2024 High School Preview Section

2024 SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA SEASON PREVIEW

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Week-by-week schedule

Welsh at Eunice; Basile at Ville Platte; Hanson Memorial at Elton; Merryville at Hemphill, Tx. Bye: Hamilton Christian; Oberlin. Sat. Oct. 5 Nondistrict: Washington-Marion at Peabody. Week 6 Thurs., Oct. 10 District 4-1A: Elton at Oberlin. Nondistrict: South Beauregard at Kinder; Erath at DeQuincy; Pickering at Crescent City. Friday, Oct. 11 District 3-5A: Acadiana at Barbe; Southside at Sam Houston; Sulphur at New Iberia. District 3-4A: DeRidder at Eunice; Leesville at Iowa; LaGrange at Washington-Marion. District 3-3A: Lake Charles College Prep at Jennings; Westlake at St. Louis Catholic.

5-2A: Holy Savior Menard at Oakdale. District 6-2A: Lake Arthur at Notre Dame. District 4-1A: Merryville at Basile; Grand Lake at Hamilton Christian. Nondistrict: Rosepine at Winnfield; Vinton at Westminster Christian-Lafayette; Loranger at Welsh. Bye: East Beauregard. Week 7 Thurs., Oct. 17

at Rosepine.

District 5-2A: Holy Savior Menard at Kinder. District 6-2A: Lafayette Renaissance Charter at Lake Arthur; Welsh at Lafayette Christian. District 4-1A: Basile at Elton; Hamilton Christian at Oberlin Nondistrict: Pine Prairie at Pickering.

Week 9

Thurs., Oct. 31

District 3-4A: Iowa at LaGrange.

District 4-2A: East Beauregard at Vinton. District 4-1A: Oberlin at Basile; Elton at Grand Lake; Merryville at Hamilton Christian. Fri., Nov. 1

District 3-5A: Barbe at Sulphur; Sam Houston at Acadiana. District 3-4A: DeRidder at Washington-Marion; Eunice at Leesville. District 3-3A: St. Louis Catholic at Jennings; Westlake at South Beauregard.

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District 4-2A: Rosepine at DeQuincy.

District 5-2A: Kinder at Port Barre; Avoyelles at Oakdale.

Week 10

Thurs., Nov. 7

Nondistrict: Westlake at Iota; East Beauregard at Bolton Academy. Fri., Oct. 18 District 3-5A: Barbe at New Iberia; Sam Houston at Carencro; Southside at Sulphur. District 3-4A: DeRidder at Leesville; Washington-Marion at Iowa; LaGrange at Eunice. District 3-3A: Jennings at South Beauregard; St. Louis Catholic at Lake Charles College Prep. District 5-2A: Oakdale at Kinder. District 6-2A: Lafayette Renaissance Charter at Welsh. District 4-1A: Basile at Grand Lake; Hamilton Christian at Elton; Oberlin at Merryville Nondistrict: DeQuincy at Jonesboro-Hodge; Pickering at Vinton; Mansfield at Rosepine; Richwood at Lake Arthur. Week 8 Thurs., Oct. 24 District 5-2A: Oakdale at Port Barre. District 4-1A:

District 6-2A: Lake Arthur at Welsh. Nondistrict: Comeaux at Lake Charles College Prep; Ringgold at Pickering.

District 3-4A: Iowa at DeRidder.

District 6-2A: Welsh at Notre Dame.

District 4-1A: Basile at Hamilton Christian; Grand Lake at Oberlin. Fri., Nov. 8

District 3-5A: Barbe at Sam Houston; Sulphur at Lafayette.

District 3-4A: Leesville at LaGrange; Eunice at Washington-Marion.

District 3-3A: Jennings at Westlake; South Beauregard at Lake Charles College Prep.

District 4-2A: DeQuincy at Vinton; Rosepine at East Beauregard.

District 5-2A: Kinder at Avoyelles.

District 6-2A: Lafayette Christian at Lake Arthur.

District 4-1A: Elton at Merryville Nondistrict: St. Louis Catholic at Haughton; Plain Dealing at Pickering; Red River at Oakdale.

INDEX

Barbe, C3

Sam Houston, C4

Sulphur, C5

DeRidder, C6

Iowa, C7

Leesville, C8

LaGrange, C8

Jennings, C9

Washington-Marion, C9

South Beauregard, C10

Lake Charles College Prep, C10

St. Louis Catholic, C11

Westlake, C12

East Beauregard, C13

Pickering, C14

DeQuincy, C18

Vinton, C16

Rosepine, C16

Kinder, C19

Lake Arthur, C20

Oakdale, C20

Welsh, C21

Basile, C22

Elton, C22

Hamilton Christian, C23

Grand Lake, C23

Oberlin, C24

Merryville, C24

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Barbe: Numbers there to fuel growth of program

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Things are starting to get back to normal for the Barbe Bucs.

Four years ago, they had to cancel their 2020 season because of overwhelming damage from Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

It took some time to build the program back up and they finally returned to the postseason last year for the first time since 2019. On the heels of that playoff appearance, the Bucs have their largest senior class (37) since the storms.

“This, by far, might be the biggest we’ve ever had,” Head Coach Skeet Owens said. “It’s going to be a heavy senior class.

“We have about 15,

16 starters returning. We’re trying to compete as much as we can. We’ve got a bunch of guys that played last year that aren’t seniors, so we’ve got

a bunch of guys that have experience and hopefully that’ll carry over. I mean, I would say almost all of them, at least 90 percent of them are going to

Barbe quarterback Jelandon Gray throws under pressure from DeRidder’s Demarco Watts at the SPOT Jamboree on Aug. 24, 2023.

Rodrick Anderson American Press Archives

play somewhere. Most of them are contributors, so we’re going to lean heavily on them. ” Not only is the senior class huge, but they have

around 60 freshmen, which will help continue to fuel the growth of the program.

“It just helps with everything, obviously, with depth and options,” Owens said. “And we just have so many more options to do things and move kids (around) and special teams and whatever the scenario is.”

Barbe has a solid core of returning players (8) on the offensive side, including 1,000-yard rusher Eric Jones and 1,000-yard passer Jelandon Gray.

Jones ran for 1,591 total rushing and receiving yards and 17 touchdowns last year and is poised for a big senior year.

“He’s going to be the go-to man,” Owens said.

“We’re going to spread him out, as well.

“He’s one of our playmakers, so we’re going to try to get the ball to him as much as we can.”

Gray got a crash course on varsity football last year as a 14-year-old freshman starter but held his own with 1,527 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Owens sees a lot of growth in his sophomore quarterback this year.

“He’s grown,” Owens said. “He’s put on 15 pounds. He grew a couple of inches. He was a baby. He was 14 years old. He’s progressing. Like I said, he’s putting some weight on growing up, so we expect a lot out of him. He’s got a lot to go on

See BARBE, C6

Sam Houston: Skilled offensive players return

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Sam Houston has been on the rise for the

few years thanks to a dedicated group of players who have reached their

The Broncos were 2-7 in 2021 when many of those players were thrust into starting roles as freshmen. Last year they went 7-4 after starting the season 5-0 and made the playoffs, but they want a little bit more.

Sam Houston hasn’t won a playoff game since 2006, losing in the first round nine times since then.

“We’re just excited,” Head Coach Chad Davis said. “This is a great group of kids that got

to the

as

Sam Houston quarterback Gavin Stout hands the ball off to running back Drew Bailey.

Rodrick Anderson

going to take us this year. There’s so much experience on

They return 15 starters. Twelve of them are seniors and many are three- and four-year starters.

The offense will be dominated by that group led by a pair of first-team all-district players in running back Drew Bailey and wide receiver Ayden Rose with a total of nine returners.

“The offensive skill players are probably the most experienced group in the area right now,” Davis said. “We’ve got 8 or 9 returning starters on offense this year.

“Every skill position is a returning starter. So it’s nice because I’m not having to go back to the basics and teach the little

Sulphur: Offense poised to shine this season

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

With multiple experienced skill players back, the Sulphur Tors’ offense is poised to take off this season.

“Our skill positions are probably our deepest as far as most explosive, but our backfield is pretty deadly,” Head Coach Cody Gueringer said.

“We’ve got three guys coming back that have had carries. Returning those guys is a big deal.”

They return a threestar tight end in J.D. Lafleur (6-6, 250), and LSU commitment, a pair of receivers and three running backs that combined for nearly 1,500 yards last year.

With more experience in the backfield, Gueringer is hoping the run game will be more involved. It will center around senior Slade Shove-Knox (6-1, 185), and juniors Tyler Joubert (5-9, 170) and Luke Clark (5-9, 165).

“We were 50-50 last year,” Geuringer said. “The problem was we were down most of the game, so having to throw the ball, you know, they kind of dictated the game for us. We didn’t dictate the game for them.

“We want to be able to get under center, but get in the gun as well and use our ability to move and kind of understand the game to our advantage on the outside. Our probably deepest room is our backfield, so we want to be able to rotate those guys in and have a fresh

guy all the time.”

Lafleur led the Tors in receiving yards (695), catches (46) and touchdowns (8) last year.

Seniors Ian Malon (6-0, 160) and Jackson Beddoe (6-1, 180) combined for 35 catches, 507 yards and four touchdowns.

The Tors added some depth to the offensive line by bringing over Cooper Cross and Jared Abshire (6-0, 210) from the defensive side. Senior center Beckham Levens (6-0, 205) and senior left guard Troy Gann (5-11, 230) are the only returning starters. Abshire will start at right guard, while the tackle spots will be seniors Cole Benoit (6-5, 265) and Logan Hines (63, 250).

“We kind of got a six, seven-man rotation going on now,” Geuringer said. “We made some changes up front on the offensive line that we’re hoping can really solidify us up there.

“We just were very inexperienced up front, sort of trying to get those

guys ready and adjusted to what we were doing. It just took a little longer than we wanted to. We are pretty excited to have those guys up front this year in the trenches on the offensive side.”

The biggest change on the offensive side will be at quarterback where they will replace a 2,000yard passer (Addison Constance) with former wide receiver Brodie Depriest (5-9, 170).

“He’s got experience, but there’s no experience for Friday night, you know, especially at the quarterback position at this level,” Geuringer said. “I expect him to have a few bumps in the road, but at the same time, I expect him to grow from those bumps pretty quickly, which is great. So, it’s good that he’s kind of been able to take ownership of the program even more from a leadership perspective, being a positive leader.”

Defensively, the Tors will look to a trio of returning seniors on the

Sulphur tight end J.D. Lafleur bulls his way into the end zone.

Rodrick Anderson American Press Archives

(5-10, 205) and Drake Mays (5-10, 245) to improve a unit that allowed 35.2 points a game in 2023.

“There were some times where big plays and a fair amount of points were given up,” Geuringer said. “(We need) unity and not giving up the big play, the explosive play.

“Too many times we faltered with that. We didn’t rally to the football. We didn’t desire to do our job defensively. We relied on too much

individualism, and it hurt us in the long run.”

The only other returning starters on the defense are Tripp Shaw (5-10, 175) and Isais Lebaron (6-0, 175) in the secondary. They will be joined by sophomore Tracy Washington (6-0, 180), junior Jasper Grimball (5-11, 175) and senior Mason DePriest (5-9, 170). Linebackers will all be new in seniors Cardale Morgan (6-0, 190), and Davin Lee-Stevens (5-8, 180) and sophomore Wesley Bushnell (5-11, 185).

Deil LaLande

Jeanette DeWitt-Kyle

Jody Lavergne

line in Jay Michael Stelly (5-10, 210), Tahjai Smith

DeRidder: Expect more from passing game this season

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

There will be a lot of hands in the cookie jar this season, and it is a good thing for the DeRidder Dragons’ offense.

They return all their top offensive threats from a 7-5 team that reached the regional round of the playoffs in 2023.

“We’re excited to return our offensive skill positions,” said Brad Parmley as he starts his 10th season as the Dragons’ head coach. “Overall, man, very excited about having a running back that went over for 1,000 yards and played a big role in our playoff win.

“Having a quarterback that got five or six games under his belt, two rounds of the playoffs under his belt. Having two guys on the edge outside with Uriah (Wade) and Javaughn (Fairley).”

Reed Williams exploded for 1,246 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore, while Fairley had nearly 1,000 combined rushing and receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Dylan Vines (861 yards, 9 TD) is also back and will see a larger role on the defensive side at safety. Junior Connor Rushford will start in the second running back spot in the Dragons’ splitback offense.

“He’s (Williams) a naturally talented kid, man, and we’re excited about his junior year for sure,” Parmley said. Wade started the season at quarterback

BARBE

Continued from C3

with. He has more options. He’s faster, bigger. Obviously, the playbook opens up a lot more.”

Four linemen are back in seniors Cooper Hughes, Jake Leger and Kamarii Smith and junior Drew Nunez, plus a pair of receivers in senior Luke Leger and junior Myles Ledoux.

The Bucs had a fourgame win streak last year keyed by the defense that

DeRidder running back

last

but moved to receiver after he missed a pair of games due to injury. That allowed Tanner Davis to get some valuable starting experience. “You know, as a

allowed 7.75 points per game during that span. But they struggled in the final two games after giving up a combined 108 to Acadiana and Zachary.

They return seven starters on defense led by a trio of seniors who earned second-team all-district honors last year in defensive tackle Courtlyn Houston (6-2, 285) and safeties Jack Sonnier (106 tackles) and Dane Dixon (3 INT).

The secondary will be seasoned with four returning starters including

quarterback, experience is hard to beat, and he’s got a lot of good football games under his belt,” Parmley said. “He’s got a playoff win, so hopefully that’s going to play off

cornerbacks Makayden Ryan and Tristin Bilbo. Seniors Hayden Biesonberger and Eli Simon return at linebacker and will be joined by senior transfer Bryce Richard. He was a second-team all-district player for Lake Charles College Prep last year.

Sophomore Kyle Wilkinson (6-2, 270) will give the Bucs a second formidable tackle, and senior Carter Hooks will take over the open safety spot in the secondary.

for us this year.”

With Wade and Fairley on the outside, Parmley looks to get more out of the passing game this season. “We always try to use

‘Overall, man, very excited about having a running back that went over 1,000 yards and played a big role in our playoff win.’

Brad Parmley DeRidder High head football coach

what we’ve got,” Parmley said. “With those two guys, we’re going to try to get the ball out in space.

“(We will) still pound the rock with our running backs and our offense in general, but whenever you do that, hopefully, it’s going to open up some oneon-one situations for those two guys outside. I’m just going to do my best to utilize Uriah and Javaughn more than we did last year with Tanner coming back as a quarterback.”

They have two returning starters on the line in senior Hunter Gill and Marcus Puckett, who will be joined by seniors Landon Fontenot and Nic Rochelle and junior John LeSaux.

The Dragons have a highly accurate kicker in junior Tucker Williams. He has connected on 98.1 percent of his point-after-attempts in his career and kicked six field goals last year with a long of

38 yards.

The Dragons return two all-district players on the defensive side in linebacker Dylan Rhodes (112 tackles, 4 TFL) and defensive back Jatari Harris (33 tackles, 3 INT, 5 PD), but have to make up for the loss of district MVP linebacker Kenias St. Romain and the entire line up front. Also back is junior safety Grant Cooper and senior safety Demarco Watts, plus Vines has switched from running back to safety.

“Dylan Rhodes is our mike linebacker,” Parmley said. “He’s a threeyear starter.

“He’s going to be our anchor on defense. He’s played a lot of good football for us. Him being a senior this year, we’re hoping he has a good year.

“And then DeMarco Watts is a returning safety for us, going to be a senior, another good player. Grant Cooper, outside linebacker, strong safety type, was just a sophomore last year and played a lot of good football for us, and he’s going to be a good one, too.”

The majority of the new starters were sophomores last year in linemen Amari Willis, Javon Jackson and Deacon Shirley, linebacker Arick Hall and cornerback Fairley. Senior Marcus Puckett will start at tackle.

“So those guys didn’t get much reps as sophomores, but they had a really good spring, and I think they’ll be fine once September comes,” Parmley said.

Barbe’s Luke Leger sprints down field after catching a pass during the first half of a non-district game against LaGrange last season.

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

Reed Williams ran for 1,246 yards and 21 touchdowns

season as a freshman to lead the Dragons to the regional round.

Rodrick Anderson American Press Archives

Iowa: Senior-heavy offense ready to shine

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

The last three years have been the most successful period in program history for the Iowa Yellow Jackets.

They are 30-8 since the 2021 season, including a run to the Nonselect Division II semifinals in 2022.

Iowa will turn to a deep senior class to keep the program moving forward. Iowa boasts 23 seniors with 14 of them holding down and 15 of 22 starting positions on offense and defense.

“I thought we’ve had a really good off-season and summer,” head coach Tommy Johns said. “I am very proud of the group that we’ve got.

“I think we’ve got a really good senior class, and a lot of them had to play for us early on. They’ve done a really good job. They really have. That’s what you want.”

The offense is senior-heavy with seven returning starters. Johns said they will have to adjust the offense some without a pair of Division I signees on the line in tight end Luke Guillory (6-3, 220) and guard Damian Reed (6-2, 275), quarterback Josiah Bushnell, who had more than 2,000 total yards and running back Cole Corbello (689 yards, 14 TD). But they return five players with plenty of starting experience in seniors Aiden Gubanesik, Danny Simpson, Drue Winfrey and Jude Guillory, and junior Kohl Fulton.

“That’s one thing we pride ourselves on is being physical. And I think that group, we’re expecting a lot out of them. They’re going to carry us, that’s for sure.”

The other two returners on that side will be big-scoring threats in junior wide receiver Jeremiah Bushnell and senior running back Jonathan Walker Jr. Bushnell led Iowa with 582 receiving yards and six touchdowns last year, while

Walker had 1,254 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns. Walker will also start at cornerback.

First-year quarterback senior Reed Dupre will replace dual-threat Josiah Bushnell, who had more than 2,000 total yards, under center and will benefit from playing behind a seasoned offensive line.

“He’s had a tremendous off-season this summer. I mean, he has really turned it on, stepped up his game, and I think Reed’s going to be fine.”

Iowa returns six starters in its 4-2-5 defense. Five of them are seniors in linemen Andrew Duhon, who had 17 quarterback hurries last year, and Ethan Desjardine, linebacker Hayden Lebleu, free safety Cohen Charles, and Northwestern State commitment, and Walker at corner.

They are trying to create some depth up front and will start a pair of sophomores in Landon Joseph and Gaven Brown.

Junior Bryceson Fontenot will start at linebacker

next to Lebleu, while Christian Williams and Jamar Deville will be new starters in the secondary.

“We really need to solidify some spots up front with our tackles and some depth,” Johns said. “That is what we are lacking there and at linebacker from an experience standpoint and size.

“We will have some guys that we will have to flip around and help us on both sides of the ball on the offensive and defensive fronts. I do

like the group. We have two sophomores who are going to be starting up front for us. We expect a lot out of those guys. Hopefully, those guys can pick it up quickly.”

Johns said they must avoid becoming too relaxed after all the success recently and not get down when times are tough — such as when they started last season 1-2 before making a run to the quarterfinals.

“No. 1, don’t want to be complacent. Every year is a new year. It’s a

new team. That’s how we’ve had to approach it. And I think these guys have bought into that. But like I said, you never can really tell all those things until you get out there.

“We got off to a 1-2 start. We played complacent, and we got beat. It was a wake-up call for us. And I think the same thing kind of happened even in ‘22, and then we went on the run. So I think, hopefully, we don’t have to have the wake-up calls.”

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

Iowa wide receiver Jeremiah Bushnell caught 35 passes for 567 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore last season.

Leesville: Wampus Cats continually improving

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Leesville High School has one of the best running backs, all-stater Xavier Ford, in the state. But the Wampus Cats don’t plan to be a onehorse team. To do that, they will have to quickly acclimate 16 new starters after losing a large senior class.

“You know, everybody talks about Xavier, but there’s some good kids on that side of the ball,” Head Coach Robert Causey said. “It’s a team effort.

“We’ve talked to them about it takes more than one. It’s not 11 versus one every time we go out. It takes a collective effort from a group of kids who believe in one another and have the same mission for us to have success.

“We do have a guy who’s a really good high school running back, but we try to put other pieces out there in order to try to maximize the talented kids that we have.”

Leesville went 7-4

a year ago and was bounced from the first round of the playoffs by St. Martinville. Ford has topped 2,000

catch

yards in consecutive seasons and has run for more than 5,000 yards with 68 touchdowns in his last two seasons.

He has added more lean muscle in hopes of leading the Wampus Cats deeper into the playoffs.

“He played his sophomore year at 175,” Causey said. “He played last year at 195 and this year he’s at 210.

“He keeps improving, you know, the kids got a great work ethic, a high-character kid. He just goes to work. He’s not a flashy guy. It’s about the team and his teammates and he pushes himself every day and you don’t hear much about him. He’s not the kind of kid that’s going to do things for ‘look at me.’ He does it because he genuinely cares about other people.”

Outside of Ford and senior linemen Andrew Lewis and Jaythan Hurd, the Wampus Cats are plugging in new players on the offense.

There is a battle at quarterback between sophomore Trel Broom and freshman Creek Smith. Causey said he will likely not name a starter until the week of the season opener at Sam

Houston on Sept. 6.

“Both of them are really good athletes,” Causey said. “Both of them are young, but we got to see which one just keeps improving.

“Both of them could help us in other positions because they’re athletes. They excel in other sports. I think competition is healthy. So no matter which one ends up being the starting quarterback, the other one’s probably going to be on the field somewhere.”

Wide receiver, junior Michael Davis (9 rec., 152 yards) is the only one of the four that saw significant playing time last year. He will be joined by senior tight end Kenny Ingram, freshman Julius Brown and senior Davion Brtek.

Aiden Schaub and Rene Slover move into starting roles on the line, giving the Wampus Cats four seniors up front. Sophomore Jarron Eakes will start at left guard. The only returners on the defensive side are second-team all-district players Deshune Mc-

Neely (25 tackles, 4 TFL) at linebacker and defensive back Taj Jackson (40 tackles, 3 pd), plus noseguard DeAndre Herron (68 tackles, 2 TFL). But Causey feels the defense will improve this season despite so many new starters. Harmon was the only one that played all 11 games last year.

“Overall defensive speed will be improved, but they just need the reps, you know. A lot of them don’t have varsity action or very much varsity action. And so with our schedule, you’ve got to find ways to get those guys as many reps as they can, because there’s no gimme’s.”

While they lack a lot of returning starters, six of the eight new additions to the defense are seniors in cornerback Chris Leonard, strong safety Damir Davis, linebackers Jordan Patterson and Razavion Taylor and linemen Vernon Stewart and Ingram. Juniors Jaylen Tucker and Javion Dixon will start at free safety and linebacker respectively.

LaGrange: ‘Capable of great things’

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

With a more experienced lineup, the LaGrange Gators look to put the struggles of the last few years behind them.

The Gators — who return 15 starters and are posting their second consecutive 1-9 season — look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

“We’re going to be a lot better just on both sides of the bar,” Head Coach Ibaidi Ogbanga said. “My kids are older. They’re a lot stronger now. I think we’re going to shock some people for sure.

“We had a tough schedule last year. We played a lot of 5A teams to start off. We had some injuries throughout the season that kind of hurt us in the middle of the season. We took our lumps to the district because a lot of teams in the district were older. In the beginning, we were playing 14- and

15-year-olds against 17- and 18-year-olds. Like big brother versus little brother. My kids are growing up, so we’ll be able to compete a lot better. This group is capable of really doing great things. “

They will have a veteran group on both sides of the line, which boasts six returning starters.

On the offensive side, 6-4, 295-pound junior Keilynn Tanner is back to lead the way after earning first-team all-district honors. Also back is junior Armald Leday and senior Royale Stewart. New to the group will be junior Sionee Seau and freshman Joshua Pave.

“I get a majority of them back for two years. They’re mostly juniors and sophomores. Royale’s the senior. He’s going to be the leader, kind of the captain of the offensive line. He’s gotten a lot stronger, a lot bigger. He leads them well. He motivates them and pushes them to get to the right spot.”

The defensive line also

has a returning all-district first-teamer in junior Jayvon White plus a second-team all-district senior in Markus Spiller and a third senior returner in Braydon Williams. Also in the mix is senior James Kelly and junior Kaleb Douglas.

“The defensive line, they’re pretty solid,” Obanga said. “They’re aggressive.

“They’re very strong. They’re fast. They come off the ball. They’re mainly seniors. They have a lot of experience. They’re very aggressive, and they fly to the ball.”

Offensively, the Gators lost a three-year starter at running back in Keshaun Doucet, but they return three receivers in senior David Martin — a 4-year starter — junior Jyran Richard and junior Dylan Bertrand, who will also play running back, plus tight end Marvin Chatman. Patrick Bertrand played both ways last year and will take over the starting role at quarterback full-time this

year. “Kiki (Doucet) was a real good running back, but with Patrick Bertrand coming back, we’ll be fine,” Ogbanga said. “The ball’s in his hands.

“I feel like he’s going to be a real good asset to us. He’s going to make a lot of plays, and he’s going to shock a lot of people. The kid is a flatout ball player.”

Senior Tarrant Boone and sophomore James Butler will see action at running back.

On defense, the Gators bring back a pair of linebackers in Larry Guitton and Stephen Coleman, Martin at cornerback, defensive back Jeremiah White and senior Taysean Harris, who Ogbanga expects to make a big impact. Senior Amarie Thomas will play strong safety.

“He’s (Harris) going to be like the heart of the defense as well,” Ogbanga said. “He’s going to be a rover He’s a hitter. He’s smart. He’s a ball hawk. He plays the ball well.

C9

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives LaGrange High School wide receiver Kyren Richard tries to

a pass along the side line in the first half of a game last season against Barbe High.

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

Leesville's Xavier Ford takes the hand off from quarterback Corbitt Robbin during a game against DeRidder last season. Ford has topped 2,000 yards in consecutive seasons.

Jennings: New quarterback at the helm

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

A lot of things went right for the Jennings Bulldogs in their first season under Bret Fuselier. They won nine games for the first time since 2019, reached the quarterfinals and had a chance at a district title in Week 10.

“You know it was good to see first year we were fortunate enough to make it to the quarterfinals with the team that we had, with the schedule that we had and the district that we were in,” Fuselier said. “It was 7-3 and honestly we were a couple of touchdowns away from being 9-1.

“We were very fortunate last year, very fortunate we stayed away from injury.”

positions.

“We did have to move some people around that we feel fit us better in different areas and different positions,” Fuselier said.

One of those learning a new position will be all-state honorable mention running back ReJohn Zeno. He will move to slot back after running for 1,884 yards and 21 touchdowns. Also in the backfield will be senior Ryan Reed.

he was our dive-back position. We moved him over to the slot where we can move him around a little bit and get him involved in different ways.”

Another change will be at quarterback.

Senior Jayden Benoit was the starter last year and threw for 709 yards and 10 touchdowns. He will switch to tight end. Sophomore Chris Ned, a slot back last year, is the new quarterback.

Liam LeBlanc moved from offensive guard to fullback, leaving senior D’Sel Palfrey as the only returning starter on the offensive line. New starters on the line include seniors Mason Sonnier and Isaac Segura, junior Brayden Strickland and sophomore Ayden Leger.

Former offensive lineman Brayden Guidry will start at linebacker.

corner safety position.

To keep that success rolling this season, Fuselier has moved a few players around as they try to fill 14 starting

“It’s always good when you have a player of that caliber coming back for you in the season that he had, 1,900 yards and was our leader on offense,” Fuselier said. “He’s something that you can build around for this upcoming season.”

“We’re going to use him more like at the slot position this year than he was last year. Last year

“You take a look at the quarterback position,” Fuselier said. “Benoit was our starter last year.

“He’s now playing some tight end. He’s still getting some reps at quarterback but we are going to Chris Ned, who was a slot for us last year as a freshman. We moved him to quarterback. We feel with his athleticism that he fits this offense a little bit better.”

As the only returning starters on defense, lineman Davien Edwards, strong safety Humphrey Ned and free safety Gerald Watson will have a lot of responsibilities.

“You look at Humphrey. You look at Davian. Those are the guys that are going to have a lot to say in how successful we are as a group right there,” Fuselier said. “In the back end, Gerald, he’s the one guy that’s coming back in our

Washington-Marion: Time to end drought

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

The Washington-Marion Charging Indians have their sights set beyond a 10-game regular season. They want to end their six-season playoff drought.

“It’s been a while since they’ve been to the playoffs,” new head coach Dio Bernard said. “That’s my whole goal.

“As I came in, I told the seniors that only 40 quarters were certain. By them being seniors, 4 quarters a game, 10 games being certain. The seniors said ‘No coach we’re going for 44’. So the seniors, they want to get back to the playoffs.”

The last postseason game for the Charging Indians was in 2017, which was the last year of Freddie Harrison’s eight-year tenure as head coach. Since then, the Warriors are 11-37 with just one winning season in

2021 (5-4). They went 1-9 last year.

“I keep saying restoring the roar, which is an acronym for responsibility, ownership, accountability, and when you get those three, you’re going to get the respect,” Bernard said.

Washington-Marion quarterback Monte Farmer throws a pass during the SPOT Jamboree on Aug. 24, 2023, at Matt Walker Memorial Stadium.

Anderson American Press

“We’re just trying to get the respect back within Southwest Louisiana football.”

W-M will be strong up front on offense with three returning starters, including two all-district players in guards Aidan George and Quentin Miller.

There will be no seniors on the line. Miller along with new starters Michael Synder and Davian Flagg are sophomores and George and Adonis Cannon, a returning starter, are juniors.

“I feel good about my starters, o-line especially,” Bernard said. “I’ve got some guys that played a lot last year for Coach Jules (Sullen).

“They were real, real, real, real high on my list. Watching them on film, they played with a mean streak. They played with intentions. That was big for me as a coach trying to set the standard of what type of football we want to play.”

Junior Monte Farmer returns at quarterback after seven games under center in 2023. He threw for 972 yards and five touchdowns.

The backfield will be all underclassmen with sophomores

See INDIANS, C11

“He’s going to have to be a leader back there, the quarterback of the defense right there, secondary-wise. I think it’s going to be a collective effort. I don’t think it’s one guy that you look at. It’s going to be a collective effort by those guys.”

Filling out the defensive front with Edwards will be senior John Myers, junior Nate Broussard and sophomore DeJohn Zeno. Linebackers will be Guidry and Brandon Hobson, while Jamell Davis, D.K. Sams and Gage Mouton will play in the secondary. Jennings will have a four-year starter at kicker in second-team all-district senior Peyton Herpin. He has made 80 percent of his pointafter-kicks, including a career-best 40 of 43 last year.

LAGRANGE

Continued from C8

well. He’s good in openfield tackles.”

The Gators will open the season with two home games starting with Peabody — who reached the regional round last year — then will play five of six on the road before closing the season with tough district home games against Iowa and Leesville.

“We got some tough games starting off with Peabody,” Obanga said. “They come to us on a Thursday night.

“We play Westlake. We play a lot of some inner-city guys. I look forward to just seeing my kids. They worked very hard this summer, so a good percentage, about 95 percent, attended throughout the summer workouts. I’m looking forward to seeing them compete on a high level.”

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives Jennings' Chris Ned will move into the quarterback slot this season.

Rodrick

South Beau: Depth, experience already there

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Head Coach Brad Kellogg’s first season with the South Beauregard Golden Knights was a bit of a crash course. He got the job five weeks before the 2023 season started.

Now he has had a full year to implement his plans and the program is growing with 70 players, giving them the depth they lacked in previous years.

“I feel good about it, and I think they’re buying into the culture we’re trying to get here,”

Kellogg said. “I feel pretty good.

“That’s the No. 1 thing. In the league we’re playing in, the more depth you have, the better chance you’re going to have. We got an offseason in and got a lot of kids. Our enrollment out here at South Beauregard is just blowing up. We’re able for the first time ever to have 11 on offense and 11 on defense. So we got depth, and we got experience.”

The Knights have five returning starters on offense but will make a

big change on that end to the power spread. But they are not abandoning their run game.

“We changed the offenses completely, so it’s given us a little more kids on the field at that receiver spot,” Kellogg said. “I think it sounds crazy going spread, but I think our running game should be our strength.

“We’ll be able to catch the ball and throw the ball well enough to move the chains to keep from people loading the box up.”

Senior running back

LCCP: Momentum carrying into new season

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

It was not until the playoffs that Lake Charles College Prep realized its potential in 2023, reaching the quarterfinals. They hope to carry that momentum into the new season.

“I kept telling the boys all season, that eventually it’s going to click for everybody,” said Head Coach Erick Franklin Sr., who is starting his 10th season with the Trailblazers. “It is hard when

you are losing to keep kids inspired.

“They stayed inspired and eventually started clicking in the playoffs. We had some really good wins in the playoffs. I told this team just a couple of weeks ago, that they’re a quarterfinal team at least. Once you get to the quarterfinals, anything can happen from there. I think off of talent alone, the experience that we have playing a lot of games, I think this is a quarterfinal team at least.”

The Trailblazers lost seven first or second-team all-district players from that team but return 14 starters, including an opposing offensive line. Returning starters on the line are Jeramiah Freeman (6-4, 297), Gary Durriseau (60, 265) and Micah Louis (5-8, 260) and junior Caron Henderson (6-0, 290). Freeman, a fouryear starter, earned firstteam all-district honors a year ago. Dominique Delacruz (5-11, 220) will fill the open spot in the

line.

“They are finally grown men now,” Franklin said. “They are definitely run blockers.

“They are big and physical. They are guys that can get it done. Most of them have been starting the last three years outside of Delacruz. That makes it better when you have guys that have played that much football. It gives you a chance to run the ball and control the game up front.”

Sophomore quarter-

back Dylen Vital has grown in strength and confidence after he was thrust into a starting role last year unexpectedly and threw for nearly 1,000 yards.

“It’s been a night and day, man,” Franklin said.

“After the season, he said ‘Coach, I am going to take over the team’.

“He looks totally different right now in practice. He has slimmed up. Last year, he was a freshman coming in not

See LCCP, C12

Clayton Folks, a second-team all-district player last year, will benefit from an offensive line with four seniors in Draye Reeves, Mikel Stanley, Noah Rockwell and Wyatt Hanks. They return two receivers in seniors Christian Wold and Cy Barrow. Undercenter will be junior Walker Langton, who had some limited reps last year. Other new starters include senior halfback Drew Benoit and wide receiver Luke Fontenot and three

See KNIGHTS, C12

Dennis Duval / Special to the American Press Quarterback Walker Langton throws a pass during a game against DeQuincy last season.

Rodrick Anderson American Press Archives Lake Charles College Prep quarterback Dylen Vital.

St. Louis Catholic: New coach, players, division

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Across the board, nearly everything has changed since last season for the St. Louis Catholic Saints.

They have a new head coach, changed playoff divisions, lost a district opponent in the reclassification and will have 18 new starters.

But it has not affected the energy of the team according to first-year Head Coach Dustin Nothnagel.

“The kids have been great,” Nothnagel said. “They were excited, you know, ready for something new, ready to get after it.

“It’s a lot of inexperienced players but a lot of hungry players at the same time. It’s been fun getting to know them and working with them. I think not having a lot of experience creates a lot of competition and fresh eyes on these players gives them a new perspective, as well.”

The Saints went 8-3 last year and won District 3-3A, beating former dis-

INDIANS

Continued from C9

Daniel Godfrey and Tyson Boullard and junior Craig Tillman. There will be a pair of senior wide receivers Ashton Savoie and John Chavis, who played defense last year.

“Offensively, we’re going to try to focus on

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

St. Louis Catholic’s tight end Nathan Ughovwa scored five times on eight catches last season and finished with 171 yards.

trict mate Iowa 7-0 in the regular season finally.

The toughest job will be revamping a defense that lost 10 starters, including Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 3A defensive MVP line-

getting the ball around to a lot of our guys — John Chavis being the main guy,” Bernard said. “He played last year, but he didn’t have a great role on offense. We’re going to use him this year for the receiver, wing-back, running back, just all over.”

He looks to make big changes to the defense.

backer Graham Montet. They allowed a Southwest Louisiana-best 14.6 points last year. Senior second-team all-district lineman Devin Kee is the only returning starter. He made 47 tackles and

He has coached on the defensive side in 15 of his 18 years of coaching and is confident he can improve a group that allowed 39.2 points a game last year.

“You’re definitely going to need them to perform early,” he said. “The kids always ask, ‘Coach, why we don’t spend so much time on

two tackles for a loss as a junior.

“Devin Kee’s a great player,” Nothnagel said. “He’s quick, gets a good jump off the ball, good against the run game, great pass rush.

“Devin is kind of taking the other guys under his wing, showing them how to do things the right way, how to prepare from week to week. And so we are looking for Devin to take a leadership role.”

Nothnagel has high praise for a pair of sophomores who will step into big roles on the defense, interior lineman Kyle LeBato and linebacker Josh Carrier.

“He (Carrier) has the ability to play three different linebacker positions and is a track athlete as well as can run hit,” he said.

“He’s a big kid and we’re looking forward to seeing Josh take a step forward and kind of take ownership over the box.

“Kyle’s going to be a sophomore, as well, and is just a really strong player, low to the ground but quick with his hands.

defense?’

“Because I have faith in my ability to get the kids to play fast and play hard. I’ve been doing it for 15 years and they haven’t failed me. So, I feel really, really good about defense this year with the team.”

Four senior starters return on the defensive side in end Davante

I am looking forward to seeing those two run the box together.”

Of the 10 new defensive starters, four are seniors in linebackers Finn Gage and Anderson Ieyoub, and defensive backs Peyton White and Phillip Abshire, plus juniors Brayden Boudreaux (DL), Ty Willis (LB), Kullen Miller (DB) and Graham Wyninger (DB).

All three of the Saints’ returners on the offensive side will be on the line in seniors Nathan Ughovwa (TE), Colton Guidry (LT) and Luke Trahan (LG).

Who they will block for is still up in the air between senior Owen Schwem and junior Konnor Boudreaux. Nothnagel said he will likely not pick a starting quarterback until Week 1.

Senior running back Tri Do and junior wide receivers B.J. Willis and Grant Habetz saw limited action last year. Also in the backfield will be sophomore running back McKylin Carrier and senior fullback Charlie Trappey.

Nothnagel is look-

Galmore, tackle Prince White, linebacker Andrea Shillow and Chavis at free safety. Transfer cornerback Dre Bernard, who earned second-team all-county honors last year at Fort Bend Bush (Texas) will add needed experience to the secondary.

“He’s a real good cover guy,” Bernard said. “He

ing to run a pro-style offense.

“Probably more of a pro-style than spread, if you want to call it that,” he said. “Like old-school ground-and-pound football. We’ll have to get out there in fall camp and see what we do well.

“We have a couple of tight ends, fullback-type kids that we look to lean on.”

St. Louis will spend a lot of time on the road this year with six road games, starting with a trip to Sulphur in Week 1.

“I think there’s ups and downs in the schedules,” he said. “A lot of away games, we play six road games, but the furthest game isn’t until week 10, so the furthest away game is only 45 minutes until week 10.

“We go to Houghton preparing for the playoffs that week, making a long road trip. So I think our schedule provides us with different perspectives on challenges you might face in the playoffs, and good teams throughout the year. I think it’s a great schedule.”

has a high IQ for the game. Right now, he’s throwing some good interest from UL-Lafayette and Southern University.” New starters on the defense include tackle Jeff Thomas, end Hearnest Arvie, linebacker Jajuan Hicks, strong safety Braylon Hardy, rover Joey Simmons and cornerback R’Lon Porter.

Westlake: Plenty of run-stopping power

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

The 2023 season fizzled, but there is plenty of reason for optimism this year for the Westlake Rams. They return 17 starters, including several explosive players on offense.

Westlake started 2023 3-0 then lost eight consecutive games.

“We knew last year was gonna be a rough year of just the youth on the team and the inexperience,” Westlake Head Coach John Richardson. “They’re a year older, a year stronger and they have that year of experience under their belt, so we’re feeling really optimistic about the upcoming season.”

Senior Nicholls State commitment Kevin Rideau is a big downfield threat and was one of the best receivers in Southwest Louisiana last year with 48 receptions for 869 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“I expect him to have a really big year this year,” Richardson said. “He’s really matured, gotten stronger, has a much better understanding.

“We really worked on him on a couple of things we thought he

LCCP

thinking he was going to have to play. He is so much smarter than he was last year. That helps out with his decision-making and his overall leadership.”

Senior Alijah Pete is the lone returning receiver in the Trailblazers’ spread offense and will be joined by senior Kalen Antoine and sophomores

Westlake's Ryan Allen averaged more than 100 all-purpose yards last year before an injury ended his season after

needed to get better at. I really think he’s gonna have a really good season.”

The receiving corps is deep with three other returners in seniors Brody Boudreaux and Ryan Allen and junior Peyton Kile. Allen had 635 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns in four games before an injury ended his season.

“We lost Ryan Allen last year at the fourth game of the season,” Richardson said. “Going into that point, he was probably, no doubt, our most explosive player.

Ayden Carter and Caiden Jones. Senior Allen Botley moves from half-back to running back to replace all-district running back Dylan Rubin.

“He’s going to finally get his chance to be the main guy this year,” Franklin said. “He’s having a good camp so far. There’s an expectation that you’re next up, and he knows he’s next up.”

LCCP returns seven on a defense that allowed 23.7 points a

“Peyton Kiles is a year older, and man, he’s probably the fastest guy of all of them out there. I think those three guys together are going to make some trouble for defenses.”

Sophomore quarterback Brody Anderson will look to improve on his 1,477 yards and 17 touchdowns.

“He’s throwing the ball great right now, starting to have a better understanding of the offense,” Richardson said. “I’m looking for big things from him.”

In the backfield, the

game last year, including a combined 10 points in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

“The good thing about this group is they have played a lot of ball,” he said. “They know the scheme inside and out.

“We have really good leadership on that side of the box. We have on that side three captains out of the five. That says a lot about them and the leadership on that side of the ball. I think

Rams return junior Braylon Garrick who ran for 869 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore.

Four linemen return in Jayce O’Hara, Brady Roy, Dallas Taylor and Hadley Hardesty — a second-team all-district player last year — while sophomore Luke Lemaire and Dax Anderson will battle for the spot vacated by graduated first-team all-district lineman Aydin LeFrere.

“They’re all a year older, bigger, and stronger,” Richardson said. “We still got to fill in that one spot there, and it takes them a while to gel.

“We’ve shuffled some people around up there, but I really think they’re gonna be a good group.”

Richardson expects big improvements on the defensive side with seven returning starters after giving up 30.5 points a game last year.

“I think those guys are gonna be much improved,” Richardson said. “We should shuffle some people around, and I think they’re gonna show a lot of improvement on that side of the ball.”

The entire defensive front is back, giving

we’re really good in the trenches.”

Franklin looks to junior linebacker Brenden Malveaux (6-2, 205) to lead the group after switching from the defensive line.

“He just has it, man,” Franklin said. “I could have put him at the will-backer last year. I gave him time to get on the field at the (defensive) end. He’s a gifted talent.”

Other returners include senior lineman

the Rams plenty of run-stopping power.

Up front, senior Jace Hayes is back along with juniors Cooper Williams and Cooper Cryer (50 tackles, 4.5 TFL), while Avan Breaux has flipped to the defensive line after starting at h-back last year. Juniors Brady Duplechin (45 tackles, 4 TFL) and Brayden Elzey return at linebacker.

Richardson said they are still working on the secondary to find three new starters to join returners senior Josh Twiggs and junior Phil Clophus (57 tackles).

“The secondary is kind of a work in progress right now,” Richardson said. “We’ve got some guys, a lot of guys who are playing back there right now and getting experience.

“Athletically, we feel like the receivers will probably have to help some on that side of the football, as well as the receivers and Mike Mitchell. We got some of them that we think will probably help us on that side of the football, but we do have some guys that got a lot of experience back there last year. You know, we’re just still not quite sure who’s gonna be where.”

Karson Graham, who suffered a torn ACL in Week 1 last year, and Lamarion Armstead, junior linebacker Elijah Frank, senior safeties Cameron Brazzle and Braylon White and cornerback sophomore cornerback Kai Fontenot. Juniors Elijah Williams and Ian Pete will start on the line, and senior Careion Franklin and sophomore Braedon Reed in the secondary.

linemen in seniors Noah Rockwell and Wyatt Hanks, and junior Isaiah Lampton.

Kellogg likes the experienced linemen he has on both sides of the ball and being able to reduce the number of players that have to play both ways.

“Even though some of them didn’t start last year, they probably played as much as the starters.

“They’re going one way, so they’re not getting overloaded with defensive information and all that. We’re pretty big. I think we’re about 240 (pounds), probably at least 240 across the front, so we got size. That doesn’t mean everything, but they have size and a few of them can move. I think that’s why I think our running game is going to be a positive for us.”

Juniors Shooter Soileau, who earned firstteam all-district honors last year, and Dawson Barrow return on the defensive line and will be joined by senior Caden Johnson. Also returning are senior safety Kade Jackson and cornerback Noah Fontenot.

“Defensively, I think that is the strength of our whole team,” Kellogg said. “They’re athletic, I mean, they fly the football.

“They’re really aggressive. So, I think that even though I’ve got some sophomores plugged in there. They’re really good defensive players. They love to play defense. So, that makes a big difference, too. I really think that the strength of our whole team as a whole is our defense.”

New starters on the defensive side are linebackers Chris Milner, Alex Baggett, Hunter Bellard and Jacob Marcantel, and sophomore defensive backs Mason Richards and Micah Dupre.

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

four games.

East Beau: Changes coming to Trojans’ offense

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Something different is happening at East Beauregard High School. For decades, the Trojans have focused on running the ball and in recent years employed a double-wing offense. But even last season they started to change things and this time they are going to the spread offense.

“We’re going to make a change on offense,” Head Coach Ronnie Simmons said. “We’re going to have a new offensive coordinator, Isaac Clark.”

Senior Bryce Marler (58, 170) will run the Trojans’ spread offense. He will have plenty of targets in tight end Brent David (6-0, 225), and receivers Dakota Strother (5-8, 170), Ryder Howell (5-10, 165) and A.J. Meeks (6-0, 160).

“He’s (Marler) our fastest kid, so that’s one more person they have to worry about if he sets the ball every play,” Simmons said. “We have some athletes this year that we think we can try to get the ball to and that they’ll be able to do something with it.”

Don’t expect the Trojans to totally abandon the groundand-pound. Caleb Johnson and Freddy Beall graduated, taking with them 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns, but senior Zane

‘I think we’re definitely going to throw the ball more than we have in the past, but we still are going to be a running football team for sure.’

Ronnie Simmons East Beauregard High head football coach

Hildreth (5-11, 190) returns. He had a solid season last year with 846 yards and 13 touchdowns.

“I think we’re definitely going to throw the ball more than we have in the past, but we still are going to be a running football team for sure,” Simmons said.

Senior Payton Fox (5-9, 360) will anchor the offensive line at center, plus fellow returning starters Lucian Gaspard (5-8, 200) and Toby Dyer (6-2, 290).

Sophomores Clayton Cooley (6-2, 270) and Evan King (5-10, 190) will take the open spots on the left side of the line. The other big change for the

East Beauregard

Trojans will be in classification, where they will move up to Class 2A after five seasons in 1A. They will be in District 4-2A, along with DeQuincy, Vinton and Rosepine.

As much as the Trojans want to run the ball, they equally want to stuff it with their 5-3 defense that returns seven starters, including linebackers Hayden Woofter (6-2, 175), Mykle Shaulis (5-8,

175) and Jaden Rider (5-8, 190) and ends Hildreth and Shane Slaydon (5-8, 175).

“Defensively, I really like what we’ve got coming back,” Simmons said. “Most of our experience is at linebacker and a secondary. I think that’s going to allow us to keep doing the same things we were last year. We played a lot of man-toman for the first time probably ever at East Beauregard. It was

successful for us for the most part. Our mindset was a little bit different. We were a little bit more aggressive. With most of those guys coming back, I think we’ll be able to continue doing that.”

Hildreth led the Trojans with 84 tackles and five sacks last year. He earned first-team all-district and American Press All-Southwest Louisiana Small Schools honors.

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

will still have a run game, but the passing game will play a bigger role in 2024.

Pickering: Big changes made to build program

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

To say the last three seasons have been a struggle for the Pickering Red Devils would be an understatement. They haven’t tasted the excitement of a victory since Nov. 20, 2020.

The Red Devils are trying to end one of the longest losing streaks in the state that currently stands at 31.

Low numbers nearly sent them to the same fate as South Cameron, which shut down its program in 2018; however, the staff and administration decided to take advantage of a Louisiana High School Athletic Association rule that allows teams to play a non-district schedule and not compete for district honors or playoffs and maintain a varsity program.

“It was tough for us. We had a lot of young kids that got a lot of playing time, but they were outmatched,” Head Coach John Dougherty said. “I had eighth-graders, ninth-graders, and mostly sophomores playing against juniors and seniors, so that was rough.

“But we met, there was a possibility of us dropping Var-

sity due to those problems, and I pretty much kind of talked the administration out of it.”

Doughtery said it was the best path forward for a team that used a mostly junior varsity roster last season, its third consecutive 0-10 season.

The change has already improved some things as the Red Devils will enter the season with more than 30 players, up from around 18 last season.

“I’ve gotten a lot of kids out,” Dougherty said. “It’s actually kind of surprising.

“There were athletes on campus that didn’t play last year for me, for whatever reason. They’ve come back, and our numbers have spiked.”

Pickering has eight returning starters in offense, including second-team all-district running back Xavier Mitchell, but technically it is 10.

Senior quarterback A.J. Berry and wide receiver Ladarius Privitiera are back after not playing last season. The pair led the Red Devil basketball team to the semifinals in March.

“Having a kid (Berry) like that changes everything,” Dougherty said. “I really think

that he’s going to be special for us this year.

“Those two passing and catching together is a pretty good tandem. It’s a big plus and it changes things for us.”

Mitchell ran for 477 yards and four touchdowns behind an inexperienced line last season. All five linemen return in seniors Augustus James and Braden Willis, juniors Matthew Blankenship and Mariano Bunch and freshman Landon Noel.

Other returners on the offensive side include receivers Tyler Cryer and Caleb Falls. Senior Kenny Givens, who will also play linebacker, and sophomore L.J. White are new additions to the receiving corps as the Red Devils transition to the spread offense.

Doughtery is looking to nose guard James (5-9, 220) to lead the defense.

“He’s the second strongest player on the team, 5’9”, 220,” Dougherty said. “He’s fast, quick with feet. He’s short and stocky. He’s going to be able to cause some problems inside. He’s also a smart left guard, a big puller. I think he’s going to make a lot of noise up front.”

Noel and Bunch also return on the line along with linebackers Braden Ford, Cryer,

Hunter Noel and Mitchell. Caleb Falls, Privitiera and Berry return in the secondary.

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

Pickering senior lineman Augustus James tackles a Vinton ball carrier during a game at the SPOT Jamboree on Aug. 25, 2023.

Vinton: Veteran lineup looks to lead the way

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

With a veteran group, Vinton Head Coach Tyler Lavergne hopes the Lions can have a breakthrough year.

“It’s going good, really good,” Lavergne said. “I’m excited about it.

“We’ve got a little bit older team now with 12 seniors, so we’re looking to rely on those guys on both sides of the ball.” Those 12 seniors will fill 16 of 22 starting positions. Vinton was 1-9 last year.

“We competed a lot last year, but I think I want to see us compete in a way that we come out on top,” Lavergne said. “I think we have the opportunity to do that this year, especially with the veteran group with 12 seniors to rely on.

“I think we’re just more developed as a football program. Even in the coaches’ office, I think we understand

what’s going on and what we’re responsible for more so than last year. I’m excited to see what comes of that.”

Vinton hasn’t had a winning season since 2014 and last went to the playoffs in 2019.

With more experience, they are looking to further develop the offense as it switches to a splitback veer. Lavergne said the central theme will be finishing drives after the Lions averaged 12.2 points a game in 2023.

“I think keeping things simple offensively is going to give us the edge in some of those close games,” Lavergne said. “Not having them to overthink plays and be able to play fast without having to think too much is going to be beneficial for us on offense.

“We’re going to try to limit turnovers and finish drives. Having a veteran team, it’ll give us the edge on some of those

close drives that are tough in high-pressure situations.”

After seeing increased play late in the season, senior Jerryckson Gonzalez will start full-time at quarterback, plus at safety.

He completed 26 of 52 passes for 437 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions, plus 121 rushing yards and a touchdown.

“I’m very excited about him,” Lavergne said. “He’s just a good kid.

“He’s well-rounded. He can run, and he can also throw the ball, so giving that kind of a two-threat quarterback is going to be a little different for us this year as an offense. It’ll give us a little bit more opportunity in those close games.”

Vinton returns its top running back in senior Jaiden Briggs (269 yards, TD) and No. 2 receiver Landon Harbert (26 rec.,

364 yards, 2 TD).

Braylon Beard threw for more than 1,000 yards last year but will move to tight end, while Connor Courmier returns at fullback and linebacker. Three seniors return on the offensive line in Ethan Harbert, Gabe Riggins and Ricky Favors.

With nine starters back on defense, Lavergne looks to refine a defense that allowed 35.9 points a game in 2023.

“As a whole, we’re just playing as a team better defensively,” Lavergne said. “We’ve got 11 guys running to the ball.

“Being very aggressive, I think our attitude toward defense this year is going to be where we shine. We have a lot of guys that are veteran defensive players playing in the spots that are going to best benefit us as a defense.”

Lavergne sees senior

See LIONS, A19

Rosepine: Eagles turn to underclassmen

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

The Rosepine Eagles know that 2024 will be a challenging season They have eight returning starters, and 13 positions will be manned by underclassmen.

To get them ready, first-year Head Coach

Frank Rosegrant put together a solid schedule that has the Eagles going on the road three times in the fourth first weeks. Six of their first seven games are against playoff teams from a year ago, including regional finalist Ascension Episcopal, Lake Arthur and Mansfield.

“Since we have so many younger kids, we want to start preparing them for what’s ahead down the road,” Rosegrant said. “This was a new schedule that we got to make, and one of the things we wanted to do is play some different teams.

“You know, our district got narrowed

down. There are just four of us in the district, so we had to find seven games this year, which is crazy. Somebody’s going to challenge us. Our biggest struggle is going to be between speed and things like that. We want that challenge. We’re excited for the challenges ahead with those guys.”

To help their young defense that will start four sophomores and two freshmen, the Eagles want to consume as much time as possible on offense running the Gun-T.

“The best defense can be a great offense, so if we can use the clock, shorten the game, get first downs, finish at the

end with some touchdown,” Rosegrant said. They will have a new quarterback under center in Gabe McKee, who hasn’t played the position since junior high. Last year’s starting quarterback, Rowan Embrey, will move to wide

See EAGLES, A18

Dennis Duval / Special to the American Press Vinton’s Gabriel Riggins tackles DeQuincy running back Wyatt Lavergne during a game in 2023.

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Keeping

Sulphur Tors DeQuincy Tigers Westlake Rams Vinton Lions Sam Houston Broncos

DeQuincy: Tigers look to turn fortunes around

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

DeQuincy suffered its second consecutive 2-8 season in 2023, but there is reason for optimism for the Tigers heading into this season — a wealth of experience with 19 returning starters.

“We are really excited about that,” Head Coach Tate Woodard said. “We’re going to be deeper than we were last year due to us being so young this past season. We had to develop some depth out of necessity because we had some injuries early on and we had some guys just not ready to play.”

Ten starters return on the offensive side, including first-team all-district senior running back Wyatt Lavergne (1,047 yards, 6 TD) and all five linemen in seniors Grayson Henderson (6-3, 275) and Carter Buxton (6-2, 260) at the tackle spots, and juniors Gunner Grove (510, 170), Carter Kellogg (6-0, 200) and Cameron Joyce (5-6, 170) in the middle, and quarterback Carson Rainwater.

“I’m pretty excited about that,” Woodard said. “We’ve got all five linemen back. That’s pretty rare.

“We lost all five of

BRONCOS

Continued from C4

things. We’re able to just go outside and practice. These guys have been around long enough to where they know the expectations.”

them from two years ago. We were three sophomores in the middle and two juniors on the outside last year. It went from being a really big weakness to we really started running the ball better later on in the year now.”

Lavergne ran for 1,047 yards and six touchdowns as a junior, including a pair of 100-yard plus games to finish the season. Rainwater nearly threw for 1,000 yards behind a young, inexperienced line last year.

“It’s kind of hard to temper the expectations right now because of what we have coming back,” Woodard said.

DeQuincy lost its top receiver in Quentin Pharris to graduation but returns tight end M.J. Clark, and receivers Diron Valentine, Koby Pool and Nolan Schader

The Tigers’ defense showed flashes of what it could do last year with a pair of shutouts midseason but lost a pair of games to end the season by a point each.

Of nine starters back on defense, two earned all-district honors last year in Lavergne at linebacker and cornerback Lindsey Joyce.

The anchors will be upfront with ends Hayz Hext (6-2, 190) and Clark

Gavin Stout is back at quarterback, coming off his second consecutive 2,000-yard passing season with second-team all-district honors. Stout’s accuracy shot up last year with 27 touchdowns to three interceptions after tossing 11 picks and 23 touchdowns in 2022. The four-year starter has thrown for 5,863 yards and 64 touchdowns in his high school career.

“I’m really just letting him kind of control things,” Davis said. “He stepped up last year.”

With Rose, Ty Stout, Drew Dronet and tight end Cole Fla-

EAGLES

Continued from C16

receiver.

“He’s (McKee) a great leader and that’s one of the things we want to put in there is he commands the huddle,” Rosegrant said.

Rosegrant moved offensive lineman Aidan Shell to tight end to play a key role in the new offense.

“He’s got to be able to block in space with linebackers,” Rosegrant said. “Then he’s got to be able to release to the short routes. So he’s got to be a five-tool guy if we want to use a baseball term. He’s got to be able

(6-5, 202) and tackles Bruce Vanwinkle (5-7, 230) and Cameron Joyce (5-6, 170).

“We have two of the more athletic defensive ends around here,” Woodard said. “He’s our fastest kid. Him on one side and M.J. Clark on the other side. M.J. is 6-foot-5”. We have two really good defensive ends. Cameron Joyce is

nagan, Gavin Stout will have plenty of targets. Flanagan and Dronet earned second-team all-district honors last year.

The four combined for 1,839 yards in 2023.

Bailey had a breakout season as a junior with 1,292 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The only new additions to the offense will be linemen

Ulysses Marrena and Tyler Sticklin who will join returners senior Jack Davis, sophomore Albert Simien, who moved from the defensive line, and senior Ethan Monceaux.

“It’s a talented group that doesn’t have a lot of returning starters, but does have people that have played a lot of varsity football,” Davis said.

Defensively, the Broncos lost their leading tackler (Wyatt Fontenot, 86 tackles), but return six starters, all seniors, in linemen Romalis

to do it all.”

Seniors Jace Hines and Jayden Marrs return on the offensive line and will be joined by juniors Theodore Wogomon and Patrick Gibson and sophomore Tug Haymon. In the backfield will be halfback Brynnum Chaney and freshmen Jaden Sandoval, and Daxtyn Curry at wingback and another freshman at slot receiver in Colt Hays. Defensively, Rosegrant will look to sophomore linebacker Brayden Bergeron to lead the way as they work to improve on a group that allowed 22.1 points a game last year.

“He (Coody) is a leader

back in the middle. Bruce VanWinkle’s back in the middle. There’s a lot of experience on our fronts, both sides of the ball.” Pool and Mitchell Pharris (5-9, 160) will start at linebacker with Lavergne and Turner Rodriguez returning at free safety. But there are two new starters in the secondary in safety Lawton Royer (5-6, 145)

Jackson and Hutner Dauthriel, linebacker Keaton Sonnier and safeties Cooper Smith and J’sonte Duhon and cornerback Phillip O’neal.

“We’re switching things up a little bit based on personnel,” Davis said about the defense that is switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 formation. “I’m excited about what we’ve done on that side so far through the spring and through summer.

“You know, I think there’s six returning starters on that side, all seniors that are great athletes, and they take control of everything. They’ve been in a lot of different situations. I’m excited to see them control and run the show on that side this year.”

Smith was a ball-hawk last year with eight interceptions, returning one for a touchdown and earning first-team all-district honors.

on everybody,” Rosegrant said. “He does things the right way. He outworks everybody. He shows up before everybody. He does extra work. He studies. He wants to be good. He’s very coachable. He plays hard. His teammates respect him.”

Returners on the defensive side include defensive end Caleb Preece, cornerback Aiden Messerschmidt and safeties Zane Wellmaker and Brentyn Meeks. Other starters include linemen Wesley Soileau and Devin Janice, linebackers Daxtyn Curry, Brayden Bergeron and Zach Preece and Embery at corner.

and cornerback AnaJay Roy (5-7, 150).

“Our weak point is going to be our secondary right now from an experience standpoint, but they’re pretty athletic,” Woodard said. “We’re hoping we can mask some experience deficiencies with our athleticism, and our front seven are really good.

“We’re going to be

able to stop the run. We go against teams that are going to throw the ball. We might struggle early, but we’re going to be able to put some heat on the quarterback quick, so that will help us out.”

Senior Kohen Cormier will kick point-after kicks and field goals for the fourth season and has made 88 percent of his PATs.

Three of the new starters on defense are seniors in end Donovan Long, linebacker Brody Simon and cornerback

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

Senior Wyatt Lavergne is all-district running back and linebacker for the Tigers as well as a three-time state champion saddle bronc rider.

Carter Malveaux. Juniors Kaidn Guillory and Cameron Mayo will start at linebacker.

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

Sam Houston’s Romalis Jackson Jr. tackles Mandeville quarterback Ben Hendricks at Wayne Hooper Memorial Stadium during a playoff game last year.

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

Rosepine’s Patrick Gibson and Theodore Wogomon block a DeQuincy player during the SPOT Jamboree on Aug. 24, 2023.

TAKE IT HOME & SCORE BIG!!

LUCK! GOOD

Kinder: Yellow Jackets return to Class 2A LIONS

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Kinder’s two-year experiment with Class 3A is over as they return to Class 2A this season. But they have a new experiment in their second season under Justin Ree — scheme changes on both sides of the ball.

Gone is the Yellow Jackets’ traditional flexbone offense. Now they will run a pro-style spread offense.

“It’s a lot closer to the stuff I did whenever I was in Sulphur,” Reed said. “So, you know, for me, I’m a little more comfortable in it.

“But I don’t think I would have done this if I didn’t feel like they could handle it. I feel like the skill level of our team this year really lends itself to be able to move to that kind of offense. I just think it’s going to maximize our potential as a team.”

On the defensive side, they will trade in the 4-3 for a 3-3-5.

“It’s kind of how we cover some things, maybe a little different than last year,” Reed said. “And I feel like this style of defense is going to be a little more aggressive.

“I feel like that kind of plays into the hands of our kids. We don’t have a ton of big, strong

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

Senior running back Logan Lebeouf ran for 1,254 yards and 12 touchdowns and earned first-team all-district honors in 2023.

lineman-type kids, but we’ve got a bunch of athletic kids who grow. I think this is going to allow us to get more of those guys on the field and hopefully kick up the aggressiveness a little bit to help us be a little more successful and create some more turnovers than we did last year.”

Senior Logan Lebeouf (6-0, 195) will reprise his role as running back after earning first-team all-district honors last year with 1,254 yards and 12 touchdowns. He will run behind a line that has three seasoned players in the middle in seniors Guy Hayes (6-2, 293) and Hunter

Sonnier (5-11, 225) and junior Riley Edwards (6-0, 170), plus a pair of new tackles in sophomores Paxton Pierotti (6-0, 191) and Isaiah Thomas (6-1, 195).

Sophomore Isaiah Thomas (6-1, 195) will assume the role of quarterback in the Yellow Jackets’ new offense. He won a competition in the summer with incumbent Landen Rice (5-10, 175).

“Isaiah has just had a really, really, really productive offseason in spring,” Reed said. “And he looked really good at any of the times I gave him a chance. And he basically has performed

well enough to where he kind of made the decision on his own. I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t think he could handle it. And I think he’s going to have a good year for us. I really do.”

But Rice will still play a major role as a wide receiver and strong safety.

Other receivers will include returners Hudson Guidry (6-3, 198) and Brandon Perkins (5-10, 145), plus Braxton Manielle (5-11, 165) and a transfer from Notre Dame in Jonluke Bendily.

Senior linebacker Noah Romero (6-0, 172) will lead the defense.

“He’s been starting since he was a freshman,” Reed said. “He is definitely the leader of our defense as far as his work ethic and his attitude. We’re going to lean on him a lot this year.”

The other three returners are on the defensive line in seniors Tre Lavan (6-0, 201) and Hunter Sonnier (5-11, 225) and junior Riley Edwards (6-0, 170). Senior Braxtyn Manielle (5-11, 165) and sophomores Paxton Pierotti (6-0, 191) and Bryson Eaglin (5-11, 170) are slated to start at linebacker, while new starters in the secondary will include seniors Mason Lafargue (5-9, 152) and Joey Lovejoy (6-2, 165) and junior Cooper Lemons (5-8, 162).

Continued from A18

defensive tackle Donovon Harbert and senior Gonzalez as the catalyst to improvement on that side of the ball.

“I think one of them that’s going to play a big role for us is Donovan Harbert,” Lavernge said. “He’s going to be our defensive tackle.

“He’s a senior. He’s 6’3”, 315 pounds. He’s a good kid. He works hard.

“He’s just very aggressive. He’s going to be a strength for our defensive line. He’s going to be a solid staple for our defensive line and for our defense as a whole.

“Jerryckson Gonzalez will also be playing defense again at that strong safety. He’s actually playing his 4th year of starting on defense for us. Having his leadership and his experience is going to help out.”

Upfront, seniors Favors and Riggins return with Courmier, Briggs and Jaxson Hantz at linebacker and Harbert, Nick Barks, Gonzalez and Cobe Durio in the secondary.

Lake Arthur: Sights set on another playoff win

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

In 2023, Lake Arthur did something that has happened five times in the football program’s history — win a playoff game. With nearly every starter back, they have set their sights higher this season.

“I guess the only way to build off of that is to get out of the second round,” Lake Arthur head coach Tarius Davis said. “I mean, that’s kind of the goal over the last couple of years. We talked about getting in the playoffs, and we’ve done that two years ago. And once you got there, we

kind of laid that foundation now.

“We want to win a first-round game. Last year, we were fortunate enough to do that. I look at that as a good experience for our football team coming back this year to hopefully prepare us for this season, to hopefully be able to not only get in this time but now get out of the second round.”

Lake Arthur has just three quarterfinal appearances and the last was in 1980.

“We want to try to advance another round,” Davis said. “That’s kind of where our focus is at right now. It is not only

getting in but now let’s get out of the second round.”

While they only have three starting roles to fill, the biggest concern is filling the void left by quarterback Ray Levi, three-way player Kenyon Boese and lineman Derek Levi. Ray Levi and Boese combined for 33 touchdowns.

Jackson Davis and Cameron Bonin are competing for the starting quarterback job.

“It’s their time to grow up,” Davis said. “They’re more natural quarterbacks.”

“Jackson Davis and Cameron Bonin are two smart, decent athletes

that are going to play the quarterback position. They’re going to be field generals for us. They’re going to be able to run the offense. They’re going to know the offense inside and out.”

Davis is banking on his offensive and defensive linemen. Two will play both ways in senior Ahmad Boudreaux, a two-way second-team all-district player last year, and Darius Levi. Others on the offensive side include seniors Mathias Jones, Austin Spell and Waylon Dugas. Junior Tyler Mallett and sophomore Aiden Simon will be the defensive ends.

“To be honest with

you, we’re going to go as far as our offensive and defensive line takes us,” Davis said. “Those are the dudes. All those guys are seniors up front. So up front is kind of where it’s going to start. We feel really good about those guys.”

First-team all-district linebacker Robbie Straus is back after posting 100 tackles last year.

Four of the Tigers’ six skill players scored a touchdown last year led by junior running back Carter Guillotte and senior fullback Carson Myers who had three touchdowns each.

“We’re going back on the center a little

bit more than the gun,” Davis said. “We are still going to be a gap power scheme, but we’re going to run out of the I with some two-back stuff.

“We’re going to run out of some wings, some spot stuff. Trying to get those other athletes that we’ve got involved that are not Ray Levi. So the offense is going to look a little different.”

Breyon McZeal (WR/ CB), Davis (QB/FS), La’Nell Shankle (WR/CB) and Myers (FB/LB) will start on both sides of the ball. Senior Cole White, junior Khye Hornsby and sophomore Gabe Turner will see action in the defensive secondary.

Oakdale: Young team, but experience abounds

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

After a decade coaching at his alma mater

Basile, Kevin Bertrand moved north to take over the Oakdale Warrior program that has made the playoffs 11 consecutive years. He will be faced with the big challenge of turning a young team into a contender.

“I’m excited,” he said.

“We’re going to be a young team this year.

“We’ve only got four seniors. I think that the work they’ve put in over the course of this summer has been amazing. Just seeing how hard

they work and how well they listen. They’re very coachable. They want to be pushed and they want to be able to take it to the next level.”

The Warriors graduated a stellar 2024 senior class that made a run to the regional round. Five of them, Charles Shird, Deekota Johnson, Elijah Anderson, Derrick Green and George Ruffin, combined for 48 touchdowns as the Warriors averaged 35.1 points a game. They have four seniors to lean on this year in wide receiver/safety Tim Horne, linebacker Keane Micelle, offensive lineman Jordan Welch and

Noah Hyatt, a kicker and wide receiver.

“It was just one of those cycles of classes,” Bertrand said. “They had a big senior class last year, a very talented senior class last year.

“Our junior class is a big class. We may be a little young, but I think we’ve got a lot of experience returning. It’s exciting to see.”

The Warriors will see a lot of change on the offensive side with six new starters and a new offense (Pro Twins). Besides Horne, returners include linemen Tylon Jackson and Ryan Willis and receivers Anjel

Moreaux and Deverrick Winfield.

Junior C.J. Waller will start at quarterback, while Jacarvi Alsburry will take over at running back after limited touches last year (64 car., 365 yards, 5 TD).

“He’s (Waller) been doing a great job, he’s still learning to communicate with me on certain things,” Bertrand said. “It’s just going to take some time for us to be together, but he’s done a really good job of picking it up, and he’s picked it up quick.”

Bertrand has high confidence in the Warriors’ 3-4 defense that re-

turns seven starters from a year ago. They allowed 18.2 points a game last year. They return three of four in the secondary in free safety Moreaux, safety Horne and cornerback Winfield.

“Tim and Angel have been starting off now for three years,” Bertrand said. “Those guys are kind of our leaders back there.”

Bertrand is looking for big things from a pair of underclassmen defenders in nose guard Tylon Jackson and linebacker Jacarvi Alsburry.

“I’m really looking to see him (Jackson ) create some mismatches up

front, and people have to try to double-team him,” he said. “Also looking forward to Ja’Karvi Allsbury at linebacker. He is just going to be a sophomore, but I think that I’ve seen him grow leaps and bounds in just the two months that I’ve been there.”

Other returners on defense include linebackers Micelle, Brandon Guidry and defensive lineman Ryan Willis. Jacob Sumbler will take on a starting role at linebacker, Courtland Hobson will start on the line and Mason Giles will be the new guy in the secondary at cornerback.

SCORE BIG!!

Welsh: Dual-threat quarterback returns

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Injuries hit the Welsh Greyhounds quickly in 2023, but they managed to power through and win nine games for the second consecutive season.

They face a new challenge this year as they have some retooling to do after losing seven first or second-team all-district players.

“You know, there was definitely a lot of ups and downs, dealing with a lot of injuries early so we got off to a rough start,” second-year head coach Ronnie Courville said. “But I told the kids after the season that I was so proud of them for sticking with it and continuing to progress as the season went on.”

Graduation hit the Greyhounds’ offense the most. They averaged more than 38 points per game but have to replace two threats in the passing game in wide receiver J.J. Artis and LaTroy Pattum, a pair of linemen (Caleb Bianchini, Collin Lejeune) and 1,000-yard

running back Hayden VanNess.

“We lost three seniors on the O-line, and then replacing Troy (Patum) and Aidan and two pretty good receivers is going to be tough,” Courville said.

The silver lining is that quarterback Jonovan Begnaud, the American Press All-Southwest Small Schools offensive

Senior wide receiver Cameron Bouley returns after he missed most of his junior season with a broken foot, while Azarius Bennett’s (65 car., 366 yards, 6 TD) workload will greatly increase as he replaces VanNess.

New additions to the offense include sophomores Devanta Castile (WR) and Noah LeFranc (OL) and junior Griffin Hebert (OL).

The Greyhounds’ defense had to grow up quickly last year after allowing 101 points in the first two games, but led the way during a seven-game win streak, allowing more than six points once in the span.

Nine of those starters are back led by a pair of seniors in linebacker Ayden Miller, an honorable mention all-state player who missed games with a broken foot, and weak-side safety Ethan Beard.

“He’s (Miller) a vocal guy,” Courville said. “He makes all our calls up front, and he’s pretty intense.

“He brings it every day and loves to practice. And then Ethan Beard, he’s a three-year starter as well for us. He’s an intense guy. He’s really physical in the secondary.”

MVP, is back for one more year. The dual-threat quarterback accounted for 33 touchdowns and nearly 2,000 yards of total offense as a junior.

“Hopefully he can bring the whole offense together,” Courville said. “The offense is going to go as far as he’ll take us.

“It’s going to run

through him. He’s a guy we’re comfortable relying on. He’s a great kid.

He’s smart. He’s always positive. He’s one of one of our top leaders on our team, for sure.”

Wide receiver Dane Iguess (9 rec., 225 yards, 4 TD) is back as is center Hagun Bryant, right guard Jayden Turnley and left tackle Eli Jolie.

“We took our lumps with a lot of new starters, a lot of first-time starters,” Courville said. “This year we can already see going into the offseason and through spring and summer, it’s just kind of like a review for all these guys.

“They’re picking it up quick. We are switching to a three-man front, so we’ll be a 3-4. I feel like we have four backers that can all play.”

Other returners include senior defensive tackles Javen Broussard and Gaven Dugas, junior nose tackle Keegan Grimes, senior linebackers Cohen and Casey Cormier, sophomore free safety Jordan Strong and junior cornerback Darien Pugh.

Preston Lopez will give the Greyhounds an all-senior linebacker group, while sophomore Baelyr Thibodeaux will move into a starting role at cornerback.

Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives

Welsh quarterback Jonavon Begnaud was the American Press All-Southwest Small Schools offensive MPV last season.

Basile: Team transitioning to new coach

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

The Basile Bearcats enjoyed quite a bit of success in the last decade under former head coach Kevin Bertrand. They will pivot to first-year head coach Dale Guillory, who wants to keep that going.

Basile made the quarterfinals in seven of 10 seasons with Bertrand.

“Well, I plan to do the best I can to model what I have seen for 20 years at Eunice and apply it there, and hopefully that means the program

grows,” Guillory said. “I think it’s been a nice transition.

“They really seem to have bought in and we are excited and pleased with that. It hasn’t been a struggle yet, so that’s positive. You know, the staff seems to be right there, bought in, ready to go. It’s been a good transition thus far.”

The Bearcats are coming off their 17th consecutive playoff appearance and will have a strong line on both sides led by a pair of returning all-district second-team-

ers in offensive lineman Pierre Berzas and defensive lineman Scott Berzas. Also back are senior offensive lineman Da’Shawn Randell (5-8, 197), Alijah Hardy (6-1, 245), Romyn Cortez, who will start on both sides of the line, plus Jackson Courville on the defensive line.

“I think our offensive line and defensive line is going to be an area of strength, and I think that in the backfield we’ve got a couple of guys that I think can run the ball pretty well,

so I guess that would be the strength right now,” Guillory said. “They’ve got some experience.

“They have some good size, and I guess that would be the main thing. You know, they’ve played before. They had that experience of playing last year. Some of them have played more than one year.”

The Bearcats starting defensive linemen all placed at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association state wrestling meet in February. Cortez was the 285-pound

runner-up, Courville was sixth at 157 and Berzas was fourth at 215.

The Bearcats return seven starters on offense and eight on defense, but Guillory will make a few changes on both sides.

Offensively, they will move from the Split-back veer to the Wing-T with senior Bryan Hardy returning at tailback after rushing for 739 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior.

“Anytime we have a practice or get together to work on something with football, he’s there,”

Guillory said. “I’ve been real pleased with his effort, and his attitude.

“He looks good physically. He’s got a little bit of a burst to him. He’s probably, all the way around, probably our most explosive guy. So, I’m hoping for real good things from him.”

Courville was the Bearcats’ quarterback last year but will move to a wingback/fullback position but could still split time with new quarterback Sage Smith. While the Wing-T is a

Elton: Raising the bar ‘in all phases of the game’

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Over the last few years, the Elton Indians have gone from a winless team to their first winning season since 2017.

In his fourth year at the helm, head coach Marcus Lejeune wants to see his team continue to rise. After reaching the playoffs for the second consecutive season in 2023, the Indians are looking for a postseason win for the first time since 2017.

“Because we are out the first round every year, you want to go

past that,” Lejeune said. “You’ve got to raise the bar in all phases of the game and throughout the whole year.

“We’ve been doing that. I think for the most part, we’ve got a lot of lettermen coming back.”

Roster numbers for the Indians are up. Lejeune said they have nearly 40 players compared to around 20 when he first took the job.

“This summer we had the best summer we had,’ Lejeune said. “We had 7-on-7, and we had the new players, more players in the weight room

for the right amount of time. For the most part, as a whole, this has been the best turnout we’ve had since we’ve been there.”

They will lean heavily on five seniors in lineman Maverick Manuel (6-5, 285), running back/linebacker Tristan Leblanc (5-9, 175), wide receiver/free safety Bryce Robinson (5-10, 150) and offensive linemen Braxten Williams (6-0, 250) and Bryson Parsley. Manuel, LeBlanc and Robinson were all firstteam all-district selections last year. But despite the lack of seniors,

only two of the starting positions will be filled by players who didn’t have varsity experience last year.

“We lost six seniors, and we don’t have many again this year,” Lejeune said. “But we play a lot of young guys, a lot of lettermen are returning, as well as starters.”

LeBlanc led the Indians’ ground game last year with 1,475 yards and 15 touchdowns and will be joined in the backfield by 205-pound junior fullback Keilan Crosby and 5-10, 190-pound sophomore wingback MaKei-

lan Lemoine to create a powerful run game this season. Sophomore Davin Simon (5-10, 185) returns at quarterback.

“This is the biggest backfield that I’ve had coached in a long time,” Lejeune said. “We got fullback that is 205. He’s a junior. A strong back, wing back, he’s 190 pounds, and he can run. He’s a sophomore.”

“We need everybody to step up. We’ve got to raise the bar.”

Other returning starters on the defensive side include defensive end Jaylen Thomas and Crosby, LeBlanc and converted defensive lineman Jeramiah Fontenot at linebacker and Derek Ross at safety.

Joining Manuel, Williams and Parsley on the offensive line will be juniors Ivan Gutierrez, Sam Uresti and freshman Aaron Gobert. Elton allowed 20.5 points a game last season, the second-fewest in the district, and returns eight from that group led by a trio of all-district players in defensive lineman Manuel, and Robinson and Lemoine in the secondary.

Hamilton Christian: Look to return to dominance

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Hamilton Christian got back on the right track in 2023 after a winless 2022 season and returned to the playoffs.

Head coach Dexter Washington wants to continue to restore the Warrior program that just three seasons ago won a district championship.

“I’m optimistic about this season,” he said. “I’m humble about it. I’m excited about it. I just want to be able to bring the magic back that we had a couple of years ago. And be able to fill the stands. And make our program attractive to the city.

“What we did learn was that we still were a competitive football team. We still learned that we could go out and compete no matter what. We knew that we had to

be disciplined in order to do that.”

The key for the Warriors this season is their experienced offensive and defense line. Four return on the offensive side in seniors Derwin Rankins (5-9, 295), Germilyn McGruder (5-11, 195) and sophomore center Grant Menard (5-9, 180). McGruder, Noah Menard (6-0, 180), Rankins and Grant Menard will lead the Warriors’ defensive front.

Senior Traveon Savoy (6-2, 220) is the lone new starter on the line and will play on both sides.

“Well, you know, I don’t want to put no bad vibes on this, but the strength of the team this year is coming back, which is probably in the

trenches. We got most of our kids back in the offensive and defensive lines.”

With a strong offensive line, returning firstteam all-district athlete Javon Vital should have another big year under center. He had a brief stint at wide receiver last year after returning from an injury but will be the full-time quarterback this year.

The Warriors do have one problem they have rarely dealt with — finding new skill players on offense and defensive backs. Usually, they have several experienced ones ready to go each year, but the Warriors lost their top pass catchers in Sammy Knight and Messiah Simien and running

back Kylin Alexander, who accounted for 24 touchdowns. They return just one in the defensive secondary in sophomore Jayden Jasmine, who earned second-team all-district honors last year.

But what they may lack in experience, the Warriors make up with in speed. Wide receiver Kaleb Bigwood and running back Jasmine were members of the 2023 Class 1A state champion 4x100 and 4x400-meter relay teams. Other receivers will be Noah Menard and Seth Ned and senior Kevin Lewis at running back.

Transfer Caleb Steward, a 5-9, 180-pound junior, will anchor the defense at free safety.

He’s going to be the trifecta kid,” Washington said. “He’ll play free safety. He’ll play wide receiver. He’ll play quarterback.

“He’ll learn multiple positions. He is a wirery, smart kid and understands what we’re trying to get done. He loves to work out and loves to watch film. You know, just a very committed kid. Stewart will be the quarterback of the defense and make sure everybody’s in the right places and doing everything they’re supposed to.”

Seniors Stephen Allen and Lewis return at linebacker and sophomores Kelby McMahon and Justin Weston will start at cornerback.

Grand Lake: Health will be key to team’s success

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

In small-school football, it is always a numbers game. A few injuries can decimate an already lean roster. That is why the Grand Lake Hornets want to stay healthy this season.

“We’re hoping this year to stay healthy and just have a better product at the end of the year to go into the playoffs with as far as health-wise,” head coach Jeff Wainwright said. “As far as the program itself and the kids and the parents and the community, it’s just been a really wonderful ride here these last five years, starting six for me now. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Last year, the Hornets went 6-5 and lost in the first round for the first time under Wainwright. Multiple injuries,

run-oriented offense, Guillory hopes to develop a passing game as well and has a returning wide receiver in Austin Ashford.

Defensively, Guillory is putting the Bearcats in a 3-4 defense with some 4-2-5.

“Some people like to get in these different open looks and spread

especially on the offensive side, forced weekly lineup changes.

“That year, it was like we’d sit in here before practice and if you were just listening from across the room, it sounded like we were orthopedic surgeons talking about all the different injury scenarios,” he said.

They return 12 starters this year, including seven on the defensive side.

“No. 1 aspect is that they’re (defense) a very aggressive group, and they run to the football really well right now. It’s what we’ve been noticing. I feel like we’re further along right now in camp than we were last year at this point, so we’re excited about that.”

The heart of the defense will be four returning senior linebackers in Wyatt Wilkerson, Tony

you out and stuff and more receivers on the field,” Guillory said.

“With this 3-4, this version of the 50 defense, you have an extra defensive back and one less lineman, but I just find it easier to adjust your secondary people.”

“We are nearly where we want to be, but I like that we’re communicating and we’re working our eyes the right way. We don’t have a lot of

Ledoux, Zayne Armentor and Ezra Fontenot. Wilkerson (45 tackles) earned first-team all-district honors as a lineman last year, and Ledoux made the second team.

“They are a very good group,” Wainwright said. “They’re really tough, and they’ve all played a ton of games.”

Other returners on the defense include senior tackles Tate Verzwyvelt and Joey Babineaux, plus senior Brycen Guillory and junior Charles McFarland at safety.

Law Faulk will start at nose tackle and Preston Schwark will see time on the line, as well. Wainwright is looking to junior Kelan Vaquez and senior Logan Lebleu to take over at cornerback.

Guillory split time at quarterback with Kaden Taylor last year, but will be the full-time starter

blown assignments in the secondary right now. And we seem like we run to the ball very well, like we’re very aggressive, so I like that a lot.”

Besides the three returning starters up front, other defensive returners include linebackers Tanner David and Carter Darbonne and defensive backs Kye Smith, Pierson Comeaux, a second-team all-district safety, and Ashford.

this time. Both fought injuries last year.

“He got in a few games last year,” Wainwright said. “So, it’s not a totally new starter.

“He’s been doing good, kind of changing roles. He is a very good, very good athlete. So we’re hoping he can make some plays for us whenever we need him.”

Ian Vigo, one of the top runners in program

history, graduated but McFarland returns after seeing a lot of action as other backs went down with injury. He ran for 343 yards and six touchdowns.

Wainwright said they will still base out of the split-back veer offense but will throw in some variations with some flexbone and other formations.

Armentor, a first-team

offensive lineman last year, moves to tight end and Verzzwyvelt and junior Marques Brothers return on the right side of the line. Joey Babineaux, Hudson Hardie and Tyson Smith plus Luke Jessup will be part of the rotation on the offensive line.

Junior Jax Tingler will get the start at fullback, Vasquez at slot back and LeBlue at receiver.

Rodrick Anderson American Press Archives Hamilton Christian quarterback Javon Vital races down the sideline.

Oberlin: More playoff success on their minds

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

At first glance, the Oberlin Tigers’ first season was a great success under new head coach Curt Ware. They went 8-3 and won the District 4-1A championship. But there is one thing that spoiled some of the success they had, a first-round playoff loss at home to Centerville.

They are out to learn from that setback.

“That’s what I’m hoping because that’s what I feel like,” Ware said of how he hopes his team will respond this

year. “As you look back, you had a good year. You won the district. You are 8-2. We ended up having a really good year. But I always felt like, as a coach anyway, you play the season to get to this point. So then if you don’t play well and you lose in the first round, it’s very disappointing to me.”

At 16 points per game, the Tigers had the area’s best small schools defense and return six from that group including their leading tackler, senior defensive end Kadyn Dart (6-0, 200), who had 111 tackles, 14

tackles for a loss and seven sacks. Also back is seniors Adarius Botley (5-11, 170) and Garrett Marcantel (5-8, 155) up front and linebackers Tre Rider (5-8, 155) and Mason Hazelton (5-9, 160). But they were hit hard by graduation in the secondary, including the loss of district defensive MVP DeSean Deville.

“I think we have a chance to be pretty good on defense again,” Ware said. “What hurts us is because size-wise, people will be running right at us.

“It gives us some trouble. But I’d rather take

some kids, small, strong, quick kids rather than big kids that don’t move that well, especially defensively.”

Senior free safety

Seth Lyons is the only returning starter in the secondary. New additions include senior Tim Walker (5-8, 140) and Kaden Manuel (5-9, 150), juniors Tristan Reed (510, 180) and Kole Sonnier (5-10, 155) and sophomore Jayden Bokemeyer (5-8, 140).

Owing to their low numbers, 10 of the defensive starters will also start on the offensive

side where they return eight starters.

“We’re going to end up being mid-20s, 25, 26 kids,” Ware said. “But you only have, like last year, we had 70 boys in the school.”

Lyons returns at quarterback and Rider moves from wing back to fullback and will run behind four experienced linemen in Reed, Marcantel, Botley and Hazelton and Dart at tight end to lead an offense that averaged 34.1 points a game last year. But the drawback is no one over 200 pounds.

“We are really, really

small,” Ware said. “That being said, in the wing-t, you can kind of get by with smaller kids that can run. We do have a lot of kids that are quick.” Rider had seven touchdowns last year and will have to replace the production of Deville and Colby McMahon, who combined for 17 touchdowns in 2023. Lyons had 203 rushing yards and five scores, plus six passing touchdowns and 483 yards through the air in his first season at quarterback and Ware hopes to keep him healthy.

Merryville: Want to stop offenses from gouging them

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s select and nonselect format greatly changed the playoff landscape in the state. For some schools, it made the path to the postseason tougher.

Merryville, a Class 1A, is one of the smaller football-playing schools in the Nonselect Division IV, one that also includes Class 2A teams. The way head coach Bart Coody sees it, the Panthers’ path to success will be improving the defense

and increasing the roster to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Merryville has allowed an average of 32.5 points a game over the last two seasons.

“We got to get our numbers back up and get better defensively,” head coach Bart Coody said. “We need to stop people at a more proficient rate. I think that’s been what we’ve been lacking the last several years, defensively. And we, you know, most of our guys are playing both ways and all the special teams.”

The Panthers have

two dozen players on the roster, but Coody is looking for more.

“We are trying to shake the town and find some more, shake the school, trying to find some more guys that are willing to play,” Coody said. “It’s getting hard to find the kids that want to get out in this heat and play football anymore.”

They lost their leading tackler in second-team all-district linebacker

Kade Royer, who graduated, but return seven starters and will switch from the 3-3-stack to the 4-3.

“We’re hoping to have

some good edge players,” Coody said. “That’s where we got hurt a lot last year was on the edges.

“Just people using their speed and getting around us. We’ve got to get better there.”

Returning starters include a pair of sophomores on the defensive line in Cole Mirante and Curd Walker, plus senior Hunter Higginbotham, and three senior linebackers in Jerimaya Robinson, Lucas Tucker and Landon Ardoin. After picking off a pair of passes last year, junior Josh Robinson returns at

cornerback along with Blaze Brister. A trio of sophomores will fill the open spots in lineman

Bobby Daniel, strong safety Caiden Watson and free safety Austin Anderson.

The Panthers return seven on the offensive side, but one of them, quarterback Stellan Mirante, is still recovering from an injury. That has required receiver Josh Robinson to move to quarterback. Mirante and Johnson split time at quarterback last year.

Jerimaya Robinson returns at running back after leading the Pan-

thers in touchdowns (10), plus 553 yards. Ardoin and Anderson will start at receiver while Tucker and Brister will be in the backfield.

“Jerimaya has a nose for the end zone,” Coody said. “He is probably our best pure running back as far as just knowing how to play the position.”

The Panthers return both offensive guards in Hunter Brister and Walker, plus center Storm Flores. They will break in two new tackles in freshman Huck McMillion and sophomore Bobby Daniel.