark said.
PAGE 22 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
JAGS: Finished 6-5 in 2009 » FROM PAGE 18
looks to start at safety. Sergi said the backs are new because they lost Brendon Lagasse and Tim Turner. “We’re new as a group. I think we’ll be all right. We just need to get things together,” Sergi said. Pope John Paul II plays half its games at home this year. The schedule features a pair of twogame homestands. The first home game is set for Sept. 10 against St. John, followed one-week later with De La Salle. Then they host East Jefferson Oct. 1 before the start of league play Oct. 8 as Pine comes to town. The final regular season contest is against rival St. Thomas Aquinas in a battle for the Catholic Cup Nov. 5. The Jaguars open the regular season Sept. 3 against St. Patrick’s in Biloxi, Miss.
GUY SERGI
LIPHAM: All-district in 2009 » FROM PAGE 5
the Friday night lights,” Lipham said. Lipham also has a great support system off the field. He named several people who have had the biggest influence on him. “My parents (Chris and Taska Lipham). Rough times, good times, they’re always there for me and you’ve always gotta have them,” Matt Lipham said. “Number 1 top, God. He’s been my role model. I live for him and I play for him everyday. All of my coaches too. I even look up to some of the players. Coach Leonard is like another dad to me. I appreciate everything he does for me. My offensive coach, Coach Mac (Robert McDaniel) and coach Shag (Steve O’Shaughnessy).” Lipham said he feels like Salmen is a second family. When Lipham started at Salmen, his brother Jordan, an offensive and defensive lineman, was a
MATT LIPHAM senior. He said it was a and he’s a leader.” Despite Favre being his good thing playing on the same team with his brother favorite quarterback, Lipbecause it was a good time ham said the Saints are his and gave him somebody he favorite team. When the Saints played Favre in the could lean on. Lipham, also an NFL NFC Championship game fan, said his favorite player last year, Lipham said he is Minnesota Vikings’ quar- was pulling for the Saints, but he wanted Favre to do terback Brett Favre. “He’s always been my well no matter where he’s quarterback,” playing. The Spartans play favorite Lipham said. “I just like the in the Salmen Jamboree way he plays, his intensity, Aug. 27 and open the reguhe never goes out hurt, lar season one-week later toughness and everything. by hosting the Northshore He’s a smart quarterback Panthers.
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 23
Sept. 4 - North Carolina (Atlanta, GA) • Sept. 11 - @Vanderbilt • Sept. 18 - Mississippi State • Sept. 25 - West Virginia • Oct. 2 - Tennessee • Oct. 9 - @Florida
LSU Tigers Founded: 1860 Head Coach: Les Miles 2009 Record: 9-4 Home: Tiger Stadium
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Trio of local players on Tiger roster By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News
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y most standards, the Louisiana State University Fighting Tigers had a great year last season, going 9-4. Under Les Miles, who enters his sixth season with the Tigers since taking over for Nick Saban in 2005, LSU is 51-15 (.772 winning percentage). He has won 11or-more games three times. He’s led the Tigers to a National Championship (2007), a Southeastern Conference Title (2007) and an SEC West Championship (2005). LSU has made it to 10-consecutive bowl games. Despite that, the past two seasons of 8-5 and 9-4 have been somewhat of a disappointment because of the lofty expectations. In 2008, the team began 5-1, but struggled down the stretch, finishing at 8-5. Last season, the Tigers started 7-1 with the lone setback 13-3 against top ranked Florida. But the Tigers struggled near the end, winning just two of their final five games, closing with a 1917 loss against Penn State in the Citrus Bowl New Year’s Day. This year, the Tigers are on the prowl and hungry to get back to a place they were just three years ago, the National Championship Game. Jordan Jefferson returns as LSU’s starting quarterback for his second year. He saw limited playing time two-years ago, getting into seven games and starting
CHRIS FAULK
two. That year, he threw for 419 yards and four touchdowns. Last season, Jefferson played and started 12 games, compiling 2,166 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and seven
interceptions. The club features three former St. Tammany Parish players in redshirt freshman offensive tackle and 2008 Northshore High graduate Chris Faulk (6-foot-6, 310 pounds). Faulk said it’s been great at LSU. “Last year, I got to redshirt and learn how LSU and the SEC works,” Faulk said. “It’s a lot different from high school. The plays are different and it’s a lot quicker. They’re here for a reason and everybody’s competing for their job.” He said it was tough sitting out, but said he had to realize that he had an opportunity to compete for a spot this year. Faulk said he’s battling for a starting spot with Joe Barksdale. “As of right now, I’m rolling with the twos,” Faulk said. The 2008 NHS graduate said he’s dropped some weight and feels it’s helping him. “I’ve lost about 20-25 pounds. I’m at 310. I’m stronger, quicker and more physical,” Faulk said.
ARMAND WILLIAMS
Also on the club is true freshman and 2010 Slidell High graduate Armand Williams (6-4, 205). Sophomore transfer tight end Josh Gast (6-3, 211), who went to St. Paul’s, is also
on the roster. None of the three are listed as starters on the depth chart, but Faulk is backing up Barksdale. Including Jefferson, the Tigers’ offense returns six starters, two at receiver, including senior Terrence Toliver and sophomore Rueben Randle. In 2009, Toliver was second on the team with 53 receptions for 735 yards and three touchdowns. Randle caught 11 passes for 173 yards and two scores. The other starting wide outs are junior Deangelo Peterson and sophomore Russell Shepard. Peterson started twice and logged five catches, 82 yards and two TDs. Shepard played a little running back and receiver, finishing with five catches, 34 yards and ran 45 times for 277 yards two touchdowns with a long of 69. The rest of the offensive include starters returning Barksdale, a senior left tackle (65, 315), junior left guard Josh Dworaczyk (6-6, 307) and sophomore center P.J. Lonergan (6-4,
300). Barksdale is on the second team pre-season allSEC Coaches’ Team. Senior Richard Murphy, who saw a little playing time last year after JOSH an injury cut GAST his season short, returns. In 2008, he had 44 carries for 202 yards and tallied 10 catches for 92 yards. The tight end is sophomore Chase Clement and the fullback is sophomore Dominque Allen. Defensively, LSU brings back four starters after allowing 16.7 points per game last season. Two of the starters senior middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (6-3, 238) and junior right cornerback Patrick Peterson are on the Chuck Bednarik Award “Watch List.” Both have also been selected for the first team pre-season all-SEC Coaches’ Team. Peterson is also a preseason all-American honorable mention Last season, Sheppard LSU’s leading tackler with 110 and eight for loss including a sack. Peterson posted 52 tackles, two picks, broke up 13 passes, defended 15, while recovering a fumble. The other two returning starters are senior tackle Lazarius Levingston (6-4, 269) and junior strong safety Brandon Taylor. Last year, Levingston was in on 28 stops, eight behind the line.
Taylor tallied 41 stops along with two interceptions. The rest of the starting line includes junior left end Kendrick Adams (6-5, 252), senior tackle Drake Nevis and sophomore right end Lavar Edwards. Nevis played in 13 contests and had 50 stops, 11 for loss and posted four sacks. Nevis is on the second team pre-season all-SEC Coaches’ Team. Edwards played 12 games, making 23 stops, 4.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks. The strong-side linebacker is junior Stefoin Francois (6-1, 220), while junior Ryan Baker (6-0, 221) plays the other side. Francois played in 11 games and made eight stops. Baker competed in 12 contests and made 17 tackles. The rest of the backfield is sophomore cornerback Morris Claiborne and free safety Jai Eugene. Claiborne made seven stops in seven games, while Eugene finished with 26 tackles and one pick in 13 contests. Senior Josh Jasper handles place-kicking, while senior Derek Helton does the punting. Last season, Jasper hit 17-of-20 with a long of 52. He hit all 34 of his extra point tries. For his career, he’s 19-22 and is perfect in 39 PATs. Helton averaged 40 yards per kick and topped out at 59 yards. The Tigers begin 2010 in Atlanta against the University of North Carolina. The home opener is Sept. 18 against Mississippi State University.
Oct. 16 - McNeese St. • Oct. 23 - @Auburn • Nov. 6 - Alabama • Nov. 13 - Louisiana-Monroe • Nov. 20 - Ole Miss • Nov. 27 - Arkansas (Little Rock, AR)
PAGE 24 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
Sept. 2 - @Tulane • Sept. 11 - Tennessee-Martin • Sept. 18 - Lamar • Sept. 25 - @Louisiana-Monroe • Oct. 9 - Texas State • Oct. 16 - @Sam Houston State
Southeastern Louisiana University Lions Founded: 1925 Head Coach: Mike Lucas 2009 Record: 6-5 Home: Strawberry Stadium
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SLU poised to battle for Southland crown By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News
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outheastern Louisiana University head coach Mike Lucas is entering his fourth season with the Lions. SLU finished 6-5 last season coming in third in the Southland Conference. The Lions return eight starters on offense and Lucas will run a multiple offense with a lot of different personnel groupings. “There won’t be too many differences offensively from what people have seen in the past. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do it better this year,” Lucas said. Lucas said the Lions had a very tough camp battling the heat and his squad responded with a great work ethic. Quarterback Tyler Beatty, a transfer from Baylor, has graduated and is working on his masters, and is a fifth-year player moving into his third season with the Lions. Coach Lucas described Beatty (6-4, 220) as very athletic. “The question mark with Tyler is that he doesn’t have many starts (two starts). You can’t teach game experience. We’ve been trying to simulate that the best way we can at practice, but there is nothing like real game experience and game speed,” Lucas added. Lucas highlighted the return of junior receiver Simmie Yarborough (6-1, 205), who has been named to three pre-season AllAmerica teams. “Simmie has really matured
and should be a big-time player for us,” Lucas said. Coach Lucas said he has a stable of good receivers that he can count on. “In addition to Yarborough, JUSTIN we have depth CHURCH and ability at wide receiver with senior Andre Cryer, junior Korey Theodore (West Jefferson) and sophomore Reshad Douglas. Lucas said he feels good about the Lions’ running game with sophomore Zeke Jones (6-0, 240) out of Springfield High and sophomore Sam Fairley from Moss Point, Miss. “We feel very good about both backs. Jones is a 240-pounder, who is very physical, while Fairley, who is 180 pounds is fluid with great speed. They are opposite type runners, but at the same time they complement each other,” Lucas added. Lucas said one of the Lions’ offensive strengths is the O-line, which features four returning starters including senior left tackle Kevin Hughes, a two-time AllSouthland Conference selection, who has started 25 straight games since 2007. “Kevin has turned out to be a great leader for us on the offensive line and I’m real proud of what he’s accomplished as a fifthyear senior,” coach Lucas said.
Senior right guard Michael Stallworth and junior center Josh Penton started all 11 games last year, while sophomore right tackle Paul Roppolo startSCOTT ed the final five KORTE games last year. Reserve lineman Josh Bridges has started 14 games in the last two years after originally playing defensive tackle. “I think our offensive line is a strong point for us with what we have returning. We have a lot of experience with those guys. We lead the Southland Conference in the total number of starts (over 70) across the O-line since I took over as head coach.” Senior strong safety Tommy Conners, who was red-shirted last year after breaking his thumb, is back. He was a pre-season AllAmerican selection last year and was on the Buck Buchanan Watch List last season as the top defensive player before suffering his injury. Senior free safety Re’Keem Wilson (Franklinton High) was named First Team All-Conference last year and led the conference in interceptions with seven. Senior linebacker Mark Newbill (Neville High) was also a First Team All-Conference selection. Coach Lucas talked about some former St. Tammany Parish
players, who are turning in some good work with the Lions. Freshman left defensive end Justin Church, a Fontainebleau High grad, is MATT pushing for a McCORMICK second team position in hopes of making the traveling squad. “Justin has shown a great pass rush capability. He and Scott Korte (FHS) have both shown good athleticism. We would like to red shirt as many freshman as we can,” Lucas said. St. Paul’s grad freshman place kicker Jake Saltalamacchia, a preferred walk-on, and is battling freshman Seth Sebastian for the Lions’ kicking job. Saltalamacchia has impressed coach Lucas. “Salty is tearing it up. Right now he is leading the pack. He has a very strong leg. We have worked on his timing a little bit and he has responded very well. It’s an open competition at place kicker, and if we were to play today he would be our kicker,” Lucas said. Lucas said red-shirt freshman punter Matt McCormick, a Covington High grad, is No. 2 behind Bo Mothe (Jesuit) and has impressed the staff with his hang time and leg strength. The Lions open the season September 2 against the Tulane
Green Wave in the Louisiana Superdome. “Going against coach Toledo and his team is a great opportunity for our program to play against a Conference JAKE USA opponent. SALTALAMACCHIA Our players are always excited to have an opportunity to play in the Dome,” Lucas said. SLU has a large number of players on its current roster from the region so they decided to dedicate their season to Children of the Gulf to help raise awareness especially for the people in Plaquemines Parish and St. Bernard, who have been impacted by the BP oil spill. The Lions will be wearing a sticker (COG) on the back of their helmets. SLU will be selling T-shirts throughout the season with the donations going to a Plaquemines Parish charity. The Lions squad traveled to Plaquemines Parish earlier in the month and worshipped with Trinity United Methodist Church in Buras. The players met with Parish President Billy Nungesser for lunch at which time they had an opportunity to sign autographs for fans. “We want to help spread the word. When they hurt, we hurt and we want to bring as much attention to the plight of the children as we can,” Lucas said.
Oct. 23 - McNeese State • Oct. 30 - @Central Arkansas • Nov. 6 - Northwestern State • Nov. 13 - @Stephen F. Austin • Nov. 18 - @Nicholls State
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 25
Sept. 2 - Southeastern Louisiana • Sept. 11 - Ole Miss • Sept. 25 - @Houston • Oct. 2 - @Rutgers • Oct. 9 - Army • Oct. 16 - @Tulsa
Tulane University Green Wave Founded: 1834 Head Coach: Bob Toledo 2009 Record: 3-9 Home: Louisiana Superdome
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Tulane looking for a ‘Wave’ of success By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News
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he Tulane Green Wave is looking to be able to crest the Wave this season in hopes of improving on last year’s 3-9 record when they were forced to play a number of inexperienced freshmen (18). Head coach Bob Toledo entering his fourth season, has compiled a 9-27 record with the Greenies. The Green Wave hosts the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions in the Louisiana Superdome Thursday, September 2 at 7 p.m. “Again, I’m optimistic and I feel we have a much improved program. We have a lot of experienced players returning and we are a sophomore and junior laden team as opposed to being an extremely young team last year,” Toledo said. “We’ve had three good recruiting classes. We feel like we have built some quality depth. Physically, we’re a bigger, stronger, faster and more athletic team,” Toledo added. “This team more than any other one is mine and my coaching staff’s because we have recruited these guys.” Toledo talked about the
program having continuity. “Having our coordinators back gives us continuity, which translates into our players having a grasp of the program. The attitude is better than it’s ever been and the players feel very good about themselves. We as a team have changed a lot habits and attitudes,” coach Toledo said. Toledo said it’s the first time during his tenure he has entered a season with an experienced, proven quarterback in sophomore Ryan Griffin. As a freshman, Griffin broke all of former Greenie Shaun King’s freshman passing records. “Ryan’s a very heady quarterback. He has good size (6-5, 215) and is an accurate thrower,” Toledo said. Toledo said he’s looking for another solid season from senior wide receiver Casey Robottom (5-11, 180), the Green Wave’s second leading receiver last year. He caught 50 passes for 584 yards with two touchdowns. Robottom will be counted on to fill the void of Jeremy Williams (San Diego Chargers), who hauled in 84 balls last season for 1,113 yards and a team-high seven TDs. Toledo described Ro-
bottom as a key to the Green Wave passing game. “Casey is a very sure-handed, dependable receiver. When it’s on the line, he’s the guy you want to get the ball to.” Toledo said he also likes the ability of D. J. Banks and Ryan Grant, who saw lots of playing time as freshmen last season. Toledo said he has two quality tight ends in seniors Cody Sparks and Tyler Helm. “Tyler is definitely in the mix and is instrumental in our running game. I look at him as a starter and he’s our blocking tight end, while Cody is our receiving tight end.” “Tyler is a self-motivated guy, who has really good work ethic. He worked hard in the weight room and is definitely ready for his senior season,” said the coach. Helm (6-4, 240), a 2006 St. Paul’s graduate, is a three-year letterman for the Greenies. “I’m excited and everybody’s attitude toward the season and our camaraderie has been great this year. The summer helped everybody come together and that togetherness is showing,” Helm said. Helm, primarily a blocking tight end, played in all
SENIOR TIGHT END TYLER HELM
12 games last year, catching six passes for 48 yards. “I think of myself as a dependable, physical type blocker. Understanding the play and defense we are going against allows me to go all out and give 100 percent. Being comfortable with the play call, you don’t have to worry about making a mistake, and you can be aggressive off the ball,” Helm said. “This team has a good attitude. This year we have a bunch of different threats and we plan on spreading the ball around. We need to continue to stay positive and believe in ourselves,” Helm added. Helm said he’s had a great experience at Tulane and the time has flown by. He is majoring in business management with a
minor in marketing and is carrying a 2.9 grade point average. Junior kicker Roger Williams, a walk-on competing for the place kicker job, attended Mandeville High as a sophomore before transferring to Massachusetts following Hurricane Katrina. Williams is competing freshman Ryan Rome (Destrehan High) and Cairo Santos (Florida via Brazil). Williams transferred to Tulane after three-years at Hofstra University. He tied the school record with a 54-yard field goal as a redshirt freshman. “Things are going really well. I’m hanging in there and doing my best. You never know how the cards are going to fall. It’s a winwin situation for me and I
Oct. 23 - @UTEP • Oct. 30 - SMU • Nov. 6 - Southern Miss • Nov. 13 - Rice • Nov. 20 - UCF • Nov. 27 - @Marshall
don’t have anything to lose,” Williams said. “I’m just grateful to Tulane for giving me the opportunity after the tough situation at Hofstra when they decided to cancel the football program there,” Williams added. Coach Toledo said the Greenies’ tailback position would be by committee this time around where in the past they have had guys like Matt Forte (Chicago BearsSlidell High) and Andre Anderson (Buffalo Bills), who were featured as the team’s back to carry the load as 1,000 yard rushers. Defensively, the Wave returns four starters, including senior tackle Justin Adams, senior cornerback Phillip Davis, senior strong safety Alex Wacha and sophomore Shakiel Smith, who moves from linebacker to free safety. Toledo said his club has three transfers defensive end Dezman Moses from Iowa, middle linebacker Trent Mackey from Duke, who both sat out and were red-shirted along with defensive end Julius Warmsley, who transferred from Army Prep School. “Those guys will help give us an added boost on the defensive side of the ball,” Toledo said.
PAGE 26 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
Sept. 9 - Vikings • Sept. 20 - @49ers • Sept. 26 - Falcons • Oct. 3 - Panthers • Oct. 10 - @Cardinals • Oct. 17 - @Bucs • Oct. 24 - Browns • Oct. 31 - Steelers
New Orleans Saints Founded: 1967 Head Coach: Sean Payton 2009 Record: 16-3 Home: Louisiana Superdome
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Saints look to continue magical ride By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News
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he defending champion New Orleans Saints and the Who Dat Nation are back and are attempting to duplicate last season with another Super Bowl victory. New Orleans began last season with a 13-0 record, but lost the final three games. That concerned some Saints’ fans because until last season, no team that had lost their final three regular season games had ever won the big game. But New Orleans changed that with a 45-14 victory over Arizona, followed by a dramatic 31-28 win over Minnesota in the NFC Championship game followed by the 31-17 Super Bowl title victory over Indianapolis. This year’s team returns much of a potent offensive attack that saw the team lead the league in yards per game (403.8) and points per contest (31.9; 510 overall). New Orleans was fourth in passing at 4,335 yards. Houston topped everyone at 4,654, followed by Indianapolis (4,515) and New England (4,436). Super Bowl XLIV Most Valuable Player Drew Brees led the passing attack
DREW BREES
PIERRE THOMAS
TRACY PORTER
and continues to show why he’s one of the league’s best. Last season, Brees was sixth with 4,388 passing yards and he didn’t play the final game. Houston’s Matt Schaub topped the list at 4,770. Brees’ 34 touchdowns were first, one ahead of Minnesota’s Brett Favre and Brees led the league with a 109.6 passer rating. Also, Brees set a new NFL record by completing 70.6 percent of his throws. The thing that really helped the Saints offense was a better rushing attack, helping make the offense balanced. New more Orleans was sixth at 2,106 yards, a major improvement from being 28th just one year earlier at 1,594. In 2008, the Saints’ pass-
to-run ratio was 636-398. In 2009, they attempted 594 passes and 468 runs. Pierre Thomas led the ground attack, running 147 times for 793 yards and six touchdowns. Mike Bell, now a Philadelphia Eagle, had 172 totes for 654 yards and five scores. The versatile Reggie Bush tallied 70 attempts for 390 yards and he found the end zone five times. Like the running game, the receiving package is also fairly balanced. Marques Colston led the team with 70 catches for 1,074 yards and nine touchdowns, while LSU’s Devery Henderson was second with 51 catches for 804 yards and two scores. Robert Meachem stepped up his game, hauling in 45
balls for 722 yards and nine TDs. Tight end Jeremy Shockey posted 48 receptions for 569 yards and three touchdowns. Lance Moore had just 14 catches for 153 yards and two scores, but in the Super Bowl, he made two receptions for 21 yards and Moore had an incredible catch on a two-point conversion that made it 24-17. Moore dove for the ball, caught it and broke the plane, while falling backwards. At an Aug. 1 press conference, coach Sean Payton, who enters his fifth season as the Saints’ headman, said Moore is a reliable receiver. “It’s one of his strong suits. You know what you are getting,” Payton said. “He understands the pass-
ing game, he understands how to run routes and he has strong hands in traffic.” One of the big off-season moves last year was bringing in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. The team ranked 25th in yardage allowed at 1,044, but the aggressive style produced turnovers. The Saints were third in the giveaway/takeaway category at +11. Green Bay was first at +24, while the Lions were last at -18. New Orleans produced 39 turnovers and committed 28. Safety Darren Sharper led the club with nine interceptions and returned three for scores. His long was 99 yards. Cornerback Tracy Porter made some huge interceptions, finishing the regular season with four and he returned one for a touchdown. Porter also made what might be the two biggest picks in the team’s history. He intercepted Favre as the Vikings were looking to get into field goal range near the end of the NFC Championship game to get a potential game-winning kick. He intercepted Favre and forced overtime and the Saints eventually won. Then in the Super Bowl, the Colts were making a
drive for a potential gametying touchdown, but Porter jumped a Peyton Manning pass and returned it 74 yards for a score, giving the Saints a 31-17 lead. The unit returns most of its players from last year. The biggest loss was linebacker Scott Fujita, who is now a Cleveland Brown. In the draft, New Orleans bolstered a young, but talented backfield by drafting Florida State University cornerback Patrick Robinson with the final pick of the first round. Last season, Robinson made 52 tackles, 36 solo and 16 assists. He also had three stops for loss and defended 11 passes. On special teams, kicker Garrett Hartley, whose 40yard field goal sent the Saints to the Super Bowl is back. Also returning is punter Thomas Morestead, who had possibly the most memorable onside kick in Saints’ history. The Super Bowl champions open the season by hosting the Minnesota Vikings Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. That precedes a Mondaynight contest against San Francisco Sept. 20, also at 7:30. Sept. 26 is the first noon game with a home match up with the Atlanta Falcons.
Nov. 7 - @Panthers • Nov. 21 - Seahawks • Nov. 25 - @Cowboys • Dec. 5 - @Bengals • Dec. 12 - Rams • Dec. 19 - @Ravens • Dec. 27 - @Falcons • Jan. 2 - Bucs
FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 | PAGE 27
PAGE 28 | FOOTBALL 2010 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010