Northshore Football 2011 Preview

PAGE 2 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Archbishop Hannan Hawks

Pearl River Rebels

5

14

Lakeshore Titans

Pope John Paul II Jaguars

NCS Wolverines

Salmen Spartans

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11

Cover Story

3

Riles, Villarrubia lead the way for Lakeshore’s offense

LSU Tigers 22 SLU Lions 23

18 21 Tulane Green Wave 25 New Orleans Saints 26

Stories & photos Mike Pervel • Chris Kinkaid • Mike McCall • Joey Michel Cover design Chad Hebert

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 3

Riles, Villarrubia make it tough on defenses

By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News

L

akeshore quarterback Al Damion Riles and right tackle Pierson Villarrubia provide a tough combination for defenses.

One of the strengths for both seniors is their feet.

With Riles’ speed and arm strength, the Titans have the ball in the hands of possibly their biggest offensive threat every play. Riles has proven to be a talented all-around athlete, who has good speed and a strong arm.

“Al Damion brings explosiveness, speed and toughness,” Titans’ coach Larry Route said. “He’s a kid that on any play can go to the house. On any play, even if we drop back to pass and the play breaks down, he can make it right. He has that type of ability and speed. I think he gives us a major threat in the pocket and I think it’s going to be big for us.”

Route also said the southpaw quarterback has the ability make plays on his own.

This season is Riles’ first as a starting quarterback.

He takes over for the righthanded Michael Ball, who is at outside linebacker/ safety. Ball could also see time at QB and receiver.

Riles played quarterback some last year, but was mostly at receiver.

Last season, Riles was the team’s second-leading rusher with 458 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 378 yards and three TDs. He said he loves his new role.

“Every play, I get my hands on the ball and I know I can contribute with passing and running the ball and pretty much help

Lakeshore High lineman Pierson Villarrubia leads the way for quarterback Al Damion Riles. (Photo by Mike McCall)

my team out as much as possible. Being quarterback is the best thing for me,” Riles said.

Without good offensive line play Riles’ job would be a lot tougher.

“They are a major part,” Riles said. “I bond with them well because I know I need them. I’m really good friends with them.”

Like Riles, Villarrubia has a new role, protecting the blind side all of the time since Riles is a lefty.

Villarrubia said the right side is normally where you put your run-blocking lineman.

“I’d cave it all down and we’d run off of it,” Villarrubia said. “But now, we’ve got to be able to protect Al too on top of that.

I’ve got a lot of duties I’ve got to take care of now, but I think I’ll do fine.”

Villarrubia, who leads the Titans’ offensive line, stands 6-foot-5, 265 pounds and is being recruited by several universities.

“He means everything because Pierson’s my pulling guard, he’s my lead blocker and he’s my backside blocker,” Riles said.

Route said it’s important to have good linemen on your quarterback’s blind side.

“A lot of teams put their best rushers on that side to go after the quarterback,” Route said. “We feel like he’s our best offensive lineman and he’s going to protect him. He’s so athletic.

We use him a lot too when

we pull on traps and when he leads outside, he’s athletic enough to block defensive backs.”

Similar to Riles, one of Villarrubia’s strengths is his footwork, which the lineman said is extremely important to the position.

“They put you in the right position to block someone,” Villarrubia said.

“They give you an element of speed. They give you everything. Last year, I played against plenty of guys that were bigger and stronger than me, but I could dominate them just because I was quicker than them. I could outmaneuver them by getting in the position I wanted to be. I think that’s really important.”

Riles, who is also being

recruited, said Villarrubia would be a big contributor not just to the team, but to him because the signal caller said his right tackle is keeping him healthy.

Coach Route said Villarrubia is a big guy, who is very athletic.

“He’s just a great kid and works extremely hard,” Route said. “The young kids look at that and they are going to emulate that and it’s going to help our team in the future.”

Villarrubia feels one of the things that has made him a good offensive lineman is being coachable.

“It starts off with athleticism and having a good frame because you need to have a good frame to be an offensive lineman,” Villar-

rubia said. “Then you need to be athletic and then on top of that you need to be coachable.”

Villarrubia said you always have to be willing to learn and use that in a game situation so you can constantly get better.

Villarrubia said he’s worked on his athleticism a whole lot. He began playing high school football as a sophomore. He said he played fullback or quarterback growing up.

“I’ve always been real explosive and athletic,” Villarrubia said. ”I think that’s what’s transferred to the football field real well.”

Riles has been playing football since he was six.

Riles’ older sister Jamie is a 2009 Fontainebleau High graduate.

Like his older sister, Riles also runs track, competing in the 100-meters, 200 along with the 4x100 and 4x200.

“I competed with her a lot and she was always able to beat me. So I pushed myself to beat her all of my life. She started running track in seventh grade and that’s how I got out to track because I was watching her since I was in middle school. I loved it and I admired her because she’s good at it.”

Riles said he competed with his sister until he got faster.

While at FHS, Jamie was a state champion in the 400 meters, captured six district titles and she was the team’s Most Valuable Player all four years. She is now a junior at Tulane University. In her freshman year, she was the Conference USA 400meter champion.

Lakeshore opens the regular season on the road Sept. 2 against Covington.

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FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 5

Hannan to call William Pitcher home

By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News Archbishop Hannan’s Hawks enter their second season under head coach Pat Lambert with their coaching staff in tact.

The Hawks still experiencing some of the growing pains of relocating to the Northshore following Hurricane

Aug. 26 – Franklinton Jamboree Sept. 1 – @Haynes Academy Sept. 9 - @Ridgewood Sept. 16 – Houma Christian Sept. 23 - Pine Sept. 30 – Pine Prairie Oct. 7 - Southern Lab* Oct. 14 – @Kentwood* Oct. 20 - Varnado* Oct. 28 – @Mt. Hermon Nov. 4 – @Christian Life (*district game)

Katrina continue to make strides in their new school facility with hopes of one day having their own football stadium.

This year the Hawks will play all of their home games at William Pitcher Junior High in Covington with seven o’clock kickoffs.

The Hawks without the benefit of a true home field since Katrina do have their own practice facility this time around courtesy of Rob Mingo, who graciously donated Deer Cross Athletics for their use during the football season.

Coach Lambert said he was grateful to have such a nice practice facility.

“Mr. Mingo allows us to use the practice field and now we have an indoor facility which is really nice too.

If it rains we can get inside and we’re going to try and beat the heat a little bit getting in there to do our stretching and do drills inside,” Lambert said.

“He’s been really great and his staff is tremendous including Kyle and Blake Nunez. They always keep the field up and put water down when the field needs it so they are always there to help out,” Lambert added.

The Hawks finished last season with a 39-man roster and thus far this season they stand at 53 players.

“We are still going to be very, very young especially since we picked up some eighth graders. They are very eager. We had a great summer being over at our new facility, which helps us a lot,” Lambert said.

Lambert said he liked the commitment of this team.

“During the summer players are

QB KOREY ZIGLER AND SENIOR CENTER DOUG HARTIGAN

required to make 28 workouts and we had a lot of them make all 28 while others made 26. They definitely have

the commitment and hopefully they are starting to make a growth spurt.

Strength wise they have gotten a lot better than what we were. We got manhandled a little bit last year,” Lambert said.

This year’s Hawks’ program only features two seniors in two-way performer center/defensive lineman Doug Hartigan and linebacker/defensive end Phillip Krantz.

Lambert shared his thoughts on his two seniors.

“They are two very good kids.

Phillip is a good vocal leader and Doug is when he has to be,” Lambert said.

Hartigan (6-2, 215) is the Hawks’ starting center and defensive tackle.

“I love playing both positions. I think we will be good offensively this year,” Hartigan said.

In addition to Hartigan at center, the Hawks return sophomore left guard Jack Witte (5-9, 163) and sophomore left tackle Nathan Fouquet (6-2, 200) along with sophomore right tackle Austin Burgess (5-11, 187).

Sophomore right guard Matt Morel (57, 210) joins the starting O-line, replacing his brother Mark, who graduated.

Hartigan talked about liking the chemistry between the offensive linemen.

“I like the way our offensive line is shaping up. We look to play well together as a unit,” Hartigan said.

“I’m just excited about this being my senior year and I love being a senior leader on this team. Phil (Krantz) and I SEE HANNAN, PAGE 6

Archbishop Hannan High Hawks

Founded 1987 • Head Coach Pat Lambert • 2010 Record 1-8 • Home Pitcher Junior High Field

PAGE 6 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

HANNAN: Rebuilding process continues for Hawks after Katrina » FROM PAGE 5

have been with the team since the ninth grade.

We’ve gone from the very bottom to the very top and we have seen how the team has grown. Just being able to see the changes we are both so excited about having a chance to lead this team and we are ready,” Hartigan added.

Hartigan said he and his teammates are looking to make a total turnaround from last year’s 1-8 record.

“We want to come out and show everybody what we have. I can’t wait for the season to get started and we hope it is an amazing season for us,” Hartigan said.

The center talked about he and sophomore quarterback Korey Zeigler having a great relationship.

“We’re the best of friends. We’re like brothers

JASON BROOKS

KOREY ZEIGLER

ZACK CASTELLUCCIO

and like to mess around together but when we get on the field it’s all about doing whatever it is we have to do and we do it,” said the senior center.

Korey (Zeigler) has really stepped it up. He’s amazing and continues to put in a bunch of work and we’re happy to have him here with us,” Hartigan said.

Zeigler, earned his baptism under fire early in his Hannan career, getting the starting nod as an eighth grader.

Zeigler connected on 115-of-222 attempts (51.8 percent) for 936 yards in the Hawks’ short-style passing game last season.

He tossed seven TDs with 11 interceptions, while rushing the ball 87 times gaining 289 yards with four scores.

Coach Lambert talked about Zeigler’s ability.

“We hope to have more of an intermediate type passing game this year. We will stay away from the deep stuff, but Korey has gotten good at it,” Lambert said. The young two-year starter talked about this year’s version of the Hawks’ offense.

“I think we are really coming together and growing up. We are developing a chemistry that we didn’t have in the previous years because we were so young.

We’re still a young team but things are coming together for us,” Zeigler said.

Zeigler has his top target from last year, sophomore Jacob Brooks (6-0, 169) back. He collected 34 receptions for 325 yards and three scores.

Brooks said this year’s

club is looking better in practice and this team should be a lot stronger and quicker.

“We are all into this year and our coaching staff is back. I have a good feeling about this season and I’m anxious to get it underway,” Brooks said.

Brooks said the Hawks’ passing game is in really good hands with Zeigler.

“We’ll have to take what the defensive secondary gives us and its up to the receivers to find the open routes. We’ll take what the defense gives us,” Brooks added.

Brooks said he has pretty good hands with quick feet and runs about a 4.6 forty. ”Korey has a great arm and can throw the deep passes.

I’ll just do my job trying to catch everything he throws my way. When we go into the huddle we look at Korey as our leader. He has SEE HANNAN, PAGE 7

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 7

HANNAN: Hawks are pumped up » FROM PAGE 6

a strong voice and is a determined player. We trust and respect him,” Brooks said.

Brooks said in addition to playing wide receiver he would also see some time in the Hawks’ secondary.

Brooks said his club has to play clean football without committing mental mistakes and do their best to keep the ball in their talented quarterback’s hands.

Zeigler said he would also be looking for junior Anthony Caronna and freshman Daniel Hollander.

“Everybody was playing us so far off last year that kind of dictated us having a short passing game. I think we are definitely going to try to get some deeper passes this year. I hope we can open it up a little more,” Zeigler said.

“I feel we can have a deeper passing game because we have more weapons to choose from and better pass protection.

We’ll miss the seniors that graduated for sure but we will just have to make do,” the sophomore quarterback said.

Sophomore running back Michael Froeba (5-10, 157) topped the Hawks ground game with 158 yards last season.

Zeigler described Froeba as a good, young running back.

“I feel confident in his ability to run the ball and he is a great blocker for being such a little guy,” Zeigler said.

Sophomore receiver/ safety Zack Castelluccio (58, 155) shared his thoughts about this year’s Hawks.

“We are so pumped up this year. Obviously, we are still rebuilding with only two seniors but we know we are capable of being a good team,” Castelluccio said.

“We want to take last year and use it as motiva-

» 2011 hannan hawks No. 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 60 61 62 64 65 68 69 73 74 75 80 82 83 84 85 86 87

Name Jason Brooks Anthony Caronna Tyler Beebe Jonathan Ryan Sean Pennison Bruce DiMartino Luke St. Germain Korey Zeigler Nick Pastarello Collin Becnel Griffin Hakenjos Daniel Hollander Bryce Lauga Zack Castelluccio Joshua Abadie Derrick Tomberlin Mason Seiham Mathew Musso Michael Froeba Patrick Donelly Evan Eiermann Payton Hudson Frank Mondello Jared Bertrand Mason Caillouet Thomas Harrison Ian Distefano Austin Breazeale Jack Witte Collin Commenge Mitchell Morel Joshua Parker Chris Hutton Brooks Ballard Anthony Ryan Christian Hudson Jacob Sylvia Carter Higbee Doug Hartigan Austin Burgess Blake Bonner Nathan Fouquet Shaun Seiler Tyler Shelton Matthew Morel Jacob Schaefer Jake Doran Adrian Lapeyronnie Patrick Bossetta Phillip Krantz Roosevelt Smith Nick Pounds Bradley Comeaux

Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/LB QB/DB QB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB DB WR/DL WR/DB RB/LB WR/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB OL/LB DB WR/DB OL/LB OL/LB OL/LB OL/LB 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 OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR WR/DB LB WR/LB TE/LB TE/DE

tion for this year to win more games. I have learned to never give up and always give 100 percent,” Castelluccio remarked.

Castelluccio said the secondary is looking good.

“We are growing older and getting better. I like to read the quarterback’s eyes and break on the ball. I want to try and jump routes,” Castelluccio said.

When asked to name his favorite NFL player he went old school choosing Detroit Lions retired running back Barry Sanders.

Coach Lambert said he’s happy to have his coaching staff back along with defensive coordinator Bobby

Ht. 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-4 5-1 5-9 5-5 5-11 5-0 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-7 5-8 5-6 5-10 5-7 5-7 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-5 5-8 5-3 5-6 5-11 5-3 5-1 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-6 5-4 5-5 5-8 5-6 5-6 5-4 6-2 5-11 5-8 6-2 5-7 6-0 5-7 5-11 5-8 5-9 5-10 5-8 5-7 6-0 5-10

Wgt. 170 165 155 113 100 155 106 160 102 150 145 160 137 155 132 150 133 135 160 140 134 105 149 144 154 155 124 192 163 170 165 141 160 143 161 155 170 143 225 190 183 210 191 185 210 200 158 145 147 155 141 160 148

Class.

10 11 10 8 9 10 8 10 8 11 9 9 8 10 8 11 9 11 10 9 11 8 11 9 9 11 8 10 10 11 9 8 10 8 11 8 9 8 12 10 8 10 9 10 10 9 10 10 10 12 10 11 8

Scelfo.

“Bobby brings a lot of enthusiasm. He’s a great person to be around and the kids love him and his coaching style. He is always very positive and is recovering from a knee injury he suffered during a seven on seven at Pearl River earlier in the summer,” Lambert added.

Lambert said the Hawks finished with a plus three in the turnover ratio last season.

“They always played hard and never quit all the way to the final whistle. I think that is what you can count on this bunch to do as well,” Lambert said.

HANNAN SENIORS DOUG HARTIGAN AND PHILLIP KRANTZ

PAGE 8 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Lakeshore High Titans

Founded 2009 • Head Coach Larry Route • 2010 Record 4-5 • Home Titan Coliseum

Lakeshore wants to make school history

By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News Lakeshore’s Titans enter their second year of playing varsity football with an opportunity to make history.

For the first time in the school’s three-year existence, Lakeshore’s football team has a chance to qualify for postseason action.

Aug. 26 – NHS Jamboree Sept. 2 – @Covington Sept. 9 - Fontainebleau Sept. 16 – @Slidell Sept. 23 - Chalmette Sept. 29 – Bogalusa Oct. 7 - @Hammond* Oct. 14 – Pearl River* Oct. 21 - @Salmen* Oct. 28 – @Miller McCoy Nov. 5 – Franklinton* (*district game)

Last year, Lakeshore went 4-5 with all of their losses against teams that made the playoffs. Their setbacks came against Jesuit, Newman, Southern Lab, Riverside Academy and St. Charles Catholic.

Jesuit, Southern Lab and Riverside all made it to the quarterfinals, while St. Charles Catholic got to the semis and Newman reached the regionals.

Lakeshore third-year coach Larry Route said the experience of last year should help this season.

“We’ve played in tough environments at St. Charles Catholic, Riverside and Newman. We played all of those games on Friday nights,” Route said. “That was great experience for us. I told the kids after every game that win or lose, the best thing about last year is that we have everybody coming back.”

The Titans’ coach said they took their lumps in some games.

“That’s a good learning experience for us, so now we can react differently this year now that we’ve been there and done that,” Route said.

The Titans operate out of the spread offense.

Senior quarterback Al Damion Riles is the full-time starter for the first time.

He could also see time at wide receiver.

Riles, a lefty, who saw time at signal caller last season, has a strong arm and a lot of speed.

Riles was the team’s second-leading rusher with 458 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 378 yards and three scores.

Riles, who feels his speed and vision

NICK WILLIAMS

MICHAEL BALL

are his strengths, said he played quarterback mostly in the wildcat formation.

He said he’s learned a lot since 2010.

“Last year, I was just learning how to read defenses. It was mainly based on me running. Now that I’m at quarterback, they need to base my game on the throwing and the running game, so we have more of a threat on the corners. I’m a lot better on my reads and coach has been teaching me a lot, so I’m getting a feel for it now.”

Junior Michael Ball started the past two years. Ball is now an outside line-

backer/safety and will see time at quarterback and wide receiver.

Last year, Ball completed 53-103 for 783 yards and eight TDs. He also ran for 417 yards and tallied six times.

Ball said he likes his new role.

“It’s a lot more physical than quarterback,” Ball said. “Quarterback was a very mental position. My new position is in a way easier because I don’t have to rely on mental abilities as much as physical.”

SEE TITANS, PAGE 9

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 9

TITANS: Looking to make playoffs for first time in school history » FROM PAGE 8

Ball feels having played quarterback will help him defensively.

“You definitely learn what quarterbacks think when they’re dropping back for a pass or looking at film. You want to give them false looks,” Ball said.

Senior running back Nick Williams provides another threat out of the backfield. He was the team’s leading rusher last year, going for 838 yards and six touchdowns.

Williams said he feels his strength is reading the holes.

“This year, I’m still focused on hitting the holes, but getting off of tackles and keep going with it,” Williams said.

Williams said he’s excited about having a chance to get to postseason.

“It’s the last year. You just gotta leave it all out on the field. We’ve worked this hard, so it’s time to show it,” Williams said.

Coach Route said Williams does a good job of hitting the hole and making the right cuts.

“I think he’s going to have to be big for us this year. I think we’re going to have a double threat (also with Riles) back there in the backfield. It’s going to make us a better all-around team,” Route said.

Pictured at left is QB Al Damion Riles. Pictured above running the ball is Nick Williams (25). (Staff Photos by Chris Kinkaid)

The wide receivers are senior Mikal Mazik and Treston Decoud, juniors Ball, Jared Scott and Tyler Thames along with sophomore Jacob Vigh.

Coach Route said they would use a bunch of guys at wide receiver.

Scott caught 17 passes for 358 yards and a team-leading five TDs. The offensive line is solid once again, led by senior right tackle Pierson Villarrubia. The rest of the

linemen include senior guards Ryan Hughes and Josh Wahlen, senior center Randy Boudreaux and junior tackle Zach Lechlieter.

“This is their third year together,” Route said. “We have a lot of continuity there. Coach (Bobby) Sanders does a good job coaching them, so we expect big things from them this year.”

Defensively, the Titans operate out of the 4-4 and feature size up front with

defensive tackles senior John Ohlenforst (6-2, 250), a Pearl River transfer, and Brandon Ducre (6-1, 250).

Mazik and junior Anthony Mayes are the ends.

“The strength of our defense I think is probably our front four. All of the kids are kind of tall, lanky kids and very athletic.

We’re not the biggest team up front, but we’re very athletic up front.”

Ball brings speed and good instincts to the out-

side linebacker/safety role with junior Gerard Simone handling the other OLB spot. The inside guys include junior James Harkin and sophomore Tyler Prestenbach.

The corners are juniors Dustynn Smith and Cyril Crutchfield along with Decoud at safety.

Decoud was ineligible last season due to transferring from Hammond.

Prestenbach led LHS with 53 tackles last year,

while Ducre made 28 stops, five sacks and recovered three fumbles. Mazik also had a good season with 35 tackles and eight sacks.

Ball said the defensive backs are quicker, faster and more agile.

“I feel like we’re getting more mature in the game itself in thinking in tougher situations,” Ball said.

“That’s what the coaches SEE TITANS, PAGE 10

PAGE 10 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

TITANS: All Lakeshore losses in 2010 came to teams that made playoffs » 2011 lakeshore titans

» FROM PAGE 9

RUNNING BACK JARED SCOTT

have been training all summer and the past few years.

It’s new for me coming into it, but we’ve advanced a lot the past few years.”

Coach Route said Ball has natural instincts in the defensive backfield.

“We really have to watch him when we throw bubbles and stuff like that (in practice) because he’ll jump it,” Route said. “He does a good job. I think Mike (Ball) in the 7-on-7s this summer had 4-or-5 interceptions where he broke in front of a guy. He has really good instincts, so we’re looking for big things from him.”

Junior Ian Jones returns as the kicker, while junior Austin Bellamy takes over the punting duties.

Route said Jones’ long last year was a 42-yarder.

TYLER PRESTENBACH

Lakeshore opens the regular season with a road game Sept. 2 against Covington.

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 40 41 42 46 47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 60 62 64 65 66 67 69 74 75 77 78 80 82 83 84 85 86 87 89

Name Ian Jones Dylan Fields Tyler Thames Chris Hurst Al Damion Riles Treston Decoud Michael Ball Bryan Snell J.P. Puissegur Matt Koshak Austin Leblanc Matthew Marshall Tyler Chatman Cody Duronslet Ethan Leger James Harkin Jared Scott Austin Bellamy Dustynn Smith Tyler Olsen Charles Clark Mark Nicholson Cyril Crutchfield Nick Williams C.J. Clement Robby Nicklas Ryan Flowers Jonathan Dollar Josh Sullivan Rex Shepard Gerard Simone John Ohlenforst Patrick Chamberlin Andrew Bays Alex Wood David Ducre Tyler Prestenbach Chase Cooper John Wahlen Jason Fontenot Zach Lechleiter Max Mazik Ryan Hughes Randy Boudreaux Brandon Box Brandon Penton Philip Gorney Taylor Riecke Kiethland Riley Brandon Ducre Thomas Marlbrough Hunter Kattawar Conner Thames William Accardo Micah Udeh John PaPa Trevor Venable Pierson Villarrubia Mikal Mazik Xavier Chatman Mark Evans Trace Fayard Ryan Jones Tyler Jones Andres Antunez Terrell Bibbins

Pos. PK QB WR LB QB/RB DB/WR QB/LB RB RB QB K RB DB QB RB DB RB K DB QB/K LB WR DB RB LB RB WR WR WR LB/RB LB DL LB WR DE LB/RB LB DL OL DL OL OL OL OL LB DL DL DL DL DL OL OL DL OL DE OL OL OL DE/WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR

Ht. 5-8 6-1 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-2 5-11 5-8 5-7 6-0 5-8 5-11 5-7 6-1 5-8 6-0 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-8 5-8 5-8 5-10 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-8 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-5 6-6 5-9 5-8 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-3 5-10

Wgt. 140 165 175 175 195 188 175 150 145 175 165 185 160 185 150 175 180 165 160 175 180 165 175 185 160 160 155 150 150 165 155 235 170 160 185 205 175 150 240 195 235 185 215 210 215 210 213 285 220 240 200 190 300 220 185 205 265 265 215 150 145 180 175 170 165 165

Class Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. So. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. So. So. Sr. So.

“This year, I’m still focused on hitting the holes, but getting off of tackles and keep going with it” NICK WILLIAMS Lakeshore running back

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 11

NCS looks to defend 8-2A crown

By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News

Sept. 2 – Varnado Sept. 9 - @Vermillion Cath.

Sept. 16 – @Christian Life Sept. 23 - Central Catholic Sept. 30 – @Ellender Oct. 7 - Pine* Oct. 14 – Pope John Paul II* Oct. 21 - @St. Thomas Aquinas* Oct. 28 – @Springfield* Nov. 4 – St. Helena Central* (*district game)

Northlake Christian School’s Wolverines finished 8-3 last season falling in the bi-district round to an excellent Farmerville team. The defending District 8-2A champs graduated a talented senior class but thirdyear head coach Tony Agresta said this group would find its own way.

“You always run the risk when a great group of seniors leads you and accomplishes so much that people will always be comparing this group to that group. That’s unfair to do that to high school athletes. They all have their own time to shine and God willing this will be a successful season for them as well,” Agresta said.

Senior Mallery Mele (5-10, 175) will be counted on going both ways as the Wolverines’ lead running back and safety in the secondary.

Derek Williams, who graduated, put up big numbers offensively last year rushing for 1,151 yards, averaging seven yards per carry with 20 touchdowns.

Mele rushed for 418 yards last year averaging 9.28 yards per carry on just 45 rushes with five scores.

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN WOLVERINES QB JOSH O’REAR

Agresta said he knew Mele would eventually role into Williams’ shoes.

“I tell you what, Mallery could be as good as Derek if not better. They are different types of backs. Derek

(Williams) really enjoyed running between the tackles and loved leveling SEE NCS, PAGE 12

Northlake Christian Wolverines

Founded 1978 • Head Coach Tony Agresta • 2010 Record 8-3 • Home NCS Stadium

PAGE 12 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

NCS: Wolverines christened new stadium with district title in 2010 » FROM PAGE 11

his shoulders, a true workhorse,” Agresta said.

“Mallery is tough and can run between the tackles but the reality is he has enough speed (4.6) to get on the edge. We’ll do some things that are more geared to his ability,” Agresta added.

Mele is a well-conditioned athlete and was a key contributor on the Wolverines’ Division III state championship soccer team and talked about giving it his all.

“I’m planning on just staying on the field. I’m sure I’ll be getting the ball a lot but if coach needs me to catch the ball as a wide receiver, that’s what I will do. I like catching the ball and picking up yardage after the catch,” Mele said.

Mele caught eight passes for 186 yards and a TD in the Wolverines’ run-oriented offense last season.

“If I get a break here or there that would be okay but I’m not expecting it.

Honestly, I don’t want it.

Being a soccer player definitely helps me with my conditioning,” Mele added.

“I’m excited about this season especially since it’s my senior year. It’s always great to go from soccer to football for me. It’s a new opportunity and I’m pumped and ready to go,” the two-sport athlete said.

“Even though we graduated a number of really good offensive players we still have a number of threats,” Mele said.

Mele said he and his teammates have confidence in young sophomore signal caller Josh O’Rear.

“He’s tall and has a good arm. He can move around in the backfield and he’ll be just fine,” Mele said.

Mele said he and his teammates are looking for big things this season.

“We’re not going to take a step back even though we lost a lot of talented seniors.

» 2011 ncs wolverines No. 1 2 3 5 10 12 14 15 16 19 20 21 24 25 27 28 29 30 34 35 38 40 43 44 47 50 51 55 56 71 74 75 77 78 80 85

Name Matt Miller Gabe Hundley Taylor Mussachia Jonathon Katz Josh O’Rear Devin Milazzo Sam Shaw Eman Haynes Trey Burch Michael Woodruff Landon Lyon Chris Schell Nathan Seale Mallery Mele Gregory Mula Riley DiMaggio Trace Kindred Blake Dufrene Will Sigl Fletcher Shaw Collin Lombardo Matthew Reck Kemper Lyman Jake Springer Josh Hall Stephen Cangiamilla Justin Boudreaux Jacob Reed Garrett Loupe Riley Risher Garrett Kuracka James Tompkins Reid Shorter Renie Ramirez Dane Landry Cody Fricke

Pos. WR/DB QB/DB RB/DB TE/DE QB/DB RB/LB LB TE/DE WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB TE/DE WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB TE/LB LB WR/DB TE/LB WR/LB RB/DT LB C/DT OG/LB C/LB OG/LB OT/DT OG/DT OT/DT OT/DE OT/DT WR/DB TE/DE

We look at it as though we haven’t lost anybody. We still think we are a good team and we’re planning on going back to the playoffs.

We’ll just keep pushing forward,” Mele said.

Mele said he likes to follow his blockers, find the hole and just hit it going 100 percent.

As a safety, Mele had 16 individual stops with six assists and said he likes to hit people.

Coach Agresta said he’s not thrilled about Mele having to get all those defensive touches but you have to have your best players on the field.

“What people forget about Mallery is that he was one of our outside linebackers a couple years ago on our 6-4 playoff team when he was just a sophomore. The reality is he’s one of the best football players we have and he is probably going to be out there on defense maybe more than we would like,” Agresta said.

Ht. 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-2 6-2 5-9 5-9 6-2 5-9 5-11 5-9 6-3 6-2 5-10 5-8 5-6 5-9 5-8 6-1 5-7 5-8 5-9 5-8 5-8 5-7 5-10 5-10 6 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-2

Wgt. 165 160 160 180 180 160 160 185 155 180 170 190 180 175 165 140 155 155 205 150 140 155 150 165 155 225 165 205 220 215 225 235 230 240 160 170

Grade 10 9 10 10 10 12 12 11 11 12 11 12 12 12 11 10 9 10 11 10 9 9 9 11 11 9 12 12 11 10 12 11 12 8 11 10

Agresta characterized Mele as a talented athlete who plays with extreme confidence.

Devin Milazzo (5-9, 160) will start at running back with time at wide receiver and starting outside linebacker. He’ll also play in the secondary.

Milazzo, who is also a soccer player, said he prefers playing offense.

“I feel my best position is at running back.

Conditioning is one of those things that can definitely be a game changer.

We’ve been working all summer long to get in shape because there will be those tough games out there where conditioning comes into play,” Milazzo said.

“We have a lot of big shoes to fill due to graduation but like coach Agresta says we’re not looking at being in anybody’s shadows. We’re going to create our own and we’ve got some good athletic people coming up. I think we’ll be

MALLERY MELE

REID SHORTER

DEVIN MILAZZO

able to take over the team well this year with our senior leadership. We have a lot of young players but I’m confident they will step up.”

Senior starting offensive right tackle Reid Shorter (6-3, 230) will also log time as a defensive end.

“We’re definitely excited to get the season started and I hope we are ready to roll. We had a great senior class last year but this year we have some young kids, who played but were not starters. I think we have some players that are really going to step up and surprise some people,” Shorter said.

“This is my fifth year at Northlake and I’d say this is one of the best offensive lines we have ever had. We have experience and pretty good size so I think we will have one of our better offensive lines,” Shorter added.

Shorter said he likes O’Rear’s ability at quarterback.

“Josh is a great athlete.

He can run and he can throw. I think he’ll catch on quick. There is stuff he has to learn about defensive coverage and where to throw the ball but I’m sure he’ll make it work. If he can grasp the mental side of the game he’ll be fine,” the senior offensive right tackle

said.

Shorter said the Wolverines have a good group of defensive players.

“I think there will be three or four people rotating in sharing the time including myself along with Chris Schell, Garrett Kuracka and Riley Risher. I have a lot of confidence in all of us,” Shorter said.

Shorter said the team has a great group of seniors (12) and they just have to show the young guys how to do the right things and lead by example.

“Every one of the seniors is a good leader even the ones that don’t have much playing experience. We have a good senior crew with a good group of juniors behind us,” Shorter said.

Garrett Kuracka (6-1, 225) starts at offensive left guard and will spend time at defensive end.

Kuracka said he couldn’t wait to put on the pads in his senior year.

“This is the first year I’m starting both ways so I’m still learning a lot on defense. I’m putting in all the work I can,” Kuracka said.

“Offensively, I’ve been one of the ones playing the longest. I have lots of experience and even though we’ve lost a couple good

linemen, we have some good linemen returning.”

“Some people think playing on the offensive line may be boring but I like it. I like pulling on our trap plays and that’s always fun,” Kuracka added.

Kuracka said Mele has been working extremely hard in the backfield for several years now and he thinks he’s going to have a very good senior season running the ball.

Kuracka said O’Rear is stepping up and knows how big a responsibility he has with the team offensively. Kuracka named New Orleans Saints receiver Robert Meachem as his favorite offensive player and tabbed former Saints’ linebacker Scott Fujita now with the Cleveland Browns as his defensive player.

Agresta talked about his young sophomore signal caller O’Rear, who was 2of-4 for 18 yards, while rushing for 25 yards as a freshman, playing behind Tyler Clark, who is attending LSU. “Josh is more of a proto typical type quarterback in the sense that we have had athletes that we have put back there good quarterbacks in their own right but SEE NCS, PAGE 13

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 13

NCS: Wolverines replacing talented group of grads » FROM PAGE 12

standing back there at 6-2 at about 180 pounds he can see things well and make throws down the field,” Agresta said.

“He opened some eyes in camp with his footwork.

He’s a really good athlete.

Before it is all said and done he is going to leave his own mark here at Northlake Christian,” Agresta said.

Agresta said he and his coaching staff feel good about the Wolverines’ offensive line and are pretty solid up front.

He talked about Shorter and Risher anchoring the Wolverines’ O-line as the bookend tackles last year along with Kuracka the starting left guard.

James Tompkins and Garrett Loupe are working hard to see where they fit in along the offensive front.

GARRETT KURACKA

“They both played quite a bit last year. We had an All-State center in Cole Shorter so depending on who falls in that role is going to have some big shoes to fill,” Agresta said.

Will Sigl (6-1, 205), who

was the third tight end last season brings unquestioned toughness to the position.

“Before he’s done he might be the best to come out of this school at that position,” Agresta said.

Sigl, a two-way performer, also gets the starting nod replacing Shawn Burst, the Wolverines’ hard-nosed middle backer, who was named the District 8-2A Defensive MVP last year with 116 tackles.

“There is a name change and a number change at the middle linebacker position but both Sigl and Burst play the game the same way and that is all out with hardnosed effort,” Agresta said.

Agresta said he’s excited about this season.

“We don’t want these boys to live in anyone’s shadow. Our theme going into the season is kind of

cast your own shadow don’t live in anyone else’s, cast your own. This is an interesting group. They’re not as vocal as some in the past but they sure have worked just as hard. There’s a lot of talent that’s going to get unveiled as the season goes along that people maybe didn’t know was here,” Agresta said.

Aaron Agresta, the son of the head coach, is a new edition to the Wolverines’ staff and will be working with the secondary and the wide receivers.

“When I was a defensive coordinator up north in Youngstown (Ohio) Aaron played football for us at Youngstown Christian School and was a quarterback who threw 18 touchdown passes his senior year. He was an all-state defensive back intercepting six passes. He also had a

nice little college career at Geneva College in Pennsylvania,” coach Agresta said.

The head coach said when his son (Aaron) moved down to Louisiana and a coaching spot came

available he figured it would probably be a nice little fit and it’s worked out well. Agresta jokingly said his son knows who the head coach is because they have had that discussion more than one time.

PAGE 14 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Pearl River High Rebels

Founded 1968 • Head Coach Chris Thomas • 2010 Record 0-10 • Home PRHS Football Stadium

Rebels attempt to turn things around

By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News

Aug. 27 – Franklinton Jamboree Sept. 2 – De La Salle Sept. 9 - @Pope John Paul II Sept. 16 – Loranger Sept. 23 - @Fisher Sept. 30 – Morgan City Oct. 7 - @Franklinton* Oct. 14 – @Lakeshore* Oct. 21 - McMain Oct. 28 – Hammond* Nov. 4 – Salmen* (*district game)

Pearl River’s Rebels are ready for a new season and is putting last year’s winless campaign in the rearview mirror.

Pearl River enters this season having lost 13-consecutive regular season games, 14 overall.

“We don’t talk about last year,” second-year coach Chris Thomas said.

“We put last year behind us. We talked about it a little bit, but after we talked about it, we put it to rest,” Thomas said.

Thomas enters his second year as the head coach and 11th at the school.

Offensively, the Rebels are running a variation of the shotgun wing-T this season, which is a change from the multiple sets they ran last year.

Pearl River returns four starters on the offensive side of the ball in sophomore Chase Moore along with three juniors in running backs Brent Bourgeois and Aaron Roberson and center Aaron Davis.

Moore got some valuable experience last season by starting every game.

ERIC WARREN

CHASE MOORE

Moore said his freshman year should help him this season.

“Now when I get into certain situations that I didn’t know what to do then, now I will know,” Moore said.

He talked about the improvements he’s made.

SEE PRHS, PAGE 15

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 15

PRHS: Rebels look to get on winning track, end long losing streak » FROM PAGE 14

“We’ve been working on throwing a lot more and footwork. That’s helped me a lot and knowing I have faith in my receivers to catch the ball,” Moore said.

Coach Thomas said his signal caller has more knowledge.

“We feel like he’ll be more comfortable on the field on Friday nights than what he was last year,” Thomas said.

The wide receiver is sophomore Marquesheo Odom, while senior Tavin Steele handles tight end duties. Both are newcomers to the starting lineup.

Thomas talked about Odom.

“He came out in the spring and showed us something,” Thomas said.

“He’s the kind of guy that can also play a little quar-

terback. We plan on being able to do little different things with that.”

Bourgeois will be one of the backs counted on to make receptions out of the backfield.

Moore said Bourgeois is very reliable.

“He’s got good strong hands, good ball security, knows how to run downhill and can make more yards after the catch,” Moore said.

Besides Bourgeois and Roberson, senior Julian Carter switches from linebacker and adds power to the running backs.

Bourgeois gave the difference between Roberson and Carter’s running styles.

“Aaron is more of the one to get to the outside and pass everyone up. (Julian) goes up the middle and powers through there,” Bourgeois said.

Pictured is Pearl River running back Aaron Roberson (20). (File Photo by Shannon Diecidue)

Coach Thomas said Carter is a big strong player.

“Hopefully he can kind of be more of a power runner. That’s what I want him

to become. He’s still got the ability to make some people miss every once in a while,” Thomas said.

The offensive line fea-

tures four new starters including seniors left guard Robbie Cutrer and right tackle Eddie Martenson along with juniors left tack-

le Dalton Gonzales and right guard Mark Leebrick.

Defensively, the Rebels SEE PRHS, PAGE 16

PAGE 16 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

PRHS: Rebels kick off season Sept. 2 against De La Salle Cavaliers » FROM PAGE 15

are a 3-5-3 team.

The unit features six returning starters, including senior end Shelton Pichon, senior inside linebacker Philip Hano, senior outside linebacker Luke Cummings, senior free safety Eric Warren and junior middle linebacker R.J. Delaune and junior end Val Springer. The newcomers to the starting lineup are senior outside linebacker Brandon Billiot and senior cornerback Jordan Vicknair. Delaune is the leading returning tackler for the Rebels. Coach Thomas said there’s a battle for a starting nose guard, linebacker and cornerback spot.

Warren enters his second year as a starter.

“In 7-on-7s, we’ve really been working hard on getting our coverages down,” Warren said.

» 2011 pearl river rebels

BRENT BOURGEOIS

“Hopefully this year, we should have a lot of experience in the secondary and we should be pretty good,” Warren said.

Coach Thomas said Warren is kind of like the

Chase Moore participates in a 7-on-7 drill. (Staff Photo by Chris Kinkaid)

play caller on defense.

“He’s the free safety.

Hopefully all of that pans out and the experience and confidence about himself,” Warren said.

Thomas said Warren’s biggest strength is knowledge.

“He does a good job of reacting. He does a good job of checking and he wants to learn. If you try to show him something, he’s very attentive to trying to pick it up and do it right,” Thomas said.

Pearl River goes for its first win of 2011 Sept. 2, opening the regular season with a home game against the De La Salle Cavaliers.

“Hopefully this year, we should have a lot of experience in the secondary and we should be pretty good.”

ERIC WARREN Pearl River safety

No. 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 24 25 26 28 30 31 33 34 35 36 42 44 46 47 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 63 64 65 67 69 70 71 72 77 78 82 83 85 86 88

Name Zach Vicknair R.J. Delaune Armando Guedimin Luke Cummings Larry Hale Marquesheo Odom Jerry Davis Brent Bourgeois Chase Moore Tavin Steele Jordan Vicknair Clayton Smith Devan Penton Russell Lindsey Nick Pichon Jeremy Haskins Jesse Authement Devan Dennis Aaron Roberson J.J. Migilore Seth Crowe Shelton Pichon Josh Deselles Eric Warren A.J. Saucier Daniel Boyet Marshall Kelly Zach Swanson Chase Vigil Brandon Billiot Dylan Davis Julian Carter Jeremiah Curry Val Springer Jordan Cutrer Kody Leebrick Eddie Martensson Aaron Davis Devin Sevin Phil Hano Daniel Louque Cannon Martensson Mark Leebrick Chris Adam Seth Davis David Prestage Aaron Gunaldo Daniel Beshears John Fourcade Destin Kraus Wilson Schultheis Robbie Cutrer Dalton Gonzales Jacob Spoher Peter Rizzuto Joseph Broom Alfred Kreeger Corey Cummings Mark Harrison Nick Botsford Garrett Colgin Robert McNeill

Pos. LB LB LB LB DB DB/WR WR WR/DB QB TE DB RB LB LB DB WR LB RB LB DE RB DB LB TE RB WR LB FB/LB LB/TE DE DL/OL OL C OL LB OL/DL OL/DL OT OL/DL

OL OL OL/DL OL OL OL/DL OL OL DB WR WR/P

Ht. 5-8 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-8 5-7 5-4 6-1 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-7 5-11 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-6 5-11 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-4 5-11 5-8 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-8 6-1 5-9 5-6 5-10 5-10 5-7 5-10 5-9

Wgt. 140 160 165 185 135 160 150 185 150 175 130 125 100 180 160 145 155 130 175 155 145 175 135 150 160 145 195 145 100 170 135 210 140 170 160 220 225 240 200 160 200 140 220 205

5-10 6-1 5-7 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-4 5-11 5-10 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-11 5-9

145 235 180 215 245 170 220 325 215 160 155 225 150 155 140

Class Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. OL Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr.

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 17

Jags look to build off 2010’s success

By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News Pope John Paul II’s Jaguars had a good year in 2010, but want this one to be better.

Aug. 26 – Newman Jamboree Sept. 2 – St. Patrick’s (Miss.)

Sept. 9 - Pearl River Sept. 16 – @Riverdale Sept. 23 - Warren Easton Sept. 30 – @De La Salle Oct. 7 - Springfield* Oct. 14 – @NCS* Oct. 21 - @St. Helena Central* Oct. 28 – St. Thomas Aquinas* Nov. 5 – @Pine* (*district game)

Last season, the Jaguars were runner-up in District 8-2A to Northlake Christian School at 3-1, but collected a 17-14 playoff victory over Ferriday as the No. 24 seed. They lost the next week to Riverside Academy 33-19 and finished 8-4.

Jaguars’ coach Mark Jeanmard enters his fourth season at PJP with a 19-14 record.

“We got the taste of what it felt like to move into the playoffs and have a successful season,” Jeanmard said.

“Everybody from players to coaches to parents and administration wants it.

We can’t forget what we’ve done, which is we got to where we are the last three years because we worked hard. That’s what we have to continue to do and not get caught up with last year.”

Pope John Paul II’s roster features just 14 seniors. The Jaguars return 10 starters, five each on offense and defense.

The Jaguars run the double-wing offense. Junior quarterback Kyle Noonan, who played his freshman year at Hancock High in Mississippi, replaces graduate Clyde Perkins under center. Noonan had to sit out last year due to the move, but is ready to go this season.

Noonan talked about his wide receiving corps.

“Probably my big deep threat will be (Evan) Labat,” Noonan said. “He is the fastest guy on the team without a

ALEX RAMIREZ

TEDDY MACKE

doubt. I’ve got (Sean) Bruhn. He’s 6-4 and whenever I want to look good, I’m going to throw it up to him and he’ll take care of it for me.”

Bruhn is a junior tight end. He led the team in receiving with more than 200 yards and five touchdowns.

Jeanmard said Noonan would be fun to watch.

“He’s one of the more athletic kids we’ve had here at any position. He’s a left-handed quarterback and reads

defenses very well. He can throw a ball pretty good,” Jeanmard said.

Jeanmard said Noonan is also a good teacher.

“We worked on routes without a football, just how receivers do things.

He’s over there coaching them up, saying, ‘hey look, when you run, this is when I’m going to throw you the ball.’

SEE JAGS, PAGE 18

Pope John Paul II High Jaguars

Founded 1980 • Head Coach Mark Jeanmard • 2010 Record 8-4 • Home L. Latino Jaguar Field

PAGE 18 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

JAGS: PJP II will try to make extra step to district championship » FROM PAGE 17

It’s not just he can do the position, but he’s very smart at the position too,” Jeanmard said.

“One of the good things about Ryan (Noonan) is besides being a very-good player, he’s a very-good teach Bruhn said Noonan is a good passer, who is accurate and good at reading defenses.

Besides Noonan, the rest of the backfield includes senior running back Quinn Fiore, senior fullback Kyle Canulette and junior running back Greg Cavalier.

Fiore finished 2010 with more than 700 yards rushing and 10 TDs. Fiore said the Jags have good depth at the position.

He said they have confidence in all of their backs.

“All of our backfield can catch the ball and they also

RYAN NOONAN

QUINN FIORE

run the ball, so they’re pretty good,” Fiore said. “We trust them all in the passing (game) and running the ball.”

The Jaguars’ offensive line, which features seniors Corey Frederickson (6-foot, 200 pounds), Kyle Roubel

(6-0, 200) and Alex Ramirez (6-3, 230) along with sophomores Derek Trosclair (6-0, 200) and Sean O’Brien (5-10, 250), isn’t real big, but does have speed. Ramirez, a threeyear starter on both lines said the line is not as big as

they were last season.

“This year, we’re going to have to be more focused on being smarter and getting our jobs done right,” Ramirez said.

Defensively, PJP is coming off of a year where they allowed 20 or fewer points in eight games, including the playoffs.

The Jaguars will base out of a 4-4 with six new starters. Linebacker Bruhn, tackle Ramirez, senior end Alex Colton along with senior linebackers Cameron Dean and Austin Fairchild return to the starting lineup. The newcomers include junior back Labat, senior lineman Robert Hattier, senior back Luis Delgado and Teddy Macke and junior linebacker Greg Cavalier.

“Defensively, athletically, I think we can cover people, they just need to get out there, experience it and do it,” Jeanmard said. “A lot of emphasis was put into the learning of what to do.”

Bruhn handles the middle linebacker role for PJP. “The line’s a little smaller than last year, but we’re much faster than we were too,” Bruhn said.

Fairchild, a second-team all-state player last year, handles the strong side linebacker position.

On special teams, Teddy Macke returns as the place kicker.

“I went to Ray Guy’s kicking camp at Tulane.

Almost everyday, I’m out there kicking after practice,” Macke said.

Macke’s long was 45 yards and said he nearly made a 58-yarder just wide.

The punter is Bruhn and he also has a strong leg and averaged more than 42yards a kick in 2010.

The return specialists are Labat and Fiore.

Pope John Paul II opens the regular season Sept. 2 hosting St. Patrick’s of Mississippi.

» 2011 pope john paul II jaguars No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 43 44 45 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 60 63 64 65 66 67 70 71 72 74 75 76 78 79 80 82 84 85 86 88 89 90 93

Name Luis Delgado Kevin Schackleford David Crain Evan Labat Patrick Wogan Mark Fos Beaux Riviere Teddy Macke Ryan Noonan D.J. Cannon Mark Mornay Will Arata Mac Neyland Clayton Riviere Greg Cavalier Sean Tran Blayne Haro Joe Feraci Quinn Fiore Michael Nobile Collin Alexander Sam Ybos Alex Colton Andrew Sevin Chanse Caire Rhett Restivo Charlie Loupe Kyle Canulette Marcus Rome Sean Bruhn Cameron Dean Austin Fairchild Joseph Mangano Robert Hattier Derek Trosclair Justin Gandy Joseph Dalton Allen Burkhardt Kyle Roubal Zac Pichon Trey Schultz John Babin Chris Goodnow Matt Tonglet Kevin Lawless Alex Ramirez Donovan Hammers Mathew Habighorst Sean O’Brien George Dedes Kyle McCain Corey Fredrickson Jonathan Swalley Rogelio Gallegos Christian O’Brien Spencer Dean Kenneth Nicolosi Leon Duncan Jonathan Irby Ian Readeau Jordan Richter Steven Schmitt Decatur Durel Cary Bock Jacob Reine

Pos. DB DB WR WR/DB WR RB/LB DB/WR LB/K QB WR/DB WR WR WR/DB WR/DB RB TE WR/DB WR/DB DB/RB OLB/RB WR/DB DB/RB DL DB/WR LB/RB DB/WR DB/WR FB/DL TE/DL TE/LB LB LB/OL WR LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL OL/DL OL/DL DL/OL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL/OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL/OL OL/DL OL/DL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR WR WR/DB WR WR/DB TE/DE DE TE/DL

Ht. 5-7 5-6 5-7 5-8 5-9 5-5 5-5 6-0 6-1 5-7 5-7 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-8 5-8 5-10 5-7 5-8 5-9 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-8 5-6 5-8 5-8 5-6 6-2 6-3 6-0 5-10 5-7 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-7 5-8 6-0 5-7 5-10 5-8 5-8 5-6 5-7 6-0 5-9 5-8 5-10 6-2 5-8 6-0 5-8 5-10 5-8 6-2 5-10 5-5 5-0 5-8 5-10 5-6 6-1 6-0 5-10

Wgt. 175 140 125 145 155 165 120 175 190 165 140 144 135 180 175 160 130 140 165 170 150 140 190 175 140 175 165 195 175 225 175 175 140 200 190 230 145 155 180 180 190 170 170 170 190 185 185 180 120 240 230 205 172 250 210 200 170 130 100 130 140 150 170 150 170

Class Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Fr. So. Sr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr.

“Defensively, athletically, I think we can cover people, they just need to get out there, experience it and do it.”

MARK JEANMARD Pope John Paul II head coach

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 19

PJP II’S QUINN FIORE (FILE PHOTO BY SHANNON DIECIDUE)

PJP II’S GREG CAVALIER (FILE PHOTO BY CHRIS KINKAID)

PAGE 20 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Salmen High Spartans

Founded 1966 • Head Coach Jerry Leonard • 2010 Record 9-2 • Home Spartan Stadium

New faces dot Salmen starting lineup

By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News It’s a time of change in Salmen’s

Aug. 26 – NHS Jamboree Sept. 2 – @Northshore Sept. 9 - @Riverside Acaddemy Sept. 16 – Eleanor McMain Sept. 23 - Edna Karr Sept. 30 – @East Feliciana Oct. 6 - @St. Paul’s Oct. 14 – @Hammond* Oct. 21 - Lakeshore* Oct. 28 – Franklinton* Nov. 4 – @Pearl River* (*district game)

football program as young players get their opportunity to help continue the success the Spartans have had of late.

Salmen coach Jerry Leonard, who has a 65-31 career record in nine years as the Spartans’ headman, said they have a young team as far as game experience, but one that is talented and enjoys being around each other.

“I think it’s a good chemistry,” Leonard said. “The biggest question mark for us right now is who’s going to step up and fill the shoes of some of the guys who graduated. It’s a little too early for us to tell that right now. We have some good ideas, but until the lights come on and until we get into a real game, it’s just going to be a question mark hanging over our heads.”

In the last four seasons, Salmen has posted a 35-13 record with two state semifinal appearances.

Five players off of last years’ squad signed national letters of intent and are playing college football, including Daniel Sams (Kansas State University), Matt Lipham (Southern Illinois), Jamal Robinson (University of Louisiana at Lafayette), Malcolm Pichon (Louisiana Tech) and Chrishawn Dupuy (Miami of Ohio).

This year, Salmen returns just five starters, two each offensively and defensively along with senior

ERIC BELL

BOBBY TATE

kicker/punter Chris Gulino.

The Spartans operate out of the multiple spread offense. Senior center Bobby Tate (5-foot-11, 245 pounds) and junior wide receiver Chuck Baker return to the starting lineup.

There is a battle going on at quarterback between junior Aaron Hall and

sophomore Raymond Crochet.

“They’re all working that position and they’re all getting better. Only time is going to tell who’s going to end up getting the majority of the reps at quarterback,” Leonard said.

SEE SALMEN, PAGE 21

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 21

SALMEN: Spartans face tough schedule » FROM PAGE 20

Also, Leonard said junior Eric Bell, who is listed at wide receiver, would be a slash type of player, who will be called upon to do several different jobs.

Leonard said Bell could be a wildcat type of quarterback since he has great feet and he’s a good runner.

“He does great things with the ball in his hands,” Leonard said. “He can throw it as well. He’s going to play a bunch of different roles for us and we don’t know where we’re going to pin him down just yet or if we’re going to pin him down at all. We may keep moving him all over the field. He’s a guy we’re excited about.”

Besides Baker and Bell, the rest of the wide receivers are juniors Shawn Brickley along with sophomores Barron Crawford and Deonté Cooper.

Bell said the wide outs are looking fine, but said the main thing they need to work on is catching first and then running.

“We try to run before we get the ball. We just gotta focus on catching it first,” Bell said.

Bell said the quarterbacks are doing well.

“They’re putting the ball into our eyesight so we can catch it, right on target,” Bell said.

Baker, who started for the first time last season, said he improved as the 2010 season went on, while he was adjusting to the speed of the game.

He talked about how tough the transition was.

“The more I practiced, it wasn’t that much tougher for me because when I started running and blocking against people bigger

» 2011 salmen spartans No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 21 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 36 39 40 43 46 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 60 62 64 65 69 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 81

Name Gerard Batiste Reggie White George Christmas Henry Glover Joey McLeod Kenneth Vidato Chuck Baker Deonté Cooper Emanuel Terrell Eric Bell Chris Gulino Ray Crochet Aaron Hall Devin Montelongo Marquise Searight Baron Crawford Shawn Brickley Denzel Williams Jerode Williams D’Lane Harris Ronald Barnes Vernel Turner Chris Sibley Austin Marchand Chris Thomas Tyrik McGaffie Zach Brown Gerald Taylor Corbyn Johnson Raymond Thibodeaux Nick Smith Bobby Tate Larry Warren Christian Head Myron Forristier Ryan Crawford Sterling Doss Kendred Holloway Brian Laug Tyler Legrand Devin Turner Brian Nicaud Kevin Viltz Victor Kirby Jabari James Devon Gauthreaux Scott Landry Jeremi Bourgeois Payton Paggart Marcus Cochran Justin Doyle Dimitri Willis

Ht. 5-10 6-0 5-5 5-5 5-10 5-8 6-2 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-1 5-8 5-7 5-10 5-8 5-5 5-2 5-8 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-8 5-8 5-7 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-6 5-10 5-11 5-9 6-1 5-11 5-9 6-1 5-7 5-7 6-0 5-8 5-11 5-7 5-11 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-5 6-1

than me, it started toughening me up,” Baker said.

The running back is sophomore Chris Thomas.

The offensive line consists of just one returning starter in Tate.

The rest of the group includes senior right guard Jabari James (5-10, 255), junior right tackle Scott Landry (6-2, 275), junior left guard Marcus Cochran (6-1, 286) and junior left tackle Devon Gauthreaux (6-3, 265).

Landry spoke about the line.

“We’ve got size up front.

We need to work together, stay on our drills, stay on top of what we have to do, work as a team and a unit to be successful,” Landry said.

Defensively, the Spartans are a 3-4 group.

Junior tackle Sterling Doss (6-1, 220) and inside

Wgt. 170 170 140 145 178 140 190 166 230 180 145 176 175 145 140 162 160 130 146 140 155 160 175 178 176 132 179 220 152 202 250 250 220 290 200 160 215 170 187 190 220 250 220 176 260 250 275 230 270 280 185 190

Class Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. So. So. So. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr.

linebacker Emanuel Terrell are the two returning starters. Also playing on the line are senior nose guard Devon Turner and junior tackle Myron Forristier.

“We have a smaller group than last year obviously,” Leonard said.

“When you lose Malcolm (Pichon) and T.J. (Price), it’s tough to replace. But in the same turn, I think we’re possibly going to be a smaller, quicker front overall, but we’ll be missing that big man in the middle.”

The outside linebackers include junior Nick Smith along with sophomores Joey McCleod, Victor Kirby and Trevon Watts. The inside guys are junior Larry Warren, and sophomore Zac Brown.

The defensive backs are junior corners Henry Glover, D’Lane Harris and

CHRIS GULINO (FILE PHOTO BY MIKE McCALL)

Kenneth Vidato, while Bell and senior Reggie White handle free safety duties and Gerrard Batiste is the strong safety.

Coach Leonard said the DBs are very athletic.

“I think we have some guys who can cover back there,” Leonard said. “Some guys, as a group, they prob-

ably got a little experience playing than some of those other guys at some other positions.”

Senior Gulino is the kicker and punter.

“This is his fourth year kicking for us,” Leonard said. “He has been very consistent. He’s handled all of the kicking duties for us

that we’ve asked him to handle and we’re excited to have him back. He’s one of those factors that we’re not trying to replace or anything else. We’re just glad to have him. Our kicking game is solid with him there.”

Salmen opens the regular season on the road Sept.

2 against Northshore.

PAGE 22 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Louisiana State University Tigers

Founded 1860 • Head Coach Les Miles • 2010 Record 11-2 • Home Tiger Stadium

Tigers hoping for a big year in 2011

By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News The purple and gold open another year Labor Day Weekend with high hopes of another successful season.

LSU enters 2011 ranked third in the preseason espn.com poll, while the associated press has them fourth. The University of Oklahoma tops both polls. Southeastern Conference foe Alabama is No. 2 in the two polls.

Coach Les Miles, who enters his seventh season with the Tigers, posting a 62-17 mark at LSU. He said it’s not where you’re ranked in the preseason poll.

“Rankings don’t really make a difference, you just have to play it out and see where you’re at,” Miles said.

Miles led his club to the 2007 National Championship and the 2007 SEC title. Miles is the fastest coach to reach the 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 career win mark with LSU. Last season, LSU went 11-2 and finished with a 41-24 Cotton Bowl victory over Texas A&M in Cowboys’ Stadium.

Two former St. Tammany high school players are on LSU’s 105-man roster in 2008 Northshore graduate offensive tackle Chris Faulk (6-foot-6, 316 pounds) and 2009 Slidell graduate wide receiver Armand Williams (6-3, 195).

Faulk entered last season as a backup to Joseph Barksdale and earned a starting spot at right tackle the final two regular season games against Ole Miss and Arkansas.

He was in during the University of Tennessee game and when Stevan Ridley had his game-winning touchdown run after the Volunteers were flagged for 12-men on the field. LSU captured that game 16-14.

This season, Faulk is slated to start at left tackle, the same position he played at Northshore. Faulk said the two starts helped him out tremendously since he got to learn the SEC. “Those two games got me ready for this year,” Faulk said. “Les Miles gave me the opportunity to show what I’ve got. Now I go back to the leftside where I’m most comfortable.”

He said the key for success is executing on every down and playing hard through the whistle.

At a July LSU Tiger Tour stop, Miles

LSU lineman Chris Faulk (76) protects QB Jordan Jefferson. (Photo courtesy of LSU Sports Information)

talked about Faulk’s attributes.

“He’s a big, strong, powerful man.

He will be a dominate player as he continues to learn the position,” Miles said.

Williams was redshirted last season.

He said last year helped him a lot with weight training. He said he learned from the older guys how to become a better receiver and team player.

“With that redshirt, it enabled me to gain the knowledge of the game, become a student of the sport and understand what I need to do to become successful,” Williams said.

At that Tiger Tour stop, Miles said Williams is early in his career, but is developing very nicely.

He also said Williams is very athletic, physically capable, runs fast, jumps and is very explosive.

Also locally, 2011 Northlake Christian School graduate Shawn Burst is scheduled to walk on.

LSU Football Sports Information

Director Michael Bonnette said at press time 2011 St. Paul’s graduate Mickey Johnson, a defensive tackle, is still going through the NCAA process.

“Hopefully he’ll get cleared and can report to camp before school starts (Aug. 22),” Bonnette said.

Senior Jordan Jefferson, who started every game last season, is the Tigers’ starting quarterback. Last season, he completed 56.5 percent of his passes for 1,411 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also ran for 450 yards and seven scores.

Williams said he trusts Jefferson.

“Jordan is one of the best guys and one of the best leaders you’ll ever meet,” Williams said. “I feel like he has also taught me how to become a team player and put me in a position to get myself within a nice set of four years.”

LSU has seven preseason All-SEC players, two offensive, in junior wide receiver Rueben Randle and junior lineman Alex Hurst. The defensive

players are DBs junior Morris Claiborne and sophomore Tyrann Mathieu, linemen sophomore Barkevious Mingo and sophomore Sam Montgomery along with senior linebacker Ryan Baker.

Randle is second team. Last year, he was second on the team with 33 catches for 544 yards and three touchdowns.

Hurst (6-6, 329) is on the third team.

Claiborne is the only Tigers’ firstteamer. Last season, he topped LSU with five interceptions and averaged 20.2 yards per return. He was also in on 37 stops, while posting one sack and breaking up six passes.

Claiborne is also a godaddy.com second-team pre-season All-American.

Baker was second for LSU with 87 tackles, 11 for loss and he posted a team-leading seven sacks, while also SEE LSU, PAGE 24

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 23

Depth could play key role for Lions

By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News Southeastern Louisiana University returns 11 starters and 37 letterwinners with the Lions opening up Sept. 3 against the Tulane Green Wave in the Louisiana Superdome.

The Lions open their five-game home schedule in week two hosting Savannah State followed by Southern Mississippi.

The Southland Conference road opener is scheduled for Sept. 24 against McNeese State, which is picked to win the conference in the pre season poll.

Head coach Mike Lucas, who became the Lions 14th head coach in 2006, said his club faces a very tough schedule.

“Three of our first four ballgames are very difficult with three of them on the road. We don’t have time to slide into anything. We can’t afford to have a slow start. We need to get after it right away opening with Tulane,” Lucas said.

Lucas said the program graduated 18 seniors last year so they have some spots that don’t have returning starters.

“I think our athleticism level has increased in those positions. We are having some really good battles for positions. I think that’s a good sign when you start to build depth in that way,” Lucas said.

Lucas said his club has a pretty good battle at quarterback.

“Brian Young has shown great leadership and had a very good spring. He has worked very hard through the summer,” Lucas said.

Young played in six games last season, completing 86-of-164 passes (52.4 percent) for 1,012 yards with four TDs and seven interceptions. He averaged 168.7 yards per contest. Lucas said Nathan Stanley (6-5, 215), an Ole Miss transfer, is a specimen at quarterback.

“He is starting to pick up the offense. His reads and decision making is becoming second nature to him. He is starting to feel pretty comfortable,” the coach added.

The Lions’ outstanding senior receiver Simmie Yarborough (6-1, 205), the school’s all-time leading receiver with 168 receptions and 27 receiving TDs, ranks second in receiv-

JUSTIN CHURCH

MATT McCORMICK

SCOTT KORTE

ing yardage (2,002). He needs just 343 yards to pass former Lion AllAmerican Felton Huggins.

Yarborough, a three-time AllSouthland Conference performer, topped the Lions with 60 receptions for 709 yards with a team-high nine scores.

Lucas said the receiving corps is the third leading receivers coming back in yardage and touchdowns from last season in the country.

“Our wide receiver position right now is our strength with Simmie, senior Brandon Collins along with Kory Theodore. We really have some weapons at wide receiver,” Lucas said.

Collins hauled in 56 receptions for 875 yards with four TDs. Theodore had 34 catches for 622 yards, averaging an impressive 18.3 yards per reception with four scores.

Turning to the rushing game, Lucas said Zeke Jones is ready.

“Zeke played at 248 and this year he slimmed down to 228. He’s a step quicker and has that look in his eyes to improve,” Lucas said.

Jones gained 380 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per rush with eight touchdowns.

Lucas said last year’s leading rusher Sam Fairley, who rushed for 579 yards, is battling a hip injury. Lucas said Fairley hasn’t been at full strength.

Lucas said he’s been impressed with the younger running backs like Ponchatoula’s Michael Chaney and Varnado High sophomore LaTruan Weary.

“Those two guys had great springs and conditioning programs. They can really fly. Along with red shirt freshman Jordan Wells we have a pretty good stable of running backs,” Lucas said.

Switching to the defense, Lucas said it would be tough to replace the team’s top two tacklers who graduated in linebacker Mark Newbill, who is the school’s all-time leading tackler (401 tackles) and Tommy Connors (98) last year.

“Those two guys are names everybody knows about. They were fouryear starters and were exceptional players,” Lucas added.

Lucas said the D-line is the strength and he feels good about those guys. He mentioned senior Devin Boutwell, Jerrod Black and junior Tramain Lucas, who is one of the team’s strongest kids (squatted 600 pounds and benched 500) along with Devan Walker.

Lucas said he likes his linebackers junior Tay Alford and true freshman Kaleb Muse of Ponchatoula High, who is playing very well, and is on the verge of moving into that No. 1 linebacker

position. Lucas said junior cornerback Robert Alford (Hammond High) is healthy and may be as good as any body in the conference.

The Lions have four former St. Tammany Parish athletes on the roster including red shirt freshmen defensive ends Justin Church and Scott Korte from Fontainebleau High along with Covington High grad sophomore punter Matt McCormick and St. Paul’s freshman linebacker Tyler Tourelle.

Coach Lucas spoke about each St. Tammany player.

“Justin (Church) has had a great off season program. He gained some good weight. Last year, he had a shoulder injury and we got a medical red shirt on him. He is running with the first team and doing a very fine job,” Lucas said.

“He plays very hard, has a great attitude and is a tremendous young man.”

Church (6-4, 230) played in two games last year before spraining a joint in his left shoulder.

“I had a pretty good camp and I’m staying healthy. I’ve been getting reps with the 1’s so things are going pretty good. I’m fighting for the starting spot and I just want to step up to help the team,” Church said.

SEE SLU, PAGE 24

Southeastern Louisiana Lions

Founded 1925 • Head Coach Mike Lucas • 2010 Record 2-9 • Home Strawberry Stadium

PAGE 24 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

SLU: Lions return 11 starters in bid for Southland Conference crown » FROM PAGE 23

“My early time last year helped me and I know the defensive scheme. I like to get after the quarterback and I’ve been able to develop my pass rushing technique a lot more than in high school,” Church added.

“We didn’t have the greatest season last year (29) so we are looking for more wins this year. We had a great camp and have a good team attitude.”

Church is majoring in business administration carrying a 3.0 GPA. Lucas talked about Scott Korte (6-4, 250).

“We red shirted Scott last year and he has made very good strides from spring ball till now. We look at him as a pass rush guy. We’ve got him in some of our packages and that’s where he fits it,” Lucas

SIMMIE YARBOROUGH

TYLER TOURELLE

said.

Lucas spoke about Tourelle.

“Tyler is doing very well.

He was here in the summer working out with us and he has put on some good muscle weight. He’s a little

ahead of the learning curve right now,” Lucas said.

Lucas said Tourelle is on the depth chart for special teams.

“He is on the front line for kickoff returns so we are taking a look at him in

that mode. He’s a tremendous kid and has a nose for the football. He’s got instincts that you just can’t teach,” Lucas said.

Tourelle said things are going well.

“It’s a lot different than high school. There are a lot more meetings and the mental aspect is a big part of things. As far as the linebacker position goes, I’m still fighting for a job. We definitely have a good group of linebackers,” Tourelle said.

“I just have to take it one day at a time and see what happens. I want to make the most of my opportunities. Coach Patrick Garvin, the linebackers’ coach, gives us all a fair shot. He changes up the depth chart day by day to get new faces in with more reps,” the St. Paul’s grad said.

Tourelle is majoring in business administration after graduating from St. Paul’s with a 3.7 GPA. Coach Lucas shared his

thoughts on McCormick.

“Matt is our backup punter and I think everybody in America would like to have a backup punter as good as Matt. Beau Mothe (Jesuit) is our No. 1 punter.

Matt saw a little bit of action last year and he’s solid. If anything were to happen to Beau, Matt’s a good one,” Lucas said.

He punted five times averaging 33.8 yards with a long of 44 yards.

McCormick said the team is looking pretty good.

“I like our team chemistry. We have become family oriented and I think we can go far in conference this year. We really think things can happen for us this season,” McCormick said.

McCormick talked about working out at Covington High over the summer.

“I stay in touch with those guys. I do my best to preach the word to those high school players letting

them know what it takes in order to get from high school to college. Not everybody will get a scholarship so they have to continue to always work hard if they want to have a chance to take the next step,” McCormick added.

“It feels pretty good being on a college roster.

My dad (Joseph) told me to never give up on my dreams and keep working for it. I try to live through that each and every day continuing to work hard,” McCormick said.

McCormick is majoring in physical fitness and human performance and carried a 3.0 GPA last year.

Coach Lucas said he wanted to encourage the fans to come out and watch the Lions this year. ”We play an exciting brand of football. We have a great home schedule and if fans want to have a great experience they need to come out to Strawberry Stadium,” Lucas said.

LSU: Opens season against Oregon » FROM PAGE 22

forcing a fumble.

Mingo, a second teamer, tallied 35 stops last season, 5.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks. He also broke up six passes and hurried the quarterbacks four times.

Mathieu is a second-team preseason player, finished with two picks last year and was fourth with 57 tackles, 8.5 for loss and he made 4.5 sacks.

Montgomery made the third team after getting 18 tackles last year with six for loss and two sacks.

LSU opens the season in the same building they finished, as the Tigers go against the 2010 BCS runner-up Oregon Ducks Sept. 3.

Auburn defeated Oregon 22-19 for the championship. Oregon is ranked third in the AP Top 25 and fourth for the espn.com poll.

“I think they’re a great team,” Miles said at the Tiger Tour stop. “I’ve studied them as much as I’ve studied anybody. They have no real legitimate weakness. They are a very very talented team. We’re going to have to

ARMAND WILLIAMS

execute well and play in tight quarters. It’s a great challenge. I like the match up. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun playing.”

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 25

Tulane readies for 13-game schedule

By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News Tulane head football coach Bob Toledo is in his fifth season with the Green Wave and hoping this is the year his club reaches its goal of making a bowl game appearance.

The Green Wave 4-8 last year has an ambitious 13-game schedule without a bye week, which will present additional challenges for the club.

When coach Toledo was asked why a 13-game campaign, he said, “If you have a chance to make a trip to Hawaii, you should do it.”

The Greenies close out the year making a trip across the Pacific to the island of Hawaii to take on the Warriors in the season finale Nov. 26.

“Taking on that 13th game, location had everything to do with it. Mai Tai’s in the sun isn’t too bad when you think about it,” Toledo said.

The Green Wave opens at home hosting Southeastern Louisiana University at the Superdome Sept. 3.

“Our goal is to make it to a bowl game this year. With that additional game on the schedule, we’ll have to win seven games to make an appearance,” the fifth-year coach said.

“I think we have built a solid foundation for the future. We’ve played a lot of young players 20 freshmen last year and 18 the year before. We have lots of experience and no longer are we young or inexperienced,” Toledo added.

“This team has lots of enthusiasm and has some good experiences that have carried over,” Toledo said.

Red-shirt junior quarterback Ryan Griffin (6-5, 218), a two-year starter, is back to pull the Green Wave trigger.

“There is no question Ryan has been a big leader for us and his teammates selected him as the offensive team captain,” Toledo said.

Toledo praised Griffin’s tremendous work ethic.

“Ryan works extremely hard to learn about what defenses are trying to do against him. Ryan is like a player coach and led the off-season summer conditioning program,” Toledo said.

“He continues to prove his leadership value to the team and was instrumental in our running and throwing program. He helps his teammates

learn the offensive system by holding video sessions,” Toledo said.

Griffin completed 223-of-372 passes (59.9 percent) for 2,371yards with 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season.

GRIFFIN Griffin said he likes throwing out of coach Toledo’s pro style offense.

“We are really excited about getting the season started. Roll Wave! We have a bunch of good players returning along with some talented freshman who have stepped up,” Griffin said.

Griffin talked about the 13-game schedule.

“Playing 13 games this season without a bye presents an added challenge.

Depth is going to be a key and we have more quality depth than we have had in a while,” Griffin added.

“We are looking forward to the trip to Hawaii but that is a long way away.

Our goal is to win a Conference USA title and make a bowl game. For that to happen, we have to take care of business early on,” Griffin said.

Griffin underwent two off-season surgeries in January on his left nonthrowing shoulder and his right ankle.

“I definitely feel like I’m 100 percent. I’m healed up ready to go and take that first regular season hit,” the quarterback said.

Griffin said he likes the makeup of his big offensive line and starter Eric Jones, a red-shirt junior, is one of his roommates so there is a lot of football dialogue that takes place off the field.

“We have a good offensive unit, which has been here for a while. I’m confident playing behind them,” Griffin said.

Griffin said he felt he became a much more vocal leader late last year.

“I feel like I stepped into the vocal aspect of being a leader and hope to have that carry into this season,” the QB said.

Griffin said he has some talented receivers in Ryan Grant, Joe Kemp and Wilson Van Hooser, a slot back, who runs 4.3 forty.

Griffin carries a 3.3 GPA and is majoring in business management and wants to obtain a Masters in finance.

Coach Toledo said he is looking for

big things from sophomore running back Orleans Darkwa (6-0, 214).

“He’s a great kid and was the fourth leading rusher in the nation as a freshman despite missMACKEY ing 2 1/2 games due to injury. He suffered a torn elbow ligament and a concussion,” Toledo said.

Darkwa topped the Green Wave rushing for 925 yards on 184 carries, averaging 5.0 yards per carry with 11 TDs. He also caught 17 passes for 155 yards, averaging 9.1 yards per reception.

“What a great name a for kid playing in New Orleans. I may start calling him New Orleans if he continues to put up the numbers we expect him to,” Toledo quipped.

The coach said it would be tough to replace Casey Robottom (56 catches and 663 yards) in the passing game referring to Robottom as Mr. Clutch when he was with the Wave. Toledo said he is looking to Ryan Grant (33 catches and 515 yards with four scores) to help fill the void adding that Grant has been named to the Fred Biletnikoff Award watch list with the award presented annually to the nation’s outstanding college football receiver.

“We will definitely try to keep Grant involved in our passing game and let him produce,” Toledo said.

Toledo said he likes his stout offensive line saying the middle of the line is strong. The Green Wave returns three of five starters along the O-line including red-shirt senior center Joey Ray (63, 310), who moved over from right guard along with senior left guard Harris Howard (6-4, 293) and junior right guard Zach Morgan (6-3, 305).

“Our tackles have played a bunch with junior right tackle Eric Jones (66, 308) and sophomore left tackle Pat Husain (6-6, 298), who logged quality time as a true freshmen last year,” Toledo said.

Defensively, Toledo talked about red-shirt junior middle linebacker Trent Mackey (5-11, 230), who attended Carencro High School. He was the 17th leading tackler in the nation last year. Mackey played in all 12 games topping the Wave with 63 solo stops

and 61 assists. He had 7.5 stops for loss with an interception, while forcing three fumbles and recovering one.

“Trent has a great nose for the ball and plays with instinct. He is a defensive playmaker,” Toledo said.

The former Duke transfer, who possesses 4.5-speed, said he thinks the Green Wave has a great defensive scheme basing out of a 4-3 depending on the personnel groupings.

“Our players have worked hard this summer gearing up for the season.

The D-line is doing a tremendous job keeping the offensive linemen off of me so I can make plays and that’s what I love to do,” Mackey said.

Mackey said there would be a couple keys to being successful this year.

“Everyone is committed and we believe we can win. We have to keep up the intensity and stay focused. We have to play fast and be fundamentally sound,” Mackey added.

“I love it here. It is a great program with tremendous coaches. My linebacker coach Doug Colman played at Nebraska. He has a great idea on the linebacker position and how it should be played,” Mackey said.

Mackey said he stepped up his training regimen this summer.

“I’m faster this year and I move well sideline to sideline. I’m continuing to work really hard trying to become that perfect linebacker being able to stop both the run and pass,” Mackey said.

Mackey said the Green Wave defensive backs are doing a great job in coverage.

“We have a really fast group in the secondary with juniors Shakiel Smith and Ryan Travis,” Mackey added.

Coach Toledo said Ryan Travis, who was in on 67 tackles last season, is making big strides at corner back.

“Ryan has a bunch of interceptions this spring and is making big plays. We are really pleased with his progress,” Toledo said.

Shakiel Smith totaled 90 tackles last season including 60 individual stops with three interceptions.

Coach Toledo said he is looking for big contributions from red-shirt senior defensive end Dezman Moses (6-3, 248), who made an impact last season with 51 stops. Moses was in the top 10 in Conference USA tackles for loss (11.5 for 49 yards) and sacks (6).

Tulane University Green Wave

Founded 1834 • Head Coach Bob Toledo • 2010 Record 4-8 • Home Louisiana Superdome

PAGE 26 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

Founded 1967 • Head Coach Sean Payton • 2010 Record 11-5 • Home Louisiana Superdome

Saints are ready to roll in 2011

New Orleans Saints

By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News The lockout is over and the Black and Gold are working toward what will hopefully be another playoff run.

Last season, the New Orleans Saints battled injuries, mostly at running back, on their way to an 11-5 record.

They lost in the wildcard round of the playoffs 41-36 against Seattle.

Their top three running backs Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush and Chris Ivory all had injuries that cost them time. They combined to miss 22 regular season games. Ivory and Thomas did not play in the postseason game.

Thomas got in just six games. He ran for 269 yards and two touchdowns.

Bush missed eight games and ran for 150 yards, while tallying 208 receiving yards and three scores. He played the postseason game and finished with 37 receiving yards, 12 on the ground.

Saints leading rusher Ivory, who had 716 yards and five TDs missed four games.

That was part of the reason the Saints struggled running the ball. New Orleans was ranked 28th in the NFL after going for 1,519 yards and nine touchdowns.

Houston’s Arian Foster topped the Saints by himself at 1,619 yards and 16 TDs. Foster was one of eight backs to have more rushing scores than the Saints.

Pittsburgh’s Rahard Mendenhall and New England’s BenJarvus Green-Ellis both finished with 13. Atlanta’s Michael Turner and

Sept. 8 – @Green Bay Sept. 18 – Chicago Sept. 25 - Houston Oct. 2 – @Jacksonville Oct. 9 - @Carolina Oct. 16 - @Tampa Bay Oct. 23 - Indianapolis Oct. 30 - @St. Louis Nov. 6 - Tampa Bay Nov. 13 - @Atlanta Nov. 28 - New York Giants Dec. 4 - Detroit Dec. 11 - @Tennessee

QB Drew Brees will once again lead the New Orleans Saints into battle in 2011. (Photo by Peter Pasqua/Pontchartrain Newspapers)

Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson tallied 12 each and Tennessee’s Chris Johnson, San Diego’s Mike Tolbert along with Cleveland’s Peyton Hillis all had 11.

With that said, New Orleans added to its rushing attack with a pair of trades and a free agency pickup.

The Saints made a draft day trade with the New England Patriots to land Alabama’s Mark Ingram. Then in late July, New Orleans sent Bush to Miami and then picked up free agent Darren Sproles from San Diego.

Saints’ coach Sean Payton enters his sixth season with a 49-31 regular season record (.612 winning percentage) and 53-33 overall (.616). Under Payton,

Dec. 18 - @Minnesota Dec. 26 - Atlanta Jan. 1 - Carolina

the Saints have been in the playoffs three times, while capturing two division titles and Super Bowl 44.

At an Aug. 6 press conference, Payton spoke about the production of Sproles.

“The first thing you realize about Darren is that he’s a quick study,” Payton said. “From a terminology standpoint, there have been changes, but it doesn’t look like that’s slowed him down any. He’s quick with good acceleration and each day you see that.

He does a lot of things well in the throwing game and in the passing game, he’s versatile. Those are all really good attributes and they’re what were hoping for.”

The Saints passing attack was in high gear last season. The team was third in the NFL at 4,441 yards and 30 touchdowns. Only the Indianapolis Colts (4,609) and San Diego Chargers (4,519) threw for more yards.

Quarterback Drew Brees was third in the league with 4,620 yards, while throwing for 33 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.

Brees’ favorite target was Marques Colston, who caught 84 passes for 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns.

Lance Moore, who the Saints resigned this offseason was second on the club with 66 catches, 763 yards and a teamleading eight scores.

Despite the inability to generate a consistent running game, New Orleans still averaged 24 points per game.

New Orleans did a good job of resigning some of their own free agents, including Moore and offensive lineman Jermon Bushrod.

Six-time pro bowler (2001-06) and former Bears’ center Olin Kreutz joined the Saints after being a free agent. Kreutz enters his 14th season.

At an Aug. 6 press conference, Kreutz said the Saints are a great team.

“I’m happy to be here,” Kreutz said.

“The opportunity is to win a Super Bowl. That’s the kind of team they’ve built and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Defensively, the Saints were ranked fourth, allowing 306.2 yards a game.

San Diego (271.6), Pittsburgh (276.8) and the New York Jets (291.5) were ahead of New Orleans.

The defensive unit got a boost this offseason, adding a pair of defensive linemen. Shaun Rogers (6-foot-4, 350 pounds) comes to the Saints after spending the past three years with the Cleveland Browns. Rogers, who spent his first seven years with Detroit, has been in on 482 tackles, while making 37.5 sacks, defending 26 passes. He’s also got four forced fumbles and in 2007, he intercepted a pass and returned it 66 yards for a score.

The Saints acquired Aubrayo Franklin from San Francisco. They also drafted Cameron Jordan from the University of California with its first pick in the opening round.

Like they did on offense, they were able to resign some of their own defensively, including safety Roman Harper and linebacker Clint Ingram, who missed last season, while recovering from micro-fracture surgery Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma returns after leading the club with 105 tackles. Safety Roman Harper was second at 98, followed by linebacker Scott Shanle 76 and cornerback Jabari Greer 61.

One area that helped the Saints get to and ultimately win Super Bowl 44 was the giveaway/takeaway stat.

One year after being ranked third at +11, the Saints dropped 20 spots, finishing at -6. New Orleans committed 31 turnovers, 22 picks and nine fumbles, while the defense forced 25. The unit intercepted nine passes and recovered 16 fumbles.

SEE SAINTS, PAGE 27

FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011 | PAGE 27

SAINTS: Season kicks off Sept. 8 » FROM PAGE 26

New England (+28) topped the list, followed by Pittsburgh (+17), Atlanta (+14), Super Bowl 45 Champion Green Bay (+10) and Kansas City (+9).

Place kicker Garrett Hartley and punter Thomas Morestead both return.

Hartley comes back after connecting on 20-25 field goals with a long of 52. He also converted all 40 of his extra-point attempts. In his three-year career, which covers 27 games, he’s hit on 42-49 field

goals (81.6 precent).

Last season, Morestead, who enters his third season, was sixth in the NFL, averaging 45.9 yards per punt in 57 attempts. His long was 64. His net was 38.4 and 21 of his kicks were downed inside the 20.

New Orleans opens the 2011 regular season Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in historic Lambeau Field against the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers in a battle of the past two NFL title winners.

The first home game is in week 2 against the Chicago Bears Sept. 18 at noon.

PAGE 28 | FOOTBALL 2011 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2011 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011