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American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

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Week 1

Week 3

Thursday, Sept. 3 Non-district: Iowa at Barbe, Grand Lake at DeQuincy, Merryville at East Beauregard, Vinton at Oberlin.

Friday, Sept. 4 Non-district: Sam Houston at Natchitoches Central, St. Louis Catholic at Sulphur, LaGrange at Washington-Marion, East Feliciana at Lake Charles College Prep, DeRidder at Leesville, Church Point at Jennings, St. John at South Beauregard, Kinder at Westlake, Pine Prairie at Pickering, Montgomery at Rosepine, Oakdale at Sacred Heart, Basile at Elton, Lake Arthur at Holy Savior Menard, Welsh at Abbeville.

Thursday, Sept. 17 Non-district: Pineville at Sulphur, Welsh at Jennings, Grand Lake at Oakdale, Centerville at Oberlin.

Friday, Sept. 18 Non-district: Cecilia at Barbe, Sam Houston at Lake Charles College Prep, St. Louis Catholic at LaGrange, Tioga at Leesville, Newton (Texas) at DeRidder, Vidor (Texas) at Iowa, South Beauregard at Buna (Texas), Washington-Marion at Vinton, Westlake at DeQuincy, East Beauregard at Many, Delcambre at Pickering, Rosepine at Basile, Eunice at Kinder, Iota at Lake Arthur, Vermilion Catholic at Welsh, Elton at Montgomery, Merryville at Northwood-Lena.

Week 2 Thursday, Sept. 10 Non-district: Barbe at St. Louis Catholic, Sulphur at Iota, Many at DeRidder, Rosepine at Grand Lake, Pine Prairie at Merryville.

Friday, Sept. 11 Non-district: East Ascension at Sam Houston, LaGrange at Westlake, Lake Charles College Prep at Peabody, Leesville at Iowa, Jennings at Eunice, South Beauregard at Rayne, Mansfield at Washington-Marion, DeQuincy at Lake Arthur, East Beauregard at Northwood-Lena, Pickering at Montgomery, Elton at Vinton, Oberlin at Oakdale, Basile at Beau Chene, Northwest at Kinder, Opelousas Catholic at Welsh.

Week 4 Thursday, Sept. 24 Non-district: Kinder at Lake Charles College Prep, DeQuincy at Elton, Oberlin at Rosepine, Vinton at Grand Lake.

Friday, Sept. 25 District 3-5A: Lafayette at Barbe, Sam Houston at Sulphur.

District 3-3A: Washington-Marion at DeRidder, Iowa at Jennings, South Beauregard at St. Louis Catholic.

Non-district: LaGrange at Peabody, Pineville at Leesville, Westlake at South Terrebonne, Lakeside at East Beauregard, Pickering at Merryville, Oakdale at Lake Arthur, Port Barre at Basile.

Week 5

Sawyer Kuypers

Barbe senior wide receiver

2

Thursday, Oct. 1 Non-district: Acadiana Christian at Pickering, Elton at J.S. Clark, Merryville at Linden Kildare (Texas).

Friday, Oct. 2 District 3-5A: Barbe at Sulphur, Southside at Sam Houston.

District 3-3A: DeRidder at Westlake, Iowa at South Beauregard, Jenning at Washington-Marion.

Non-district: Vinton at LaGrange, Lake Charles College Prep at Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy, Leesville at Many, St. Louis Catholic at Kaplan, Welsh at DeQuincy,

American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

Beau Chene at East Beauregard, Rosepine at Delhi, Oakdale at Delcambre, Oberlin at Basile, Kinder at Bunkie, Lake Arthur at Covenant Christian, Grand Lake at Port Barre.

Week 6 Thursday, Oct 8 District 3-4A: Lake Charles College Prep at LaGrange, Rayne at Leesville.

District 3-3A: DeRidder at Jennings, Washington-Marion at South Beauregard.

District 5-2A: DeQuincy at East Beauregard, Pickering at Rosepine.

Friday, Oct. 9 District 3-5A: Acadiana at Barbe, Sam Houston at Lafayette, Sulphur at Southside.

Distirct 3-3A: Westlake at St. Louis Catholic.

District 7-2A: Basile at Lake Arthur, Kinder at Welsh.

District 5-1A: Merryville at Elton, Oberlin at Grand Lake.

Non-district: Vinton at Oakdale Open: Iowa.

Week 7 Thursday, Oct. 15 District 3-4A: Rayne at LaGrange.

District 3-3A: Jennings at Westlake.

District 7-2A: Kinder at Lake Arthur.

District 5-1A: Grand Lake at Merryville.

Non-district: Oakdale at Elton, Carroll at Oberlin.

Friday, Oct. 16 District 3-5A: Barbe at St. Thomas More, Acadiana at Sam Houston, Sulphur at New Iberia.

District 3-4A: Leesville at North Vermilion.

District 3-3A: South Beauregard at DeRidder, St. Louis at Iowa.

District 5-2A: Vinton at DeQuincy, East Beauregard at Pickering District 7-2A: Notre Dame at Basile.

Non-district: Washington-Marion at Welsh, Plain Dealing at Rosepine, Sterlington at Lake Charles College Prep.

Week 8 Thursday, Oct. 22 District 3-5A: Sulphur at Acadiana.

District 3-3A: Jennings at South Beauregard.

District 5-1A: Elton at Grand Lake.

Friday, Oct. 23 District 3-5A: Sam Houston at Barbe, Sam Houston at Sulphur.

District 3-4A: LaGrange at Leesville, Lake Charles College Prep

at North Vermilion.

District 3-3A: Westlake at Iowa, St. Louis Catholic at Washington-Marion.

District 5-2A: DeQuincy at Pickering, Rosepine at Vinton.

District 6-2A: Avoyelles at Oakdale.

District 7-2A: Welsh at Basile, Lake Arthur at Notre Dame.

Non-district: DeRidder at Kinder. Pine Prairie at East Beauregard, Lakeside at Oberlin.

Open: Merryville.

Week 9 Thursday, Oct. 29 District 3-3A: DeRidder at St. Louis Catholic, Washington-Marion at Iowa.

District 5-1A: Oberlin at Merryville.

Non-district: Ville Platte at Basile, Elton at Gueydan.

Friday, Oct. 30 District 3-5A: Barbe at New Iberia, St. Thomas More at Sam Houston, Lafayette at Sulphur.

District 3-4A: North Vermilion at LaGrange, Lake Charles College Prep at Rayne.

District 3-3A: South Beauregard at Westlake.

District 5-2A: East Beauregard at Rosepine, Vinton at Pickering.

District 6-2A: Holy Savior Menard at Oakdale.

District 7-2A: Notre Dame at Kinder, Welsh at Lake Arthur.

Non-district: Leesville at Jena, Jennings at Winnfield, DeQuincy at Sacred Heart.

Open: Grand Lake.

Week 10 Thursday, Nov. 5 District 3-3A: Iowa at DeRidder.

District 6-2A: Oakdale at Port Barre.

District 7-2A: Notre Dame at Welsh.

Non-district: LaGrange at Crowley, Lake Arthur at Grand Lake.

Friday, Nov. 6 District 3-5A: Barbe at Southside, New Ibieria at Sam Houston, Sulphur at St. Thomas More.

District 3-4A: Leesville at Lake Charles College Prep.

District 3-3A: St. Louis Catholic at Jennings, Westlake at Washington-Marion.

District 5-2A: Rosepine at DeQuincy, East Beauregard at Vinton.

District 7-2A: Basile at Kinder.

District 5-1A: Elton at Oberlin.

Non-district: South Beauregard at St. Edmund.

Open: Pickering, Merryville.

HIGH-EXPECTATION SEASON Buccaneers eye deep playoff run

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Barbe entered last year's playoffs as the No. 26 seed but caught fire at the right time and surged to the Division I nonselect quarterfinals. With 10 offensive and seven defensive starters returning, the Buccaneers believe they have the pieces to make another deep postseason run.

“We got hot, and the playoffs fell right for us,” head coach Skeet Owens said. “The expectations are high. These guys are working hard all summer. They got a taste of it, and now they know what it feels like when you get to the final eight, and what it takes to compete at that

Jordin Griffin

Senior running back

level. Hopefully, that will carry over. But we can’t be satisfied with last year.”

The biggest reason for the optimism is an offense that returns nearly all of its production, led by senior quarterback Jelandon Gray and senior running back Jordin Griffin. Gray accounted for nearly 4,000 yards of offense and 46 touchdowns last season, while Griffin rushed for 1,431 yards and 23 touchdowns and added four receiving scores.

“We have most of them back, almost all the TDs are back, and we are adding a few guys in, as well,” Owens said. “The expectations are high. It is really about executing and limiting mistakes. I think the capability is there to definitely be one of the better offenses that we’ve had.”

Owens looks to expand the offense this season.

“It doesn’t hurt (to have them),” Owens said. “It is just building on what we’ve done in the past that gives you more experience. You have more options, and you can expand the playbook, and give teams different looks.”

Gray will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. Senior Sawyer Kuypers returns after posting 61 receptions for 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns, while Hamilton Christian transfer Chris Rideau and former St. Louis Catholic receiver Fischer Willis add more firepower.

“We got some talented guys in that receiver room,” Owens said. “It gives our coaches options. There’s a lot of predicted productivity coming, so we are excited to see how those guys do.”

The biggest question on offense is the offensive line, where they must replace all-district tackle Travis Miller.

On the offensive line, the Bucs must replace all-district tackle Travis Miller, but return four starters in seniors D’andre Dugas, Kyle Wilkinson and Jayce Brown and junior center Ulises Prado.

“We’ve added a few guys,” Owens said. “It’s not a real deep group. We don’t have 25 linemen and three deep all the way around. Some guys are going to have to learn different positions.

Hopefully, that unit can stay healthy because it is always the

Bo Armstrong

Senior linebacker

foundation of your offense.”

The defense also returns a strong nucleus in linebackers Bo Armstrong (114 tackles, 30 tackles), Julion Rideau, a transfer from Hamilton, and Rayson Bethea (36 tackles, 9 TF), lineman Conner Vallerie (33 tackles, 9 TFL) and Terrius Lemons (39 tackles, 5 TFL), Beckett Bertrand (22 tackles, 6 passes broken up) and Dedrick Tillman (93 tackles, 6 TFL) in the secondary.

“The core guys are still there,” Owens said. “Bo (Armstrong) has an offer by McNeese.

Vallerie is a talented two-year starter. We had to start freshmen at cornerback last year.

They started out a little shaky, but they got better. We have some big teams to adjust to early in our schedule, but I expect big things out of our defense.”

Armstrong has embraced an expanded leadership role entering his senior season.

“He is a competitor, first and foremost,” Owens said.

“He’s gotten stronger and faster. We’re moving him around to different positions to utilize him as best as we can. He’s done a tremendous job this summer leading the team.”

Will Flavin, one of the state's top specialists, transferred from St. Louis after connecting on 13 field goals, including a 52-yarder, while making 20 of 21 extra points.

“He has been all over the country, working out and getting stronger,” Owens said. “We are excited to have. He is another weapon that we can use.”

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BUCCANEERS Head coach: Skeet Owens (4th season) Record at current school: 19-16.

Career record: 19-16.

2025 record (playoffs): 7-6 (quarterfinals).

Returning starters (offense/defense): 10/7.

Top returning players: QB Jelan-

don Gray, RB Jordin Griffin, WR Sawyer Kuypers, WR Chris Rideau, LB Bo Armstrong, DB Dedrick Tillman, CB Terious Lemons, K Will Flavin.

Key players lost: OL Travis Miller, WR Myles Ledoux.

Sept. 3

2026 schedule vs. Iowa

Sept. 10 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

at St. Louis Catholic vs. Cecilia vs. Lafayette* at Sulphur* vs. Acadiana* at STM vs. Sam Houston* at New Iberia* at Southside*

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BRONCOS Head coach: Chad Davis (5th season).

Record at current school: 22-29.

Career record: 22-29.

2025 record (playoffs): 3-7.

Returning starters (offense/defense): 5/5.

Top returning players: QB Brody Anderson, WR Kemarian Edwards, LB Parker Smith, DB Riggins Portie.

Key players lost: QB Gavin Breaux, RB E.J. Hanney, OL Ulysses Mairena, TE Cooper Wiersema, LB Kaiden Guillory, K Gage Monceaux.

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

2026 schedule

at Natchitoches Central vs. East Ascension at Lake Charles College Prep at Sulphur* vs. Southside* at Lafayette* vs. Acadiana* at Barbe* vs. St. Thomas More* vs. New Iberia*

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BRONCOS PIVOT TO 'OLD-SCHOOL, DOWN-YOUR-THROAT' OFFENSE

By Rodrick Anderson American Press With a huge, experienced offensive line and young running backs ready to show what they can do, the Sam Houston Broncos' offense will look a little different this season.

In his fifth season as head coach, Chad Davis is preparing the Broncos for a more run-oriented approach.

The Broncos graduated running back E.J. Hanney, who rushed for nearly 1,700 yards last season, but Davis believes sophomores Hudson Anderson and Markethion Simon are ready to carry the load.

“They are both very explosive kids, and very talented,” Davis said. “They don’t look like sophomores. “The offense is changing a little bit. We are not going to be as much spread as we were in the past.

“We are obviously really big in a lot of spots, and we’re kind of going back to an oldschool, down-your-throat mentality this year. One is more of a downhill, hit-youin-the-mouth kid (Simon), and one of them is an explosive-speed kid (Anderson).”

The offensive line returns four starters, including allstate tackle Albert Simien (64, 305), a Notre Dame commitment.

Also back are junior Jaxon Smith (6-2, 285) and Jer-

Albert Simien

Senior offensive lineman

emy Wiltz (6-3, 275), and senior Caige Wheeler (5-11, 275).

Junior Nolan Domingue (5-11, 295) and sophomore Gauge Parker (5-11, 295) will see time on the line, as well.

“We had a really good offensive line last year, and we only lost one from that group,” Davis said. “They’re big, massive, move extremely well, and strong physical kids. That’s really why we’re going in the direction that we are going. We’re super big up front, so that was kind of the deciding factor on the direction change offensively.”

Davis expects Simien to be the leader of that group.

“He’s going to cause problems for anybody,” Davis said. “He’s a special individual. The fact that all the eyes are on him and how big of a leader he's become — whether it be offensive or defensive — has been such a positive influence on the rest of these kids has been fantastic.”

The quarterback competition remains open between seniors Ty Smith and Brody Anderson, who transferred from Westlake, where he was a twosport star and helped lead the baseball team to a state championship.

“One of them (Smith) has obviously been around (the program) and is super confident,” Davis said. “He is definitely a leader, and throws the ball extremely well. The other one (Anderson) is obviously a new, bigger-bodied guy who

throws it well, but runs it extremely well.”

Defensively, the Broncos will rely on an experienced linebacker corps led by Ian Meche, Parker Smith and St. Louis Catholic transfer Josh Carrier.

“Defensively, the strength is definitely in the linebackers,” Davis said. “We're bringing back two starting linebackers from last year, and then we had another one that moved in from here from St. Louis, Josh Carrier. They're definitely the strength in that defensive side of the ball.

“We returned a few secondary guys, too, and the offensive line is going to rotate in on the defensive line, so we are adding a lot of size to that side of the ball when those guys play.”

With only five starters back on the defensive side, Davis said each player will have to do their job right to make the unit strong as a whole.

“We have to make sure that everybody is doing their jobs, and the defensive side is not getting beat over the top. We are very big, but we are not blessed with a ton of speed.

As long as they’re doing what they are supposed to do and staying in coverage, we should be fine.”

Senior Barrett Quinn (6-1, 250) returns on the defensive line, while junior Riggins Portie (6-1, 180) is back at strong safety.

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American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

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HIGH-ENERGY TURNAROUND PLANNED Tornadoes lean on veteran coach to spark revival

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

David Feaster has turned multiple programs into winners over four decades as a coach.

Now he looks to do it again with the Sulphur Golden Tornadoes.

Sulphur is coming off its fourth consecutive losing season and hasn't reached the playoffs since 2021, which also marks the program's last winning record.

Feaster is the Tors' fourth head coach in the last seven seasons, and he plans to inject new life into an offense that averaged 18.5 points per game last year.

“Everything we try to do is gonna be to have fun, and to try to be entertaining for the fans,” Feaster said. “The fans don't like seeing people in the huddle. It makes it boring. It's like watching a soccer game or something like that.

“We will get into the wing-I a bit and run the old-school run game. When I coached in college for a little bit, it was a debate about whether we were running a high school offense or an NFL offense. In the NFL, they get under center and run the tosssweep, and a lot of play action

pass. We still get under center, and we get in the I-formation and run a lot of old-school stuff, and we get in the shotgun and throw the ball quite a bit.”

Feaster inherits a team with only four returning offensive starters, but he likes the competition developing at quarterback.

Junior Noah Courtney has emerged as the front runner after missing his sophomore season, while returning starter Dalton Shirley has embraced a move to the secondary.

“He came out and he just really looks good,” Feaster said.

“Right now, he is the starting quarterback. Shirley is such a good athlete that we were able to move him. We experimented a couple of positions and finally found a place where he is fitting on defense. He has had a great attitude about it. He says, ‘Coach, I just want to play. I just want to help the team.’ We are happy about the quarterback situation, because Shirley is going to be ready to play.”

The receiving corps is led by second-team all-district selection Jayden Lily, while Cole Trahan returns after missing

last season with a fractured back and suffering another injury during baseball season. Tight back end Bryson Mier is after missing several games with an injury last year.

“I think Jaden Lily is going to be a great receiver,” Feaster said. “I think it is kind of up to me because we got to get him open and get him the ball.

We have to have the protection of the offensive line, and a quarterback that gets it to him.”

Junior Amar Holman is the only returning starter on the offensive line, leaving Feaster and his staff some major work to do before the season starts.

“We've got some really nice guys over there,” he said.

“They're not huge and they're not extremely strong, but they're smart, and they learn well.”

Defensively, the Tors return only three starters, including defensive lineman Tristan Onxley and defensive backs Tucker Little and Tracy Washington.

“We plan to have kind of the same philosophy on defense that we do on offense,” Feaster said. “We're gonna have fun,

Ethan Stephenson Junior kicker

we're gonna just try to be dynamic and try to make things happen as opposed to sitting back and letting them happen against us.

Because to be honest, we're not to a point yet where we can just line up in a base defense and stop the people we're playing. There’s gonna be a lot of moving, a lot of blitzing, so we need guys that are gonna be smart, that can play multiple different coverages, and we're finding those.”

Sulphur also returns firstteam all-district kicker Ethan Stephenson, who made 20 of 24 extra points and three field goals, including a long of 40 yards.

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TORNADOES Head coach: David Feaster (1st season) Record at current school: 0-0.

Career record: 188-77.

Returning starters (offense/defense): 4/3.

Top returning players: WR Jayden Lilly, QB Dalton Shirley, WR Cole Trahan, RB Bryson Hardy, FB Wesley Bushnell, K/P Ethan Stephenson, DB Tucker Little, DL Tristan Onxley, DB Tracy Washington.

Key players lost: WR Jordan Jardneaux, OL Cooper Cross, RB Tyler Joubert.

Sept. 4 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 22 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

2026 schedule

vs. St. Louis Catholic at Iota vs. Pineville vs. Sam Houston* vs. Barbe* at Southside* at New Iberia* at Acadiana* vs. Lafayette* at St. Thomas More*

*District 3-5A game

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PRIMED FOR PHYSICAL, UP-TEMPO ATTACK Butler, Mitchell lead veteran team seeking bounce-back year

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Experience has been hard to come by at LaGrange in recent seasons, but that won’t be the case this fall.

The Gators return seven starters on offense and five on defense, led by a disciplined senior class that fourth-year head coach Idaibi Ogbanga believes can help turn the program around after a 1-9 season.

“This is a strong senior group,” Ogbanga said. “They are very experienced. They are smart, good kids. They work hard. It is one of my better groups as far as discipline and everything.”

LaGrange will lean on a physical, up-tempo attack built around four-year starting running back James Butler, who has been a fixture on both sides of the ball throughout his career.

“He is just a good kid,” Ogbanga said. “He’s been playing all four years on both sides of the ball. He has a 3.5 GPA. He’s a hard-nosed runner, and just does everything you ask him.”

The Gators will operate primarily from the I-formation with Butler carrying the load behind an experienced offensive line featuring senior Courtlon England and junior Joshua Pave.

Replacing graduated quarterback Patrick Bertrand will be Jaydon Jones, who moves over after playing wide receiver last season. At 6-foot-3, Jones gives LaGrange an athletic option under center.

“He had a good summer,” Ogbanga said. “He didn’t miss a workout. He’s been stepping up as a leader. He does everything well. He is just a natural athlete.”

With Jones directing the offense and Butler in the backfield, Ogbanga expects the Gators to be much more balanced.

“I think we should be able to run the ball well and throw the quick game,” Ogbanga

said. “We should be a lot stronger this year than we’ve been in the past couple of years.

We should definitely be able to really run the ball and be up-tempo and a little bit more disciplined.”

One of the team’s biggest playmakers is junior Landon Mitchell, who has already made his mark on both sides of the ball. After intercepting eight passes as a freshman and three more last season, Mitchell also emerged as a dangerous receiver with more than 700 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2025.

“He is a ball hawk and a special kid,” Ogbanga said. “He is only a junior, so I will have him for another year after this. He is a kid that should get some offers after this season.

This year is going to play a lot more on both sides of the ball.

He can do it all.”

Defensively, LaGrange hopes continuity in Ogbanga’s system will translate into more consistency. The Gators were hit hard by injuries early last season, forcing players into unfamiliar roles.

“It is year four, so most of them knew me, so it helps out,” Ogbanga said. “Four years under the system, they are going to play a little faster with more experience. They are growing as a unit.”

Staying healthy will be a priority after last year’s injury-plagued campaign.

“Injuries really hurt us a lot at the beginning of the season,” Ogbanga said. “We had to try to plug in different people that hadn’t played in those positions before. I think we should be fine this year if we don’t have any injury bugs.”

Like many Class 4A programs, LaGrange doesn’t have the luxury of large numbers.

Ogbanga expects many of his top athletes to contribute on both sides of the ball.

“I have been kind of doing stuff differently for the past couple of years,” Ogbanga said.

12 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

“I look at it as the best players play. The rest of the players rotate in. Sometimes we don’t have as deep of numbers as other Class 4As. I have about 50 kids on the team, but, honestly, about 35 of them are true varsity players. So you’ve got to play with your best guys to be able to compete. We got a lot of kids playing both sides of the ball. I’m not going to say they’re going to play every down, but if you’re not tired, you’re on the field.”

With an experienced senior class, a proven workhorse in Butler and versatile playmakers like Mitchell and Jones, the Gators hope those extra snaps will translate into more wins in 2026.

James Butler

Senior running back

Landon Mitchell

Junior wide receiver/ cornerback

Go Gators!

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GATORS Head coach: Idaibi Ogbanga (4th year) Record at current school: 7-24.

Career record: 7-24.

2025 record (playoffs): 1-9.

Returning starters (offense/defense): 7/5.

Top returning players: RB James Butler, WR/DB Landon Mitchell.

Key players lost: OL Sionee Seau, DL Dayven Lee, QB Patrick Bertrand, DL Kamario Scott, LB Alex Bonilla.

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 5

2026 schedule

at Wash.-Marion at Westlake vs. St. Louis Catholic at Peabody vs. Vinton vs. LC College Prep* vs. Rayne* at Leesville* vs. North Vermilion* at Crowley

*District 3-4A game

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13

TRAILBLAZERS SET SIGHTS ON EXPLOSIVE SEASON

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

If everything comes together, Lake Charles College Prep could field one of the most explosive offenses in Southwest Louisiana this season.

The Trailblazers return nine offensive starters from a team that averaged 42.7 points per game and reached the Division II nonselect quarterfinals last season. They also added one of the state's most dynamic playmakers in USC-committed Javon Vital, giving head coach Erick Franklin Sr. plenty of weapons.

“This is the first offense that will be like Dillon Simon was,” Franklin said, comparing the team to the Trailblazers' 2020 semifinalist team. “Truthfully, it could be possibly better.

“At receiver, I think they are deeper than Solomon Lewis, Glenn Johnson and Keshlon Jackson. But I think Dillon Simon brought a different factor to it with his running ability. I think this group has a chance to put up numbers like them or probably even more.”

The 2020 Trailblazers averaged 43 points a game and lost in the semifinals to Union Parish 43- 42.

One of the keys will be keeping senior quarterback Dylan Vital healthy. Injuries limited him last season after he threw for more than 2,400 yards in 2024.

“I think it will be some of the same stuff,” Franklin said. “If I can keep Dylan Vital upright, that’s the biggest focus, with the weapons that we have.

“Of course, with Javon Vital coming over and being a guy that can play quarterback, running back and receiver and helps you on special teams, I think we’re going to be very explosive this year.”

The overall health of the team will be just as important.

Running back Ayden Carter left the Trailblazers’ quarterfinal game early with an injury last year.

“They have to stay healthy; that is the biggest thing,” Franklin said. “We ended up getting hurt early in the season and late in the season.

“Ayden Carter went down after the first quarter against Vandebilt Catholic. It’s just one of those deals. So I just try to do everything on my end that is possible,

as far as strength and conditioning, to make sure we are more flexible and work on ankle strengthening and shoulder strengthening. That is all kinds of stuff to help us during the season.”

Carter returns after earning the American Press All-Southwest Louisiana Big Schools Offensive MVP award with 2,373 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns while adding more than 400 receiving yards. Phillip Hunter also returns after topping the 1,000-yard mark, while Javon Vital arrives after accounting for more than 2,700 yards of offense and 42 touchdowns at Hamilton Christian.

“I told (the coaches) they have six months to figure it out, how many different packages we’re going to need to have him (Javon Vital) playing in multiple positions,” Franklin said. “You want him around the ball as much as possible. It is pretty cool.”

Receivers Christian Manuel and Caiden Jones return, along with an experienced offensive line led by returners Ayden James, Chance Cretien and Tristan Rogers.

The defense has plenty of talent, as well, including Southern commit

Ayden Carter

Senior running back

Ayden James

Senior offensive lineman

14 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

Kellen Ford, who recorded 100 tackles and 13 sacks last season, and McNeese commit David Thomas in the secondary. Also returning in the secondary are Travion Ardoin, Braedon Reed, Tyrone Brooks and Brayden Watkins. Junior Corey Jackson returns on the defensive line.

“I think our secondary is one of the better ones in the state overall,” Franklin said.

“I think we got to tighten up at the backer spot. I got some guys that I think can do it and have been doing it really well since spring. If we can find another (defensive lineman), I think it’s going to be a really good chance for this defense to be one of the better ones.”

The Trailblazers believe they learned valuable lessons from last year's heartbreaking playoff loss.

“I think it is just overall tackling, and the mental busts,” Franklin said. “In the Vandebilt Catholic game, we busted two plays, and it was two touchdowns off of just not understanding what we are doing and not in the right mindset. The kids took that game hard, but it was something to build on.”

TRAILBLAZERS Head coach: Erick Franklin Sr. (12th season) Record at current school: 68-55.

2025 record (playoffs): 9-3 (quarterfinals) Career record: 68-55.

Returning starters (offense/ defense): 9/7.

Top returning players: OL Ayden James, RB Phillip Hunter, RB Ayden Carter, QB Dylan Vital, DL Kellen Ford, RB Javon Vital.

Key players lost: OL Myles Joseph, OL Ca’Ron Henderson, LB Brenden Malveaux, LB Elijah Franks.

2026 schedule

Sept. 4 vs. East Feliciana Sept. 11 at Peabody Sept. 18 vs. Sam Houston Sept. 24 vs. Kinder Oct. 2 at Laf. Renaissance Oct. 9 vs. Sterlington Oct. 16 at LaGrange* Oct. 23 at N. Vermillion* Oct. 30 at Rayne* Nov. 6 vs. Leesville* *District 3-4A game (Home games at Cougar Stadium)

Dylan Vital

Senior quarterback

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American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

15

LEESVILLE REBUILDS ON LAST YEAR'S PLAYOFF FINISH

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

A 1-5 start could have derailed Leesville's season last year. Instead, the Wampus Cats rallied to win five straight games, finish 7-5 and reach the regional round of the Division II nonselect playoffs.

With seven starters returning on both sides of the ball, head coach Robert Causey believes that late-season momentum can carry over to this season.

“I thought last year it took a while,” Causey said. “We had a lot of injuries early and a lot of youth. Everything kind of added up to where we were 1-5, and we found our stride midseason and our kids rattled off five wins in a row.”

Leesville's schedule includes reigning state champi-

on Iowa, state runner-up Jena, quarterfinalist Lake Charles College Prep and three other regional playoff teams.

“Whoever came up with this schedule needs to be fired,” Causey said. “But that is what I felt like we needed to do. I think it makes it exciting because of the opportunities and the work the kids have been putting in.”

“There are a lot of teams in this division that can play in the quarterfinals. I don’t care if you’re 10-0 or you’re 5-5, whoever you play could get to the third round. If you don’t prepare for that type of opponent on a weekly basis, you’re not going to come out successful. That happened to us in 2023. We played a really good St. Martinville, and they got us.”

Senior quarterback Trel

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Broom returns after throwing for 2,369 yards and 29 touchdowns, while junior running back Grant Braxton rushed for 1,489 yards and 19 scores last season.

Broom has also embraced a larger leadership role entering his final season.

“He’s put probably about 10 pounds,” Causey said. “We are trying to get him to 6-3, 205 to be stronger. He is a senior, so there is always going to be growth. He has assumed more of a leadership role and understands what comes with that.”

Broom will have plenty of targets, led by junior Julius Brown, who caught 49 passes for 750 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“The James kid was really phenomenal at wide receiver, as well,” Causey said. “We lost our big threat guy that was long and lean, but we return a lot of guys that can catch a football. We’re going to throw a lot of them out there that look kind of the same. We have a lot of skilled kids that are coming back.”

The biggest key to the offense may be an experienced line that returns three senior starters — Pressley Hall, Jarron Eakes and Xaden Horn — plus junior Hunter Garton.

“I think the strength will be how many of our offensive

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Grant Braxton

Junior running back

linemen are returning after a baptism of fire last year,” Causey said. “Last year was all of their first year to play. A lot of times the light switch flips that senior year. You believe in them for three years in a row and then all of a sudden they believe in themselves.

The success of our team will be controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football because everyone has great skills.”

Defensively, the Wampus Cats return seven starters, including linemen Eakes and Jakori Celestin (46 tackles, 6 TFL), linebackers Daren Brown (43 tackles) and Masyn Escoffrey-Williams (38 tackles, 5 TFL0 and defensive backs Brown (52 tackles, 3 INT), Jalen James, Layton Combs and Damien Matthews.

“We’ve just got a lot of good, coachable kids that will do what they are supposed to do when they are supposed to do it,” Causey said. “We have a lot of experience on the back end. We have two juniors and two sophomores that played six or seven games last season, so we have experience coming back. At linebacker, we have two guys that have played a lot of varsity games, and then up front, we will be a little bit more physical across the board and a little bit more athletic.”

WAMPUS CATS Head coach: Robert Causey (11th season) Record at current school: 83-36.

Career record: 83-36.

2025 record (playoffs): 7-5 (regionals) Returning starters (offense/ defense): 7/7.

Top returning players: QB Trel Broom, RB Grant Braxton, WR/ DB Julius Brown, OL Pressly Hall, DL Jacori Celestine, LB Mason Escoffery Williams.

Key players lost: WR Michael Davis, K Cedric Moore, LB Jacob

Pajinag, DL Mayzn William, LB Kohl Cook, DB Jaylen Tucker.

2026 schedule

Sept. 4 vs. DeRidder Sept. 11 at Iowa Sept. 18 vs. Tioga Sept. 25 vs. Pineville Oct. 2 at Many 6-6 Oct. 8 vs. Rayne* Oct. 16 at N. Vermillion* Oct. 23 vs. LaGrange* Oct. 30 at Jena at LC College Prep* Nov. 6 *District 3-4A game

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American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

17

EXPERIENCED DRAGONS AIM TO CAPITALIZE ON LESSONS LEARNED

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Experience is one thing the DeRidder Dragons won't be lacking entering the 2026 season.

After battling injuries throughout last year and still reaching the second round of the playoffs, DeRidder returns eight offensive starters and six on defense with hopes of taking the next step.

Head coach Brad Parmley believes the experience gained by a young roster in 2025 could pay dividends this fall.

“We return a good number of offense and are looking forward to those guys growing and developing,” Parmley said. “It’s hard to beat experience, and a lot of those young guys that played for us last year got a lot of good experience.”

Last year’s round of injuries started early for the Dragons.

“We had the injury bug bad,” Parmley said. “I think it was Week 3. I had maybe five starters out for at least two weeks, and we didn’t get our starting running back until, I think, week six or seven. It was a musical chairs situation there for a little bit. It was all kind of weird injuries.

I don’t think that we did anything wrong. It was just kind of the way it fell last year for us.”

Michael Parmley, one of several underclassmen thrust into starting roles last year, threw for more than 1,000 yards. Fellow junior Jaiden Cooper (165 car., 754 yards, 2 TD) also returns in the backfield, while senior Jayden Merriweather is back after leading the Dragons’ receivers last year with 561 yards and five touchdowns on 48 receptions.

“Michael did a great job as a sophomore running the offense,” Parmley said. “He got

better each week.

“We return Jaiden Cooper, who as a sophomore last year ran for over 700 yards, and two of our top receivers.”

Parmley expects the returning experience to allow the offense to play at a faster pace than it did a year ago.

“I think it is going to speed up the process,” Parmley said. “Last year, we had to play so many sophomores on offense, and we had to spoonfeed them a little bit early on and make things as simple as we could. We’re hoping we can keep going a little bit faster than we did last year, offensively.”

The Dragons are looking for a balanced attack built around Cooper and an experienced offensive line featuring returning seniors L.J. Joubert (510, 240), Tom Poczantek (6-3, 300), and Alex Rochelle (61, 260), plus Gavin McNabb (510, 240).

18 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

Junior Collin Thompson (6-3, 230) will take over at left tackle “The goal is always balance, but balance doesn’t always mean 50-50,” Parmley said. “In today’s football, you are going to have to stretch the defense as much as you can. “We’re hoping with Jaiden Cooper and our offensive line, the run game will be a strong point. Hopefully, when they have to pack the box to stop the run, you take advantage of the one-on-one situations outside with Jaiden and Cassle (Montgomery).”

Defensively, DeRidder returns several key playmakers, led by senior defensive back Daniel Mazyck, who finished with 80

Jayden Merriweather Senior wide receiver

tackles and four interceptions last season.

“Mazyck is definitely the vocal leader,” Parmley said.

“He is a great kid. He’s a playmaker, and he’s a very intelligent player. He’s going to be one of our big cogs in the wheel on defense.”

Senior linebacker Ayren Woods (67 tackles) anchors the front seven after recording 67. Other returners include Paxton Romine (Sr., 6-1, 240) and Marcus March (Jr., 6-0, 260) on the line. The duo combined for 50 tackles last year. Junior Jack McCann (33 tackles) returns at linebacker, while senior Alion Roberson will help Mazyck lead the secondary. Roberson picked off two passes as a junior.

DRAGONS Michael Parmley

Head coach: Brad Parmley (12th season).

Career record: 63-55.

2025 record (playoffs): 6-6 (Regionals).

Returning (offense/defense): 8/6.

Top returning players: WR Jayden Merriwether, OL Leonard Joubert, DB Daniel Mazyck, RB Jaiden Cooper, LB Ayren Woods, PK Luis Rodriguez.

Top players lost: RB Connor Rushford, WR/KR Javaughn Fairley, DL Amari Willis, LB Arick Hall.

Junior quarterback

2026 Schedule Sept. 4 at Leesville Sept. 10 vs. Many Sept. 18 vs. Newton (Tx.) Sept. 25 vs. Wash.-Marion* Oct. 2 at Westlake* Oct. 8 at Jennings* Oct. 16 vs. S. Beauregard* Oct. 23 at Kinder Oct. 29 at St. Louis Cath.* vs. Iowa* Nov. 5 *District 3-3A game

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19

AFTER HISTORIC UNBEATEN TITLE RUN, IOWA SHIFTS FOCUS TO THE FUTURE

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Winning a program’s first football state championship is a milestone no one will ever forget.

Iowa High School became the first Calcasieu Parish program to win a state title since W.O. Boston in 1972 and just the 13th Southwest Louisiana school to capture a championship. But with the 2026 season approaching, head coach Tommy Johns believes his team has already turned the page.

“I think they want a new season,” Johns said. “They are ready. They’ve really done a good job all offseason putting this thing to bed and moving on.

“Obviously, they understand what a great accomplishment it is, but you have to be willing to move on and get ready for the next year because time ain’t going to stop for anybody. I thought they have done a really good job of that, considering all the things that people wanted to do for them and honor them and all that.”

Replacing the production from last year's unbeaten 14-0 squad won't be easy.

The Yellow Jackets graduated all-time leaders in career rushing and receiving yards in J’vien Adams and Jeremiah Bushnell, offensive line leader Kohl Fulton, plus key pieces on

the defense such as lineman Kyan Rivera and linebacker Christian Williams.

“We are losing J’vien Adams, the all-time leading rusher in the school’s history, and obviously, Bushnell and the production he brought,” Johns.

“That creates a lot of problems, and you lose Kole Fulton up front. He was our leader. He has moved on to Nicholls. Those are some big losses for us. Defensively, Kyon Rivera up front was our three technique. He was probably the most underrated player we had on the team. I thought he had a great season for us, and losing Christian Williams.

He could play anywhere for us.”

Senior quarterback Lawson Broussard returns after throwing for 1,608 yards and 21 touchdowns, while senior Kaston Lewis, a McNeese State commit who scored 25 total touchdowns in 2025, is one of the most versatile players in Southwest Louisiana.

“There is not a whole lot that that guy can’t do,” Johns said of Lewis. “He’s like our Swiss Army knife, so to speak.

“Wherever we need him, we can plug him in, and we feel comfortable with him doing that.”

The running game will look different this season, with Ahmad Holmes,

Kayson Foxall and Lewis sharing carries.

“All three running backs are about the same size, 5-11, right at 200 pounds, so it’s a different kind of running back this year,” Johns said.

They all bring a different skill set to the table.”

The Yellow Jackets believe their offensive line will once again set the tone.

Senior Wyatt Guidry, Drake Swain and Iza Montou return, and will be joined by senior Cory Ceasar and junior Grady Ellis.

Defensively, Iowa's strength begins with one of the area's top defensive fronts, led by senior ends Landon Joseph and Gavin Brown along with tackle Thomas Harris. Brown 94 tackles, 29 hurries, 12.5 sacks, 33 TFL) and Joseph 107 tackles, 27 hurries, 13 sacks, 33 TFL) combined for 201 tackles last year.

“Landon and Gavin are two exceptional players,” Johns said.

“We are looking for big things out of those guys. Thomas Harris is as productive of a guy up front as I have had since I have been there. He pro-

vides a whole different skill set up front. He’s fast, he can move, and he creates problems. He’s hard to block.”

The biggest questions come at linebacker after graduation losses, but Johns likes the group's progress from juniors Bryce Bourque and Jamarion Chevis.

The secondary will have no shortage of experience with Lewis (108 tackles, 11 TFL, 6 INT, 9 PD), and juniors Alex Bartie, Jordan Bushnell and Mason Gott back.

Landon Joseph

Senior defensive lineman

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YELLOW JACKETS Head coach: Tommy Johns (10th season).

Career record: 75-27.

2025 record (playoffs): 14-0 (state champion).

Returning (offense/defense): 6/7.

Top returning players: RB/DB Kaston Lewis, QB Lawson Broussard, OL Wyatt Guidry, DL Landon Joseph, DL Gaven Brown, DB Alex Bartie, OL Izac Montou.

Top players lost: WR Jeremiah Bushnell, OL Kohl Fulton, RB J’vien Adams, DL Kyan Rivera, LB Christian Williams, LB Bryceson Fontenot.

2026 Schedule

Sept. 3 at Barbe Sept. 11 vs. Leesville Sept. 18 vs. Vidor (Tx.) Sept. 25 at Jennings* at S. Beauregard* Oct. 2 Oct. 9 OPEN Oct. 16 vs. St. Louis Cath.* Oct. 23 vs. Westlake* Oct. 30 vs. Wash.-Marion* Nov. 5 at DeRidder* *District 3-3A game

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21

STICKING WITH GRITTY, PHYSICAL IDENTITY Ned leads experienced team back into postseason

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Coming off an 8-4 season that ended in the regional round of the playoffs, the Jennings Bulldogs return eight starters on offense and four on defense as they look to continue building under fourth-year head coach Bret Fuselier.

Jennings has won 26 games in Fuselier’s first three seasons, and the Bulldogs will once again rely on a physical style built around controlling the line of scrimmage, running the football and playing strong defense.

“It’s nothing different,” Fuselier said. “Everybody knows everywhere I’ve coached that’s the style we play. We have a lot of guys that are going to step up for us, but I do feel good about who we have. I think they are very capable.”

Leading the way offensively is senior quarterback Chris Ned, a first-team all-district selection and American Press All-Southwest Louisiana Big Schools team member last season. He accounted for more than 2,300 total yards and 33 touchdowns.

But Jennings knows it cannot rely solely on Ned’s production. Sophomore Dailen Nixon, junior Liam Leblanc and junior Tyler Waltrip will be counted on to provide additional production in the

Bulldogs’ option attack.

“We spent the spring looking at other guys that we feel are going to have to take some of that pressure off of Chris,” Fuselier said. “The Nixon kid and Leblanc, Waltrip, they all had some good springs for us.

“We are going to be an option team. With Ned at quarterback, everything goes through him. Other guys are going to have their roles in doing this, and we are going to see where this takes us. Jennings has been a veer team for a long time, and we’re doing it just a little bit different than they did in the past. I think it’s a good recipe for these guys.”

The Bulldogs will have the benefit of returning an experienced offensive line that helped set the tone last season. They have a returning starter at all five positions in Ayden Leger, Conner Landry, Jordin Perkins Ashton Fruge and Eli Hill, plus Gabe Sonnier at tight end.

“The offensive line is a group that is all back from last year, so we are expecting some big things from them,” Fuselier said. “We’re not very big, which Jennings never has been very big, but they have a season playing together, and they’ve gelled.

“They are going to have to do so again this year. One thing we preach on the football side of things is coming off the ball and playing fast.

22 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

That’s one thing we pride ourselves on as an offensive line.

They’ve learned t o play with a little grit about them, and physical toughness.”

While the running game will b e a focal point, Jennings also expects its receivers to make plays when opportunities come.

Defensively, Jennings hopes to continue a tradition of strong play on that side of the ball.

“Traditionally, Jennings has always been known to have good defenses,” Fuselier said. “That’s been the recipe over here, playing good defense, having a strong run game and controlling the clock.

The Bulldogs return starters at every level of the defense, including defensive lineman Barack Zeno, linebacker Trevon Gallow and Ned (79 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 INT, 3 FF, 7 PD) at safety. Zeno and Leblanc earned 3-3A first-team all-district honors last year.

“It’s good to have one on every level,” Fuselier said. “On the defensive line, Barack Zeno is a kid who’s shown up every day this summer.

“He’s coming off a knee surgery in the spring, but he’s been here every day this summer. Gallow made a lot of

tackles for us from his linebacker spot last year. He’s physical.

"Then you have Chris Ned on the back end. Everybody knows what he is. He’s athletic, but the thing that everybody likes about him is he’s physical, too.”

Chris Ned

Senior quarterback

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BULLDOGS Head coach: Bret Fuselier (4th season) Record at current school: 26-10.

Career record: 123-70.

2025 record (playoffs): 8-4 (regionals) Returning starters (offense/defense): 8/4.

Top returning players: QB/FS Chris Ned, OL Jordin Perkins, DL De’John Zeno, LB Liam Leblanc, LB Trevon Gallow, OL Ayden Fruge.

Key players lost: WR Da’Keylin Sams, DL Nate Broussard, DB Gerald Watson, WR/DB Humphrey Ned, LB Derrick Smith.

2026 Schedule Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 17 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

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American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

23

LOOKING TO FLIP THE SCRIPT With 9 starters back, South Beau counting on defensive maturity

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

South Beauregard struggled defensively last year as many young players learned new roles. Now, those same players are expected to turn experience into results as first-year head coach C.J. Hudson looks to guide the Golden Knights back into playoff contention after a 2-8 season.

“We have a lot of defensive starters that return,” Hudson said. “We were not very good on defense last year, but they were all firstyear starters, so that experience returning helps.

“None of them are happy with how the year went.

They’re anxious to get back on the field. They’re not shying away from responsibility. We are going to own that, and we are going to try to move forward and have a much better season this year.”

Hudson believes those growing pains are already paying dividends.

“It is just being more detail-oriented, more mature, and playing the game while understanding what we, as a staff, are trying to accomplish,” Hudson said. “I think we had a lack of knowledge last year because they were younger. I’ve definitely seen some maturity as they’ve had to go through that fire.”

Leading the defense is senior linebacker Heith Cradeur, who Hudson calls the quarterback of the unit.

Also back is fellow senior Hunter Bellard (103 tackles).

“He is pretty much the quarterback of the defense.

He gets us lined up. He has a good understanding of what we’re trying to do and what the other team is trying to do. He is a very intelligent player.”

Second-team All-District linebacker Hunter Bellard returns after recording 103 tackles last season, while the entire secondary is back in seniors Micah Dupre, Rhett Dupin, Mason Richards and Alex Baggett, plus junior Malik Hallmark. Seniors Luke Wisby and Kyler Dartez return on the defensive line.

“They have put on a lot of good size and speed this offseason,” Hudson said. “I’m

24 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

looking forward to what they can do at safety and corner for us.”

Richards (4 kick return TDs, 80 tackles) may be the team's most versatile player. After earning first-team All-District honors as a defensive back and return specialist, he'll take on a much larger offensive role.

“The most acclaimed one I have is Mason Richards,” Hudson said. “He's gonna play a lot more offense this year. He's probably our most dynamic playmaker, so we're going to make sure that we get him to football.”

While the defense returns plenty of experience, the offense will feature a youthful backfield with sophomore quarterback Davis Henry and sophomore running back Addison Matte. The Knights will run a power spread offense.

“We run what I call the power spread,” Hudson

said. “We’re to be in shotgun, but we’re also going to incorporate the tight end and the wingback a lot to make sure we can still run the ball downhill at people, then play action off of that.

I’m very excited.”

Hudson knows the young duo will have to mature quickly.

“Both of them excelled on the baseball field this past year," Hudson said.

"They’re dynamic athletes.

We’re trying to ramp them up and get them into the fire as soon as we can so they mature quickly.”

Hudson said the offensive line is one of the biggest the team has had in years and will pave the way for the offense. Senior Eli Benoit, the lone returning starter shifts from guard to center to direct the line. Wisby, Hanks, and sophomores Gunnar Burleigh and Lucas Watson will start up front.

Alex Baggett

Senior linebacker

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2025 record (playoffs): 2-8.

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Top returning players: DB/KR Mason Richards, LB Hunter Bellard, DB Micah Dupre, DB Malik Hallmark, OL Eli Benoit.

Key players lost: WR Caleb Lemieux, OL Isaih Lampton, RB Jacob Marcantel, TE/DL Shooter Soileau, QB Walker Langton.

2026 schedule Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 8 Oct. 16 Oct. 22 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

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American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

25

GROWING ROSTER, CULTURE SHIFT FUEL HIGH EXPECTATIONS

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Numbers are up, expectations are changing, and St. Louis Catholic head coach Chris Truax sees signs that his program is growing in his second season at the helm.

After going 2-9 and reaching the bi-district round last season, St. Louis enters 2026 with about 70 players on the roster and five returning starters on each side of the ball.

“We are in the second year of this deal,” Truax said. “I feel like the culture has changed around here.

“These kids know what the expectations are, and we’re trying to give them a standard every day to what they’re doing, not just on the football field, but in the classroom and in the church and their relationships with God. There’s so much more to it here at St. Louis.”

With a larger roster, Truax hopes it will allow more players to focus on a single position, instead of playing on both sides of the ball, and said that will be important early with St. Louis opening the season against Sulphur, Barbe and LaGrange.

“We’ve got two 5A schools and a 4A school in the first three weeks. With the heat and all that kind of stuff, we’re trying to get guys to be one-way starters.

“Our numbers are up, which is a blessing. The guys are a pleasure to coach. This program is growing, and I think it is really going to explode once

that new campus is opened up for them.”

Truax expects the defense to be a big strength for the Saints this year.

“Defensively, we are strong,” Truax said. “I think we’ve done a better job of getting some speed in our secondary, and having a full-time secondary coach here has helped tremendously. We are still based out of a 4-2-5, and will probably add a few more things in the secondary than we did last year.

“That defensive line is a great group. They are disrupting the line of scrimmage. It makes everybody’s job a little bit easier.”

The Saints' top returning player on defense is senior lineman Kyle LeBato (6-0, 270). He recorded 63 tackles as a junior along with nine tackles for a loss and caused two fumbles.

“He is coming off an injury,” Truax said. “He went from football, being an all-state defensive lineman, to trying to win a wrestling state championship.

He tore his MCL. We will ease him a little bit.

“He probably won’t play in any scrimmages and might even play in the Jamboree, but he’ll be ready for Week 1.

I expect him to be a captain. I expect him to be an all-state, all-district, all-Southwest Louisiana player. I put a lot of pressure on that young man.”

Other returners include linebackers Caliber Byler and Griffin Hanks, cornerback Conner Abshire and safety Manson Nagem

Offensively, Truax wants the Saints to control the line of scrimmage and establish the running game.

“I always want to control the line of scrimmage,” Truax said.

“I want to try to be able to run the football with a lot of gun sets, motions, and unbalanced formations.

“We're trying to keep a simple offensive game plan, put a little makeup on it to make it look complicated.”

Injuries took their toll on the Saints' offense early last season after losing a lineman in the final week of the preseason and running back McKylin Carrier in the season opener. Carrier (89 car., 460 yards, 3 TD) is back and healthy and will be a key piece of the offense.

Darion Syon, a transfer from Hamilton Christian, will contribute to the run game.

“McKylin brings a great natural leadership to his position,” Truax said. “He's a tremendous

kid to be around and works really hard and sets the tempo for us offensively; a vocal kid. He has fully recovered and had a great offseason, so he's going to be a catalyst that we're going to lean on hard this year.”

The Saints have competition at quarterback between Graham Langley, Zachary Lebeouf and Cannon Patel. Three of the Saints' five returning starters on the offense are up front in Brady Hess, Kolby Brown and Richard Edwards.

McKylin Carrier

Senior running back

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SAINTS Head coach: Chris Truax (2nd season) Record at current school: 2-9 (bi-district) Career record: 2-9.

Returning starters (offense/ defense): 5/5 Top returning players: RB McKylin Carrier, RB Kaven Moreau, LB Griffin Hanks, DE Kyle LeBato.

Key players lost: WR Trace Moreau, K Will Flavin, LB Matthew Hebert, QB Konner Boudreaux, OL Layne Cryer, DL Josh Carrier.

Kolby Brown 2026 schedule

Senior offensive lineman

Sept. 4 at Sulphur Sept. 10 vs. Barbe (McNeese) Sept. 18 at LaGrange Sept. 25 vs. S. Beauregard* Oct. 2 at Kaplan Oct. 9 vs. Westlake* Oct. 16 at Iowa* Oct. 23 at Wash.-Marion* Oct. 29 vs. DeRidder* Nov. 6 at Jennings* *District 3-3A game (Home games at Cougar Stadium)

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27

A CULTURE OF CONSISTENCY Still-rebuilding program embraces new direction under Mobley

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

For nearly a decade, the Washington-Marion football program has tried to get back on track. The Charging Indians have had just one winning season since 2013 and haven't reached the playoffs since 2017.

New head coach Sterling Mobley hopes consistency will be the foundation for rebuilding the program.

“I’m optimistic right now,” Mobley said. “We are rebuilding, but we are optimistic about installing our new core values and expectations.

“We feel like as they buy in more to our expectations and standards, we feel that the positive results will follow after that.”

Mobley is no stranger to Southwest Louisiana football.

He began his coaching career in the Lake Area, including stints at LaGrange and Washington-Marion before coaching at Hamilton Christian, St. Louis Catholic, East Ascension and Donaldsonville.

“I definitely feel like they have made a lot of progress since last year,” Mobley said.

“They’ve dealt with a lot of transition, a lot of change with me being the third head coach in a short amount of time. We are attempting to be consistent as a staff, and we feel consistency will allow our team to get the playoff experience. We are definitely working on getting there.”

Washington-Marion went 3-7 last season but returns six offensive starters, including firstteam all-district senior running back R'Lon Porter (35 rec., 343 yards, 2 TD) and sophomore receiver Joseph Simien (25 rec., 320 yards, 4 TD). They will be major role players in W-M’s multiple-spread offense.

“That is why we are bringing in a multiple spread offense,” Mobley said. “Our objective is to be able to get the ball out in space, control the line of scrimmage, and make people defend the entire field and utilize our athletes.”

The quarterback job remains an open competition between junior Demond Bellard and Porter.

“He has been working hard and buying into what we’re preaching, our schemes and systems,” Mobley said of Bellard. “He is competing with R'Lon Porter right now. It is a healthy competition situation for a kid that hasn’t got many reps at the quarterback position until we got here. Having a guy push him has helped him develop.”

The offense will feature a talented receiving corps led by Simien, Tyson Boulard (10 rec., 149 yards, TD) and Hayden Stevens. Freshman Javonte Vital, the younger brother of Lake Charles College Prep standout Javon Vital, is another big addition after he transferred from Hamilton Christian. Vital caught nine passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns last year

as an eighth-grader.

“Tyson is the most seasoned of the group,” Mobley said.

“We’re very excited about Joseph Simien, who started as a freshman last year. He has evolved from last season and is getting bigger. The thing we like about him is that he is competing all year, whether it is football, baseball, basketball or golf. Hayden Stephens is a name to watch. He is explosive.”

Mobley said he is excited about getting injured offensive lineman Davien Flagg back, who was a first-team all-district lineman two years ago.

Sophomore Alexander Jackson returns on the line and Brandon Williams will switch from the defensive side.

Defensively, Washington-Marion will transition to a multiple 4-2-5 scheme.

Senior defensive end Hearnest Arvie is one of three returning starters along with junior lineman Brandon Williams and linebacker Derius Wilridge.

“We are high up on returning starter Hernest Arvie,” Mobley said. “He is about 6-3 and has gained weight.

He might be about 220 now. He was a strong kid last

year, and we plan on standing him up some this year, and he has been getting reps at the linebacker position.”

Mobley said senior defensive back Ethan Villery is another player to watch for. He is the son of former NFL, University of Tennessee and McNeese State defensive back Janzen Jackson.

“Villery has been doing well with our strength and conditioning program,” Mobley said.

“His dad is Janzen Jackson, so we’re excited to know what his genetics can do with this opportunity. He has some sneaky athleticism, and he is proving that he can be physical.”

Go Charging Indians!

R'Lon Porter

Senior running back

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CHARGING INDIANS Head coach: Sterling Mobley (1st season) Record at current school: 0-0.

Career record: 0-0.

2025 record (playoffs): 3-7 Returning starters (offense/defense): 6/3 Top returning players: RB R’lon Porter, WR Joseph Semien, OL Michael Synder, LB Darius Wilridge, DB Ethan Johnson.

Key players lost: OL Adonis Cannon, QB Monte Farmer, LB Ja’Jawun Hicks

2026 Schedule Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 8 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 29 Nov. 6

vs. LaGrange vs. Mansfield at Vinton at DeRidder* vs. Jennings* at S. Beauregard* at Welsh vs. St. Louis Cath.* at Iowa* vs. Westlake* *District 3-3A game

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29

NEW WESTLAKE COACH READY TO REBUILD WITH FAMILIAR RAMS

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

A new era begins at Westlake, but first-year head coach Brad Kellogg isn't starting from scratch as he is familiar with many of the players.

Kellogg was the Rams' defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022 before a three-year stint as head coach at District 3-3A rival South Beauregard.

It should make the transition smoother for the Rams even though they have to replace a large senior class from last season.

“I was there for four years, so it is not like I am walking in on something I don’t know anything about,” Kellogg said.

“I was with John there as his defensive coordinator for four years.”

While Westlake returns only four starters on each side of the ball after last season's 6-5 campaign, Kellogg believes there is enough talent to keep the Rams competitive.

“You can call it rebuilding because they lost 22 seniors last year, but we got some skilled kids, some kids that can play that just haven’t had Friday night time,” Kellogg said. “It is going to be a work in progress to get them Friday night ready. Summer workouts have been going well.”

The Rams will continue to operate from a spread offense, but with a bigger emphasis on the running game and ball control.

“We’re going to run pretty

simi-

lar to what they were doing,” Kellogg said. “I call it a power spread. We won’t have a tight end, but a lot of h-back. The best way I can describe it is we are running the wing-t out of the shotgun.”

Junior quarterback Kole Duhon takes over behind center. The offensive line has one returning starter in senior Luke Lemaire (6-3, 285), but three of the five starters are seniors, including Dax Anderson and Kade Kellogg, a transfer from South Beauregard.

“He has worked hard,” Kellogg said. “Darryl Duhon is my offensive coordinator, so Darryl’s going to run that same offense he ran back when he was OC at Sulphur with Jeff Wainwright. It will help Kole out because those are passes that he can make. We can’t ask him to sit back there and fivestep drop and throw the ball 70 yards down the field. That is just not his game.”

The Rams plan to rely on senior running back Dax Duhon (71 car., 416 yards, 3 TD), sophomore Malyke Carter and a talented receiving corps featuring Derrick Thompson (21 rec., 409 yards, 3 TD), Issac Jordan (26 rec., 437 yards, TD) and Austin Clophus to keep defenses guessing.

“We have three receivers that are as good as anybody in the area,” Kellogg said. “It is just getting them the football.

“We don’t have the ability to just sit back there and throw the ball. We can’t afford to punt the ball every 10 seconds.

We've got to be able to eat some clock.

We are going to run the ball to try to

force people to play more people in the box, give us one-onones with receivers.”

Kellogg also plans to maximize his best athletes by playing many of them on both sides of the ball.

“I am a little different than John (Richardson),” Kellogg said. “I play kids both ways.

We practice both sides of the ball. I call them my one-anda-half starters. They start all the time on defense and split time on offense. I am trying to get the best kids on the field all the time.”

With many new starters, Westlake is simplifying its scheme on defense.

“We did change the defense a little bit,” Kellogg

said. “We’re going more to a four-man front, a little simpler because we have so much inexperience. As we get better mastering those things, we can add to it as we go.”

The anchor on the defense side will be returners Sam Fontenot (80 tackles, 8 TFL) and Devin McCraney on the line and Clophus at safety (92 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2 INT), plus Kellogg, who will play both ways. McCraney started on the offensive line last year.

“I look for Austin to step up and lead,” Kellogg said. “He knows what he is doing back there. He's good enough, big enough we can roll him down the box and give us an extra linebacker.”

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Senior kicker

30 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

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Head coach: Brad Kellogg (1st season) Record at current school: 0-0.

Career record: 32-31.

2025 record (playoffs): 6-5 (bi-district) Returning starters (offense/defense): 4/4.

Top returning players: WR Derrick Thompson, WR Issac Jordan, OL Luke Lemaire, RB Dax Duhon, DL Kade Kellogg, DE Sam Fontenot, DL Devin McCraney, S Austin Clophus.

Key players lost: QB Brody Anderson, TE Hadley Hardesty, LB Brady Duplechin, RB Braylon Garrick, DL Cooper Williams, LB Braden Ellzey.

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2026 Schedule

vs. Kinder vs. LaGrange at DeQuincy at S. Terrebonne vs. DeRidder* at St. Louis Cath.* vs. Jennings* at Iowa* vs. S. Beauregard* at Wash.-Marion* *District 3-3A game

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American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

31

EMBRACING THE GROWING PAINS Young Tigers dealing with heavy roster turnover

By Rodrick Anderson

TIGERS Head coach: Tate Woodard (4th season) Record at current school: 15-17.

Career record: 15-17.

2025 record (playoffs): 4-7 (bi-district).

Returning starters (offense/ defense): 5/5.

Top returning players: QB Slay Gardner, WR/DB Landon Joyce, K Christofer Contreras.

Key players lost: WR Koby Pool, OL Bruce Vanwinkle, DL Nigile

American Press

Ceasar, WR Turner Rodriguez, LB Gunner Grove, DL Haden Hall.

2026 Schedule

Sept. 3 vs. Grand Lake Sept. 11 at Lake Arthur Sept. 18 vs. Westlake Sept. 24 at Elton Oct. 2 vs. Welsh Oct. 8 at East Beauregard Oct. 16 vs. Vinton* Oct. 23 at Pickering* Oct. 30 at Sacred Heart Nov. 6 vs. Rosepine* *District 5-2A game

Chuck Cochran, DDS Jake Cochran, DDS

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32 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

After reaching the playoffs last year, DeQuincy must replace seven first-team all-district seniors while breaking in a roster with just five seniors.

Head coach Tate Woodard said the youth and inexperience will create growing pains, especially early in the season.

“We don't have a lot of people,” he said. “We only have five seniors on the team.

“A couple of those guys don't have many Friday nights under their belts. They are seniors, and experience-wise, it hurts. The last two years, we graduated a group of 14 and a group of 16 seniors. At any level, that's tough.

At our level, that's really tough to replace that much experience in two years. We're just going to — especially early on — be working through some bumps and some kinks with these guys.”

Woodard is working on bringing the returning players and younger players together.

“As coaches, we've got to try to mesh all the new talent with the guys we have coming back,” Woodard said. “Our guys that have been here and been on Friday nights have been doing a good job of bringing the inexperienced guys along. We've had a really good summer.”

DeQuincy returns five starters on offense, including sophomore quarterback Slay Gardner, who transferred from Rosepine last season and threw for more than 1,000 yards.

“He does have 10 games under his belt starting, but he’s kind of raw,” Woodard said. “He’s got good arm talent.

He's got to learn to slow the game down right now. He is still moving a little fast forward, but I believe that he can do it. He’s a good leader, and I believe that he’s definitely an asset to our team.”

The Tigers will operate pri-

marily from a one-back offense with multiple formations. “We’ll be multiple with h-back stuff, three-wides, sometimes fourwide,” Woodard said. “We’ll be an inside zone running team.”

The skill positions are where DeQuincy has its most experience. Senior Landon Joyce returns after earning all-district honors, while juniors Killian Denton and Jeremy Gatlin provide additional targets. Gatlin caught 10 passes for 114 yards and three touchdowns last season.

The biggest question on offense is up front line with just two returners in senior Hunter Folse and junior Gage Schultz, who moves from tackle to center.

“I know the skill guys sell tickets, and it's fun watching them run up and down the field,” Woodard said. “But we've got to get our offensive line group. It all comes down to when we put that helmet and shoulder pads on, we have to be physical. We're going to train our guys like that. That's how we've always done it.”

Graduation took an even bigger toll on the defense, where seven four-team all-district players departed over the last two seasons. “We're going to be very undersized defensively. A couple of our defensive linemen are converted skill guys. When you see us get off the bus, man, we're not very big, but we do have some really high-motor guys.”

The secondary should be the strength of the defense with Joyce (47 tackles, 3 INT, 8 pass breakups) returning at free safety.

Killian Denton

Junior wide receiver

EXPERIENCED TROJANS EYE TURNAROUND

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

After taking its lumps during the transition back to Class 2A, East Beauregard hopes things will start to change this season.

The Trojans won just two games in 2025. With six returning starters on offense, seven on defense and a roster filled with young players who gained experience, East Beauregard expects to be more competitive in District 5-2A. “Last year we had our second year back in Class 2A,” head coach Ronald Simmons said.

“We didn't have the wins that we wanted, but we were a lot better last year than we were the year before.

“We were much improved on the field. We were a lot more competitive. Hopefully, we can keep that momentum going. We've been playing a lot of young guys the last two years.

We actually should have a little bit of experience now.”

The offense starts with senior quarterback Carter Causey, a three-year starter who missed most of last season with a broken collarbone.

“He's very capable of throwing the ball. He's capable of running the ball,” Simmons said.

“He's a smart kid. He knows the offenses as well as anybody else on the team does. He knows everybody's job. He's a good leader for us.”

East Beauregard will again rely on its double-wing offense.

“We were a lot better running that last year than we were the year before,” Simmons said.

“We tried some spread stuff. It just didn't fit us very well. We had a lot of injuries.

“We have to go win the ball.

That's make-or-break for us. Our best defense is our offense and controlling the clock. If we're not able to move people up front, it forces us into bad situations.

I think our entire season really depends on how well we can play up front —really on both sides of the ball. We're going to run the ball, and we've got to stop the run on defense.”

Senior Drew Fontenot, a fouryear starter, returns to lead the

ground game after starting on both sides of the ball last season.

He will be joined by sophomore Cooper Hildreth, who has impressed during the offseason, according to Simmons.

“He (Fontenot) started since day one as a freshman,” Simmons said. “Last year, he started on both sides of the ball. He's just a tough, hard-nosed kid that does exactly what he's told to do.

I wish we had more like him.

He's just a great kid.

“Cooper, it's going to be his first year really focused on running the ball. He's had a great offseason. He has gotten a lot bigger, a lot stronger, a lot faster.”

Clayton Cooley, Lathyn Stevens and Evan King return on the offensive line.

“Our offense will go just as far as those guys take us,” Simmons said. “We've got some talent at running back and receiver. Our offensive line is very important to what we do.”

Defensively, the Trojans are looking to improve against the run after struggling to stop it last year.

“Our biggest issue last year, we just had a hard time stopping people that just ran right at us,” Simmons said. “We weren't real big up front. We're hoping that we get a little bit more size up front this year. We got some young kids that are pretty big.”

The secondary, led by returning defensive backs Drew Fontenot, Karson Chamblee and Austin Selgrath, is expected to be strong.

“That's probably the strength of our defense is our secondary,” Simmons said. “If we can force people to throw the ball, I feel like we'll be in pretty good shape. We've got to stop the run, though. Last year, we had a hard time slowing people down. In our district, if you can't stop the run, it's a long night.”

Three of the Trojans’ four linebackers are sophomores in Payton Furlow, Hildreth, Nels Parvi, plus freshman Preston Guidry. Jasper Lewis and Vincent Bigwood return on the defensive line.

TROJANS Head coach: Ronnie Simmons (8th season) Record at current school: 28-44.

Career record: 54-66.

2025 record (playoffs): 2-7.

Returning starters (offense/ defense): 6/7.

Top returning starters: DB Carson Chamblee, QB Carter Causey.

Key starters lost: RB Dakota Strother, RB Sean Scallon, DB Tucker Meeks.

2026 Schedule Sept. 3 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 8 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

vs. Merryville at Northwood-Lena at Many vs. Lakeside vs. Beau Chene vs. DeQuincy* at Pickering* vs. Pine Prairie at Rosepine* at Vinton* *District 5-2A

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33

PICKERING LEANS ON EXPERIENCE AFTER SAVING FOOTBALL PROGRAM

By Rodrick Anderson

Pickering leans on experience after saving football program

Dougherty said. play certain spots last year.”

After improving from four Osorio will have four senior wins in 2024 to five last season, wide receivers to look for when A few years ago, Pickering Dougherty believes the Red Dev- it is time to air it out in Hunter Head coach: football John High School's program ils were only a couple of plays Kirby (6-2, 175), Caleb Falls (5Dougherty (4th season) was on the brink of disappearaway from an even better re- 11, 165), Brayan Dedio (5-9, 160) Record at ing.current Low roster numbers forced cord.

Braxton Baker (6-2, 175) and the school: Red Devils to spend two sea“The Anderson biggest challenge is erything.

It'sJoseph workedBuxton, out pretty

By Rodrick newcomer who sons4-16. rebuilding, leaving themAmerican and now we're back Press start fast and finish well to, I think, is afor 6-3us, athletic sophomore.

Career reineligible to compete for dis- games,” Dougherty said. “We to district play.”

The offensive line returns few years ago, Pickering 4-16. trictcord: championships or playoff A The Red Devils return 11 should have went program seven and three senior starters in CamHigh School's football 2025 record (playoffs): giving Dougherty his berths. three lastbrink year.ofThat's two close seniors, 5-5 was on the disappeareron Gibson, Ivan Ragoza most-experienced team since and After winning nine gamesing.games we should have had in the taking Low roster numbers forced Returning starters (ofNico over Lopez, while junior Chase the program. overfense/defense): the last two 9/x. seasons, Pick-thebag.

Red Devils to spend two gained valuable experience Platt “That's gonna be the main ering isreturning finally eligible again andseasons Top players: leaving “Sorebuilding, starting right, not putting focus filling in atyear's center last season. of this squad: the QB to Taylon Osorio ready chase district titles andthem ineligible compete ourselves in atobad position, like senior leadership,” Dougherty Defensively, Dougherty believes Keya players lost: RB forwe district championships or make postseason run. did in a few games last year, said.

“More skilled players the strength of the team will once Israel Araiza berths.

“It was close to being fold-playoff than powerlifters and more and then closing out.

We just again be at linebacker — Kirby, 2026 Schedule After winning nine games ed, and we decided to do that need to make sure that we make experienced players involved, Sept. 4 vs. Pine Prairie Carson Smith (5-9, 145), Noel, the last two seasons, Pickbut we're excited about it. Some (no Sept. district honors),” Pickeringover theis stops, make the adjustments, 11 at Montgomery Cameron Gibson (5-11, 185), and ering finally eligible again head coach Dougherty don't make mental mistakes that of the guys that are seniors Sept.

18 vs. John Delcambre and ready to chase district tiNikolas (5-11, 175).

All five are gonnaLopez be stepping up that Sept.

25 at Merryville said. “Keep high school footballtlescould cost usalater on.” run. didn't and make postseason linebackers are seniors. play certain spots last Oct. 1 vs. Acadiana alive, but also kind of tweak the quarterback Tylon Or- year.”

“It Senior was close to being folded, Christ.

“Hunter is definitely one of schedule where we canandzorio we decided do that (no Oct. 8 upatto Rosepine* returnstoafter accounting After improving from my strongest kids, onefour of my 16 more vs. E. BeaureplayOct. teams on our level ofdistrict honors),” Pickering for more than 1,100 yards of of- wins in 2024 to five lastDougherty season, hardest workers,” gard*while I try to rebuild ev-head coach John Dougherty caliber Red fense despite playing only seven Dougherty said. “He'sbelieves gonna bethe a captain, so Oct. 23 vs. DeQuincy* “Keep high school football erything.

It's worked out prettysaid.

Devils were only a couple of games because of injuries.

Oct. 30 vs. Vinton* he's gonna be in the middle.

I'm alive, but also kind of tweak the away from an even better wellNov. for6us, and OPENnow we're back “So he's gonna be the main fo- plays pretty excited about that group. schedule up to where we can to district*District play.” 5-2A cal point of our offense,” Dough- record.

It's gonna be a little bit more teams more on our level of “The biggest challenge is fun, The Red Devils return 11play erty while said. I“We're gonna evrun caliber try to rebuild seniors, giving Dougherty his multiple spread with him. A lot most-experienced team since of quarterback reads, RPOs, and taking over the program. stuff like that. We're going to run ping people that just ran right “That's gonna be the main the ball,Simmons but we'resaid. gonna spread at us,” “We focus of this year's squad: the it out, too.” weren't real big up front.

We're from 30 senior Continued leadership,” Dougherty hoping Hunter Noel moves intobit the that we get a little started on both sides of thethan said. “More skilled players featured running back after more size up front thisrole year. ball.

He's just and a tough, hardpowerlifters more expe- leading the team inkids tackles We got some young that at nosed that does exactly but are pretty big.” riencedkidplayers involved, linebacker a year ago. what he's told to do. I wish we The secondary, ledthere by re-and we're excited about it. Some of “He's gonna get in had more like him. He's just a turning defensive backs Drew the guys that are seniors are shake it up on the offense this great kid.

Fontenot, Karson Chamblee year more than he did last year," gonna be stepping up that didn't “Cooper, it's going to be his American Press

Red Devils

having them there and knowing what to expect.”

Pickering plans to run a threefive stack defensive scheme.

“This one's my favorite — especially for small schools,” Dougherty said. “It allows me to, think, start fast and finish to Iget some linemen some rest. games,” Dougherty I don't have to havesaid. four “We or five should have linemen the went wholeseven time. and three last year. That's two close “With this defense, I have two games we should have had in inside the bag.linebackers I could walk down make aright, forefront and go “So to starting not putto a ourselves 4-2-5. Or I could walk my two ting in a bad position, likelinebackers we did in aup few games outside and have last year, and then closing out. a five-three.”

We Falls just need to make sure returns to lead thethat secwe make the stops, make the ondary after picking off five adjustments, don't make menpasses last year and returning tal mistakes that could cost us of them for touchdowns. threeon.” later Upfront be seniors RaygoSeniorwill quarterback Tylon Orzorio returns after za and Chestnut, andaccountfreshman ing for more than 1,100 yards Aydan Louvier (5-10, 285).

In the of offense despite playing secondary with Falls will be two only seven games because of sophomores, Buxton and Rylan injuries.

Cossin (5-10, 160). be the main “So he's gonna Dougherty said.

“We're gonfocal point of our offense,” Dougherty said. “We're gonna na run multiple spread with him.

See PICKERING, 32

TROJANS

UNCOMPROMISED ADVOCACY

first year really focused on running the ball. He's had a great offseason. He has gotten a lot bigger, a lot stronger, a lot faster.”

Head coach: John Dougherty Clayton Cooley, Lathyn (4th season) Stevens and Evan King return on the offensive line.

Record at current school: 4-16.

“Our will go just Careeroffense record: 4-16. as far as those guys take us,” 2025 record 5-5 Simmons said.(playoffs): “We've got Returning starters (offense/ some talent at running back 9/x. anddefense): receiver.

Our offensive lineTop is very important returning players:to QBwhat we Taylon do.” Osorio Defensively, the Key players lost: RBTrojans Israel Araiza are looking to improve against 2026 Schedule the run after struggling to stop Sept.

4 vs. Pine Prairie it last year.

Sept. 11 at Montgomery “Our biggest issue last year, 18 vs.

Delcambre we Sept. just had a hard time stop-

and Austin Selgrath, is expected to be strong.

“That's probably the strength of our defense is our secondary,” Simmons said. “If we can people to throw Sept.

25 force at Merryville Oct. Acadiana Christ.be the 1 ball, vs.

I feel like we'll Oct. 8 atgood Rosepine* in pretty shape. We've Oct. 16 stop vs. the E. Beauregard* got to run, though.

Oct. vs. we DeQuincy* Last23year, had a hard time Oct. 30 vs.

Vinton* slowing people down. In our Nov. 6 OPEN district, if you can't stop the 5-2A run, it's a*District long night.”

Three of the Trojans’ four linebackers are sophomores in Payton Furlow, Hildreth, Nels Parvi, plus freshman Preston Guidry. Jasper Lewis and Vincent Bigwood return on the defensive line.

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34 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

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31

ROSEPINE OVERHAULS COACHING STAFF, SCHEMES TO REVITALIZE FOOTBALL TEAM

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

After back-to-back, onewin seasons, the Rosepine Eagles have made many changes in hopes of getting the program back on track.

Head coach David Weldon added several experienced coaches to his staff and has changed the Eagles' schemes on both sides of the ball.

One addition to the staff is a familiar face in Johnny Cryer — plus his brother, Bo, and Dustin Smith. It is Johnny Cryer’s fifth stint with the Eagles. He was previously head coach four times, 1993-’94, ‘98-’05, ‘07’10 and 2017. He will be the offensive coordinator this time. Bo Cryer will coach the offensive line.

“Last year’s offensive coordinator ended up taking a job at DeQuincy,” Weldon said. “Right now, coaches are hard to find. I ran into Johnny’s brother, Bo, at a camp at Northwestern and we started talking and I learned that Johnny was retired and lived near the

school.

“God blessed me with 80 years of experience on my staff. Having two guys like that makes your life easy — especially as a second-year head coach. They’re here for the kids. It’s been a blessing all summer having them.

We had a fantastic off-season. We've been averaging about 53 kids every day during our workouts.”

On offense, the Eagles will move away from the spread offense and take advantage of Cryer's knack for confusing defenses with multiple formations.

“Our big focus this year is going to be on maintaining and controlling the ball,” Weldon said. “That was one of the things about bringing Johnny in and his style of offense. It fits our kids.

“We got better as the year went on, but I honestly felt that it didn't 100 percent fit our kids. This year, this offense that we're running, we have some spread concepts in it because Johnny is just a fantastic coach. He mixes in I-formation, Power-I, single-back. He's looking to ex-

ploit matchups. I just think we're going to have more success controlling and maintaining the football.”

Senior Brynnum Channey was the Eagles' top receiver last year (60 rec., 514 yards, 2 TD), but will switch to tailback. Also in the backfield will be junior Daxtyn Wagster (5-7, 15) and fullback Carson Broussard (Sr., 5-9, 160), and Brayden Bergeron (Jr., 6-0, 180). They will run behind an offensive line that has four returning starters in seniors Tug Haymon (6-3, 285) and Alan Ross, junior Brent Borget (6-0, 241) and sophomore Jayden Grubbs (5-5, 220).

Senior Austin Lounsberry (6-3, 181) returns at tight end while junior receivers Jden Hooper (5-10, 150) and Jae’Don Sandoval (5-5, 140) are also back.

The only new starters on the offensive side will be junior quarterback Creek Smith, a 5-10, 170-pound transfer from Leesville High School, and junior offensive lineman Ethan Eaves (6-4, 265).

Weldon is switching the

defense to a 4-2-5 after the Eagles gave up 37.7 points a game last year.

“We are looking for more consistency,” Weldon said.

“Last year, I ran a multiple front. I was trying to push something that I don’t think fit our kids.

“This year, talking to some of my coaching mentors like Todd Moses and Gordy Glazer, the best advice they gave me was to keep it simple, stupid. We are going to go into our base 4-2-5 and adjust it, which will allow our kids to play faster.”

Like the offense, the defense returns nine starters, including three on the line in senior Wyatt Colletti (60, 220), junior Luke Moss (6-1, 225) and sophomore Levi Kennedy. They will be joined by one of the Eagles’ strongest players in Grubbs, who can bench press 315 pounds, squat 500, and power clean 270. Broussard and Bergeron return at linebacker while Lounsberry, Colin Klein (Jr., 5-7, 135)

EAGLES Head coach: David Weldon (2nd season) Record at current school: 2-9 Career record: 2-9.

2025 record (playoffs): 1-9.

Returning starters (offense/defense): 9/8.

Top returning players: TB Brynnum Chaney, OL Tug Haymon, LB Daxtyn Wagster, TE Austin Lansberry, OL Bret Bourget, DL Wyatt Colleti Key players lost: DL Caleb Preece, OL Patrick Gibson, Theodore Wogoman, RB Devin Janice, LB Barrett Coody, DB Josh Robinson.

2026 Schedule Sept. 4 Sept. 10 Sept. 18 Sept. 24 Oct. 2 Oct. 8 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

vs. Montgomery at Grand Lake at Basile vs. Oberlin at Delhi vs. Pickering* vs. Plain Dealing at Vinton* vs. E. Beauregard* at DeQuincy* *District 5-2A

American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

35

LIONS TACKLE COMPLACENCY AFTER HISTORIC 9-WIN SEASON

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Building a winner is difficult. Staying one may be even harder.

Vinton took a major step forward with a 9-3 record last season, its best finish in more than a decade. Head coach Tyler Lavergne said last year's accomplishments don’t give them a pass this season.

“The biggest battle we're going to face this year will be complacency,” Lavergne said. “Having all the success that we've had the last year, I don't want to get into that mode of thinking that everything's going to be handed to us and the work that we've put in the last two years will come to fruition this year because that's not necessarily the case.

“We are expecting to get everybody’s best game this year, given all the success we’ve had. I’m just worried about not falling complacent in those games that in the past we have been favored in.”

The Lions have a large senior class (14) who have helped them go from 1-9 in 2023 to last year’s nine-win season. Seven of those seniors, offensive lineman/ linebacker Kortlin Kyle, offensive lineman Uriah Patin, quarterback Michael Lange,

running back Mika Roper, defensive lineman Kason Hillery, linebacker Cobe Durio and defensive back Dallin Jones, earned all-district first-team honors last year.

“Those seniors are going to have to make the best of whatever they want this season to be, starting in the offseason, starting throughout this offseason, this summer, and the fall camp,” Lavergne said.

Vinton returns nine starters on both sides of the ball, but has one huge hole to fill in one of the most prolific running backs in school history, Jaidon Briggs (4,250 career yards, 58 TDs). But on the right side, they return four of the linemen that helped Briggs run for 2,222 yards last season in Kyle (5-10, 200), Patin (5-9, 175), Andrew Bertrand (6-0, 220) and Hayden Golden (6-3, 195). Sophomore Cason Cormier will be the one newcomer on the line.

Vinton will turn to a trio of backs this year to power its ground game in Roper (5-10, 150), senior Traylen Carrier (5-8, 150) and junior Jaydin Smith (5-10, 160), plus Lange at quarterback. Lange and Roper combined for more than 800 yards and 18 touchdowns last year.

“He's a huge loss, but we have some guys that have been ready, waiting for their chance to be able to get in and

show what they can do. I'm excited about seeing the competition at the running back spot, and I think we'll have a solid three-back system throughout the season, as long as we can stay healthy.

And running behind our veteran offensive line is going to be a big plus for those guys.”

Kyle, who led Vinton with more than 100 tackles last year, and Lange at safety will guide the defense that held opponents to 18.7 points a game in 2025.

“He's (Kyle) definitely going to be our captain up in defense, as well as Michael Lange in the secondary,” Lavergne said. “He's (Lange) a special kid that's going to have a lot of attention on the field.

“We want to get him as much spotlight as we can.

He's a fast athlete on the field. We want to give him the ball in pressure situations, as well as having him be in place to make plays on defense in key situations. He plays a valuable role on both sides of the ball. He does a great job in the offseason and in the end season of taking care of his body and avoiding injuries.”

Other returners on defense include Hiller (6-0) at defensive end, Roper and Durio (5-8, 185) at linebacker, and Jones, who had 10

tackles for a loss in 2025, and Harrington Rideaux in the secondary.

“We'll have a very experienced defense, a very physical defense,” Lavergne said.

“Even the guys that we have coming up from the new starting roles have played a lot of defense in JV games in certain spot situations throughout the year last year.

“You have kids that have been in some situations in the past two years and are ready to step up and take a big role.”

Lakem Courville Senior WR/DB

LIONS Head coach: Tyler Lavergne (4th season) Record at current school: 16-17.

Career record: 16-17.

2025 record (playoffs): 9-3 (regionals).

Returning starters (offense/defense): 9/9.

Top returning players: QB Michael Lange, OL/ LB Kortlin Kyle, OL Uriah Patin, RB Mika Roper, DL Kason Hillery, LB Cobe Durio, DB Dalllin Jones, QB Michael Lange.

Key players lost: RB Jaidon Briggs, DL Braylon Beard, DB Nicodemus Barks.

36 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

2026 Schedule Sept. 3 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 24 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

at Oberlin vs. Elton vs. Wash.-Marion at Grand Lake at LaGrange at Oakdale at DeQuincy* vs. Rosepine* at Pickering* vs. E. Beauregard* *District 5-2A game

WARRIORS PUSH PAST 0-10 FINISH WITH RUN-HEAVY FOCUS

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

The 2025 season was a hard pill to swallow for the Oakdale Warriors. They went 0-10 — one of the program’s worst seasons in decades — but they have vowed not to let it happen again.

Kevin Bertrand, in his third year as head coach, has challenged his team to strengthen themselves mentally and push further than they think they can go.

“We are working on mental toughness right now,” Bertrand said. “I think that we are going to be a tougher team.

“They have been working extremely hard this summer to make sure last year never happens again.”

Bertrand felt the Warriors were in good shape by halftime in several games last year, but needed to make a second-half push to take the next step.

“We are pushing ourselves a little harder, especially when things get tough,” Bertrand said. “We have really been getting after it this summer, and trying to learn to push through it.

“We were in a lot of games at halftime last year that we

just came up short in. We need to be prepared to be mentally tough for four quarters and give it all you have, no matter what.”

Basile experimented with the spread offense last year, but is going back to its ground game with a splitback veer and a rotation of three backs in Jacarvi Alsbury (Sr., 5-10, 195), Peyton Crawford (Jr., 5-9, 180) and Maddox Thompson (Sr., 5-9, 175).

“We are going to be a running back by committee this year,” Bertrand said. “We have four running backs that we are going to use.

“There will be no drop-off.

We will be able to give those guys some breaks because we have so many guys that are going both ways. They are hard-nosed guys. They run hard, and they block hard. They do everything we ask of them.”

The offensive line is a work in progress with only one returning starter in Jayce Thomas (Sr., 5-9, 269).

Bertrand said he will be looking at underclassmen to help load up the line.

“They are coming along,” Bertrand said. “We are going to have some young guys, and probably going to have a

WARRIORS Head coach: Kevin Bertrand (3rd season) Record at current school: 3-17.

Career record: 98-63.

2025 record (playoffs): 0-10.

Returning starters (offense/ defense): 6/6.

Top returning players: RB/LB Jacarvi Alsburry.

Key players lost: OL/DL Tylon Jackson, LB Jacob Sumbler, WR/ DB Deverrick Winfield, OL Cortland Hobson.

2026 Schedule

Sept. 4 at Sacred Heart Sept. 11 vs. Oberlin Sept. 17 vs. Grand Lake

Sept. 25 at Lake Arthur Oct. 2 at Delcambre Oct. 9 vs. Vinton Oct. 15 at Elton Oct. 23 vs. Avoyelles* Oct. 30 vs. HSM Nov. 6 at Port Barre* *District 6-2A game

freshman up there.

“We are trying to instill drive blocking as opposed to more finesse up front. With the split back there, we're really working hard on coming off the ball and working our double teams and combos to where we can move people.”

Junior Matthew Hebert got a handful of starts last year in place of injured Chris Waller and will be the Warriors’ starting quarterback this year.

Like the offense, the Warriors will be young up front with no returning starters on the defensive line.

“It is the same concern as with our offense,” Bertrand said. “Our line is going to be young, but they have to come around.

“We have the guys behind

them. It is just we are breaking in a bunch of new and young guys to play up front on both sides of the ball. It is going to take them a little bit to come around, but we are hoping they are going to mature pretty quickly.”

The Warriors lost three first-team all-district players on defense to graduation in lineman Tylan Jackson, linebacker Jacob Sumbler and defensive back Deverrick Winnfield, but do return three linebackers in Alsbury, Thompson and Crawford. In the secondary, junior Jewel Hayward (6-1, 175), a three-year starter, returns along with sophomore Gabe Jones. After missing last season with an injury, senior A.J. Hobson will return to strengthen the secondary.

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GO WARRIORS! American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

37

KINDER ON QUEST TO REMAIN DEFENSIVE POWERHOUSE

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Kinder lost some of its biggest offensive weapons to graduation, but there are still plenty left to keep the program going. With an experienced offensive line and record-setting quarterback returning, the Yellow Jackets expect to remain one of Southwest Louisiana's most dangerous offenses.

The Yellow Jackets went undefeated in the regular season in 2025 and reached the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season under quarterback Isaiah Thomas. The 6-1, 190-pound senior threw for a school single-season record 2,544 yards and 27 touchdowns and broke the school single-season total yards record of 3,508. Kinder is 20-4 with Thomas under center and averaged 44.25 points per game last year.

“There is obviously a level of

comfort having a guy like Isaiah who has been so successful over the past three seasons,” head coach Justin Reed said. “He definitely has a firm grasp on the offense and gives us the ability to add even more to it this year because he is so skilled both throwing the ball and running it.

“I think sometimes he doesn’t get the credit for just how smart he is as a football player. He very rarely turns the ball over and usually plays his best in the biggest games. All those traits added together are the major reason we are so high on our offense going into the season.”

Kinder lost its top three wide receivers – Brandon Perkins, John Luke Bendily and Peyton Semien – who accounted for 2,221 yards and 22 touchdowns, plus 1,000-yard rusher John Roberts, but Reed feels the experienced offensive line will keep the offense

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Isaiah Thomas

Senior quarterback

balanced. Juniors Kenny Hyatt (62, 240), Jackson Crawford (6-2, 280), and Hayes John (6-2, 280), plus Owen Jennings (6-2, 305) return to anchor the line.

“The system that we run on offense is built for that,” Reed said.

“We feel like we got a good chance to be pretty good in the running game this year with the returners on the offensive line.

“We're going to have some size up front that we haven't had in the past, probably 10 years. We're hoping to lean on that running game a little more, probably at least early in the year until the passing game kind of catches up.”

Kinder will not be completely without experience at running back and wide receiver. Senior Bryson Eaglin and junior Gare May combined for 763 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last year, while senior Josh Roane and junior Kaleb Jacob combined for more than 200 receiving yards. Senior Tim Ardoin and junior Remy January give Kinder a couple more threats in the passing game.

Defensively, the Yellow Jackets have six players from a defense that held opponents to 21.75 points per game last year, but have a big hole to fill in the front after American Press All-Southwest Louisiana Small Schools defensive MVP Eli Self (100 tackles, 32 TFL, 11

sacks) graduated.

“It's hard to replace someone with that production with just one person, so it's going to be the same thing that we've done the past couple of years. We’re going to rotate five, six, or seven guys on the defensive line. We feel like we've got some guys who can do some of the things Eli did. It's one of those things we're still working through, but we feel pretty good about the guys that we do have to kind of mix and match in there.”

Junior Eli Fontenot (5-9, 275) and sophomore Taiven Ceasar (6-2, 235 pounds) return to anchor the defensive line. Senior Vince Gonzales (6-2, 215) will move into a starting role, while Reed expects several offensive linemen to provide depth upfront, as well.

A pair of senior stalwarts will line up in the core of the defense at linebacker in Eaglin, who had four tackles for a loss in the regional round last year, and Paxton Pierotti (6-0, 200), both threeyear starters along with junior Levi Lebeouf.

Holding up the back of the defense will a pair of returning starters in senior Wyatt Howell (6-2, 175) and junior Gate May (510, 165). Junior Landry Fawcett and sophomore Brantley Courville are slated to start in the secondary.

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YELLOW JACKETS Head coach: Justin Reed (4th season) Career record: 25-9.

2025 record (playoffs): 11-1 (quarterfinals).

Returning (offense/defense): 7/6 Top returning players: QB Isaiah Thomas, RB/LB Bryson Eaglin, OL Jackson Crawford, LB Paxton Pierotti, DB Wyatt Howell, DL Eli Fontenot, DL Taven Ceasar.

Top players lost: RB John Roberts, WR Brandon Perkins, WR Peyton Simien, WR John Luke Bendily, DL Eli Self, DL Jarred Chaumont.

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 19 Sept. 24 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

2026 Schedule

at Westlake vs. Northwest vs. Eunice at LC College Prep at Bunkie at Welsh* at Lake Arthur* vs. DeRidder vs. Notre Dame* vs. Basile* *District 7-2A game

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39

NEW LOOK FOR BEARCATS Basile shifts to versatile offense for Class 2A move

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

For many years, the Basile Bearcats have relied on a run-oriented offense, but first-year head coach Josh Andrus has been tweaking things to develop a more versatile scheme for the 2026 season.

Andrus plans to use the knowledge he gained during seven years as head coach at Iota — which included a run to the semifinals in 2018 — to add multiple dimensions to the Bearcats’ offense.

“It is going to depend on what our guys are good at,” Andrus said. “We’re working on getting better at a lot of stuff.

“They’ve been wing-t, and we are going to run a lot of one-back, two-back sets, three-receiver, two-receiver sets. Basically the same stuff I did at Iota, so it’s a versatile offense. Since we have to play with what we have, the offense kind of adapts to our kids and what they are good at.”

In his third season as the starting quarterback, junior Ricky Malone (5-7, 155) will take a more active role in the offense.

“He’s going from a wing-t where he was handing the ball out and not having to throw. I think between throwing the ball and his athletic ability, he can have a great season.”

At running back, the Bearcats will rotate through a seasoned trio in seniors Logan Bergeron and Landon Johnson and junior Alex Placios, plus fullback Carter Darbonne.

“They are not burners, but they all have good skill sets,” Andrus said. “They can run it in between the tackles and run it outside.”

Passing game threats include senior Marcus Evans and tight end Christian Guillory, plus seniors Nick Smith and Landon Fontenot and sophomore Braylin Richardson.

The key to the Bearcats multi-faceted offense will rest with the experienced

offensive line that sports size and agility led by 6-5, 265-pound junior Zachary Mason, who is one of four returning starters along with Gabe David (Jr., 5-11, 220) and seniors Martin Rosales and Williams Ashford.

“He (Mason) is that guy that when he gets off the bus, everyone is going to notice — big guy, long arms — and he can move,” Andrus said. “When I met with the team for the first time, I was shocked at the size that we have.

“Coach Dale (Guillory) had them in the weight room, and they are very strong. We had to put agility and stuff in there to get them more explosive. They adapted to that very well.”

On defense, Basile returns eight starters and will switch from 3-4 to a 4-3 built around two returning starters at linebacker — seniors Bergeron and Carter.

“We have a good bit coming back,” Andrus said.

“They are very athletic.

“We don’t have that burn-

er, but good team speed.

Having Carter (Darbonne) come back in the middle is going to be big, and Logan (Bergeron) back there when he is fresh.”

Also back on defense are linemen Mason, Rosales and David, plus Richardson, Smith and Evans at defensive back. Andrus is looking at juniors Ethan David and Christian Rosales and Ashford at the four lineman position, while brothers Eli Lebeouf (Jr., 6-0, 180) and Parker Lebeouf (Fr.), along with Guillory, are in the mix at linebacker.

Even with 17 of the 22 spots filled with returning players, the season will bring a new challenge for the Bearcats at the move up to Class 2A and a tough District 7-2A that includes perennial contenders Kinder, Welsh and Notre Dame.

“We are going to try to get to that as healthy as possible to give us the best chance (in district,” Andrus said.

BEARCATS Head coach: Josh Andrus (1st season) Career record: 44-30.

Record at current school: 0-0.

2025 record (playoffs): 5-6 (bi-district).

Returning (offense/defense): 9/8.

Top returning players: QB Ricky Malone, OL Zachary Mason, LB Carter Darbonne, LB Logan Bergeron, Key players lost: OL/DL Romyn Cortez, DB Kye Smith, OL Caden Luben, RB/DB Pierson Comeaux, RB Landon Istre, DB Austin Ashford.

2026 Schedule

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25

40 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

at Elton at Beau Chene vs. Rosepine vs. Port Barre

Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 29 Nov. 6

vs. Oberlin at Lake Arthur* vs. Notre Dame* vs. Welsh* vs. Ville Platte at Kinder* *District 7-2A game

PLAYER-LED TRANSITION: SENIORS HELPING TIGERS ADAPT TO NEW COACH

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

A new coaching staff usually means a learning curve, but first-year Lake Arthur head coach Cody Gueringer believes the Tigers are catching on quickly thanks to an experienced senior class.

“We have a good group of seniors that have some experience and that have played in some pretty big, meaningful games,” he said. “They’ve done a really good job of buying into what we want and understand what we want and try to take the next step.”

Lake Arthur has six returning starters on both sides of the ball — including four three-year starters in offensive lineman Aiden Simon (5-9, 225), running backs Jaydon Prudhomme (5-10, 200) and Tyler Campbell and linebacker Wyatt Monceaux

Jaydon Prudhomme Running back

(5-10, 205).

“They're kind of just all different kids,” Gueringer said of the senior class. “They do different things well as far as leadership-wise. Some of them are somewhat outspoken, and then some of them just kind of put their head down and grind, which is good.

“They just understand what I want, and they are beginning to take the reins, whether it's offensively or defensively, to try to be able to understand things and kind of be that model of the message and be coach-fed but player-led."

The offense will be run by a quarterback in senior Gabe Turner (5-10, 170), who moves over from wide receiver, but Gueringer likes the progress he has made during the offseason.

“Gabe has really stepped up as far as leading the quarterback charge, and really taking ownership of all that,” Gueringer said.

“He has the ability to be explosive in many ways.

“They (offense) have a chance to be really good. Coming in so late, we were kind of behind the eight-ball,

but they are beginning to understand things when we go outside and what we’re trying to do."

Turner will have plenty of weapons around him, including Pruhomme and Campbell, a number of downfield threats in 6-3 junior Kyson Daniels, Monceaux at tight end, plus sophomores Owen Blancard (6-2, 180), Koy Hornsby (5-9, 170) and Kptyn Myers (6-2, 170). Protecting Turner will be a veteran offensive line that includes seniors Simon, Landen Daigle (5-10, 200), Ben Lejeune (5-10, 195), Emery Leger (6-1, 215) and junior Cy Breaux (5-10, 250). Dagile, Breaux and Simon are returning starters.

“I have always felt like Lake Arthur has really good athletes, and the offensive line has been good putting all that together,” Gueringer said. “I think our left side can be really good, o-line-wise. I think that we have the ability to be pretty explosive offensively, whether it's running it or throwing it, and make sure that we keep teams off-balance as much as possible.”

Gueringer believes Prudhomme is one of the area's top running backs. He ran for 1,324 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025 in eight games.

“Prudhomme is a special player,” he said. “Somebody is going to be getting a steal with him. I don’t know if

there is a better back in the district.”

Defensively, the Tigers are transitioning from a 3-3 front to a scheme closer to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Coach Thompson.

“Having Coach Thompson come in has been a blessing,” Gueringer said. “They’re doing really well. They are starting to understand things and just flying around, making teams uncomfortable, and understanding their responsibilities.

“Even though it is a different scheme, a lot of these guys played last year. The biggest thing is knowing that you can rely on those guys on Friday nights who have experience.

I feel like our defensive line can be pretty good.”

Leading the defense is Monceaux, who recorded 97 tackles last season. Other turners on the defensive side include linemen Brock Oneillion (Sr., 6-4, 190) and Daniels, Campbell at linebacker and defensive backs Kam Robinson (Jr., 5-10, 150) and Turner. Simon (DL), linebacker Zaiden Hagger (Jr., 5-10, 177) and defensive backs Austin Abshire, Derrick Adickers and Hornsby will move into starting roles.

“He got to make all the calls and stuff,” Gueringer said. “He has a ton of offers.

He just desires that job, that lead role.”

TIGERS Head coach: Cody Gueringer (1st year) Record at current school: 0-0.

Career record: 29-42.

2025 record (playoffs): 5-6 (first round) Returning starters (offense/defense): 6/6.

Top returning players: RB Jaydon Prudhomme, TE/LB Wyatt Monceaux, WR/DL Kyson Daniel, QB Gabe Turner.

Key players lost: OL Tayler Mallet, QB Cameron Bonin, WR Breyon McZeal

2026 Schedule Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 5

at Holy Savior Menard

vs. DeQuincy vs. Iota vs. Oakdale at Covenant Christ. vs. Basile* vs. Kinder* at Notre Dame* vs. Welsh* at Grand Lake *District 7-2A game

American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

41

OFFENSIVE EXPERIENCE FUELS WELSH'S POSTEASON AMBITION

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Experience is a luxury not every high school football team gets to enjoy, but Welsh has it in abundance on offense.

Four offensive linemen and six skill-position players are back to lead a Greyhound offense that hopes to keep one of Southwest Louisiana's most consistent programs rolling. Welsh has won at least one playoff game in 10 of the last 11 seasons.

“I think this year, we definitely have a lot more confidence in what exactly we want to do,” Welsh head coach Ronnie Courville said. “Coach (Kaleb) Hayes has been calling offense for a couple years, so he has a general idea.

“We have a ton of experience, so we know what they are good at and what situation we might not

want to put them in. Going into this year, we definitely have a better game plan.”

Returning offensive linemen include Noah Lefranc (5-7, 210), Tanner Lejeune (5-11, 250), Hagun Bryant (5-10, 240) and Jaxson Trahan (5-11, 210). Levi Mallett (5-7, 190) will start at center, but he has a wealth of experience and is one of four seniors on the line.

“It is always going to the o-line,” Courville said. “Whether you're good there or you lack experience there, I mean, everything starts there.

“Even if you're really good at receiving, really good at quarterbacking, you gotta be up there blocking, or, you know, you're gonna struggle. We have to play well upfront, and continue to work on what they didn’t do well last year.”

Grant Haydel will start at quarterback again after throwing for 1,928 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2025, and will have his top targets back in Vince Bagala (5-9, 175), Devanta Castille (5-11, 185) and Bryson Prudhomme (6-2, 175), who combined for 19 touchdowns last year.

“I’ve seen him shoot the basketball. He’s not bad, either. He is sneaky good at everything. He is good back there for us. He is definitely one of the better throwers we’ve had in a while. With returning three receivers, it would be key for him to play to his potential.”

Senior running back Ja’kyrin Woodard (6-1, 180) is back after leading the Greyhounds’ ground game last year with 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns, and will be complemented by fellow senior Azarias Bennett (5-9, 175). Bennett was slated to be the starter in 2024, but was stopped by an ACL injury. Courville said Bennett is looking more confident running the ball now.

“What's really good about him (Woodard) is, we feel like anytime he gets to that second level, there's a good chance he could take it to the house,” Courville said. “He has a ton of speed, and he's a big kid.

“Last year, it didn’t seem like he (Bennett) was as confident in his knee. His knee is looking

even better than last year. He’s a really good athlete, and we think he complements what Ja’kyrin doesn’t do well.”

The Greyhounds only turn five on the defensive side, plus two tranferrers, but Courville said the unit’s confidence is up.

“I think that’s where we can make a lot of improvements as far as being on the same page, having more leadership back there,” Courville said. “It seems like it’s already better this summer.

They just have more confidence in themselves. It didn’t seem like they had a ton of confidence in themselves to make the call and take ownership last year.”

Bennett and junior Owen Davis return at linebacker, while Baelyr Thibodeaux, Jordan Strong (Sr., 6-2, 200) and Hunter Lejeune (Jr., 5-9, 170) return in the secondary.

Defensive end Grant Menard (Sr., 5-9, 175) and linebacker Brayden Thibodeaux transferred in from Hamilton Christian and Lake Arthur, respectively.

Strong is a four-year starter but was slowed by a dislocated shoulder last year. With the injury behind him, Courville wants to use Strong on offense as well.

“He is another one that is going to get the ball some way on offense,” Courville said. “We can use him in the wildcat; we can put him at receiver. He’s going to get the ball.”

GREYHOUNDS

(337)564-6613 5606 Common Street golfcarsunlimitedlakecharles.com 42 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

Head coach: Ronnie Courville (4th year) Record at current school: 20-17.

Career record: 20-17.

2025 record (playoffs): 5-7 (regionals) Returning starters (offense/ defense): 9/8 Top returning starters: RB Jakyrin Woodard, WR Vince Bagala, QB Grant Haydel, WR Devanta Castille, FS Jordan Strong, LB Azarias Bennett.

Key starters lost: OL Jayden Turnley, LB Gus Doise.

Sept. 4

2026 Schedule at Abbeville

Sept. 11 vs. Opelousas Cath.

Sept. 17 at Jennings Sept. 25 vs. Vermilion Cath. at DeQuincy Oct. 2 Oc. 9 vs. Kinder* Oct. 16 vs. Wash.-Marion Oct. 23 at Basile* Oct. 30 at Lake Arthur* Nov. 5 vs. Notre Dame* *District 7-2A game

ELTON LEANS ON STAR BACK TO PUSH PAST REGIONAL PLAYOFF

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Elton has won eight games and reached the regional playoffs in each of the last two seasons, now head coach Marcus Lejeune wants the Indians to push harder against a tougher schedule.

They will open the season with three games against larger Class 2A schools in the first four weeks, including former District 5-1A rival Basile in Week 1, followed by a Vinton team that won nine games last year.

“We’ve been fortunate with wins,” Lejeune said.

“Now, this year coming up, we have a lot stronger pre-district schedule with more 2A teams, which is to help us push our program forward.

“We're trying to push our pre-district to make it strong so we can get a good taste of that for the playoffs and help us prepare for the playoffs.”

Lemoine feels doing things right in practice will play out on the field this year.

“We need to do things correctly on the practice field before we get out on Friday,” Lejeune said. “Everyone asks what kind of slogans we have every year and this and that. I think our big slogan is we need to do it right all the time. We

need to do it right on the practice field.”

Despite graduating several key players, Elton returns one of the state's most explosive offensive weapons in the state in senior running back Makelin Lemoine. Last season, Lemoine rushed for 2,643 yards and 42 touchdowns while adding a kickoff return and interception return for scores.

He enters his senior season with more than 4,500 career rushing yards.

“He had a great year last year,” Lejeune said. “We're expecting him to have another big year. Last year was his first year at the tailback position since junior high, so he learned. I really think he's going to be a lot better, a lot more experienced runner. He's getting stronger and bigger."

Senior quarterback Davin Simon gives the Indians another dangerous runner while adding balance to the offense with his passing ability. Simon threw for a career-high 202 yards in last year's regional playoff game and rushed for nearly 300 yards over the final four games of the season.

“We started running out of a spread formation, which enabled us to utilize the quarterback running and get some receivers involved,” Lejeune said.“We're going to be do-

ing some of that, plus some of the different packages with the base wing-high, as well. He has to be able to run the ball as well. “He's a big guy, too, 205 pounds, strong kid that can run, as well. He is not as fast as Lemoine, but he's a good runner. He enables us to be able to utilize some of the throwing as well and the receivers we have, so we can be a broader offense instead of a one-dimensional offense."

Replacing three starters up front will be one of Elton's biggest challenges.

Juniors Aaron Gobert and Sam Valdez anchor the line after earning experience last season, while Lejeune continues to sort through the remaining positions. “ W e think we c a n find five guys just to play offensive line,” Lejeune s a i d . “ R i g h t n o w , Valdez is projected to play some linebacker. I’m going with a young center, and hopefully he can handle it. With those guys, we're going to solve that puzzle.”

Defensively, Simon returns after recording 136 tackles last season, while Lemoine can makes plays secondary at free safety.

Junior Calvin Thomas is expected to play a larger role after gaining valuable experience as a sophomore.

Lejeune is also counting on seniors Chris Ardoin, Graison Marsh and Damarian Poullard, along with junior Gobert, plus Dreylan Delafosse, to anchor the defensive front after several position changes during the offseason.

Other returners in the defensive secondary include senior Derek George and junior Draven Hanley.

Makeline Lemoine Senior running back

INDIANS Head coach: Marcus Lejeune (6th season) Career record: 69-79.

Record at current school: 27-27.

2025 record (playoffs): 8-4 (regionals) Returning (offense/defense): 4/7 Top returning players: RB/LB Makelin Lemoine, QB/LB Davin Simon, DB Derek George.

Key players lost: TE Jaylin Thomas, OL Ivan Guitterros, LB Jeremiah Fontenot, OL Clayton Clark, Quinton Marsh.

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 6

2026 Schedule

vs. Basile at Vinton at Montgomery vs. DeQuincy at J.S. Clark vs. Merryville* vs. Oakdale at Grand Lake* at Gueydan at Oberlin* *District 5-1A game

American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

43

VETERAN LINE, EXPERIENCED ROSTER GUIDE REBUILDING GRAND LAKE HORNETS

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Replacing standout players has become part of the formula for success at Grand Lake.

The Hornets lost several key contributors from last year's regional playoff team, including quarterback J.J. Labove and leading rusher Charles McFarland, but head coach Jeff Wainwright is not too concerned. Grand Lake returns six starters on offense, five on defense and a roster filled with players who have already gained valuable varsity experience.

“We got the same dance floor,” Wainwright said. “We always have returners.

“We're never going to have a whole ton of returning starters. But the good news is we play a lot of kids all the time, so they all have valuable experience.

“They've embraced the blue-collar method of how we play football, and our communication has been great. So we feel pretty good where we're at.

I'm really looking forward to coaching this team and going through the adversity of the year. It's just kind of exciting right now. I don't know. I just got a weird feeling around here.”

The strength begins up front, where Grand Lake returns an experienced offensive line led by seniors Andon Baccigalopi and Carson Eskind,

along with junior Dax Guillotte.

“Coming back, probably the most experience we have is on the offensive line, as far as games started, which is always exciting for me,” Wainwright said. “Our run game pretty much controls our offensive tempo.

“Dax and Andy are really physical football players. You can go back and look at the film last year, and they had some great double-team blocks and combination blocks. We're super excited about that because with us running the veer, we have to lean on that ability to move people. At center, Carson is an extremely smart kid. He gets us in the right calls on the front. He is very consistent and hardly ever makes mistakes.”

Junior Zack Manuel (80 car., 599 yards, 6 TD) and sophomore Baker (43 car., 344 yards, 2 TD) Knowles will pick up the slack in the ground game after gaining valuable experience last season.

“Last year, Zach had some great games,” Wainwright said. “He’s just been a tremendous player. He started as a freshman for us. They both are going to play both sides of the ball. Zach is a leader in our secondary at the free safety position. Both gained some weight over the offseason.

“So I don't think we're going to have a step down in production. It's just going to be a different name. But we're expect-

ing the same production and the same mentality, you know — hard-nosed running backs that are going to break tackles and protect the football for us and grind out those two- to three-yard carries.”

Replacing Labove at quarterback will be a competition between junior Bransyn Mudd and sophomore Clint Taylor.

“Both of them are really good,” Wainwright said. “Clint will play at wide receiver if he doesn’t win the starting quarterback position.

“Braynson is slightly ahead of him. He is having a great camp. Clint is such a good athlete. Clint is going to be a big-time football player for us.”

S o p h o more running back Ryder Shields is another player expected to make an impact in multiple roles.

“He is probably our best all-around f o o t ball player on the team,” Wainwright said. “The guy can throw, catch, kick, run, is strong in the weight room, and plays great defense. He is just one of those throwback players that you can put in any position, and he can thrive.”

Defensively, junior middle linebacker Tucker Tregle will direct a unit that Wainwright believes has the speed to be one of the team's strengths.

“On the defensive side, the No. 1 player back on the defensive side at the lower level is Tucker Treggle, middle linebacker,” Wainwright said.

"Him and Coach (Matt) Dufresne are gearing everything up right now as far as all the calls and looks and things like that.

“In all, we're really excited about our defense. We're pretty fast.”

Junior Luke St. Romain also returns at linebacker along with senior defensive lineman Drake Stelly and a junior and a senior in the secondary in Manuel and Mason Babineaux, who also starts at wide receiver.

Zac Manuel

Junior running back

HORNETS Head coach: Jeff Wainwright (8th season) Career record: 154-98.

Record at current school: 55-25 2025 record (playoffs): 8-4 (regionals) Returning (offense/defense): 6/5.

Top returning players: RB/DB Zack Manuel, WR Mason Babineaux, OL Andon Baccigalopi, LB Tucker Tregle, RB Baker Knowles.

Key players lost: WR Kelan Vazquez, OL Grayson Verzyvelt, RB Charles McFarland, QB J.J. Labove, K Luke Wainwright, DL Marques Brothers, LB Jax Tingler, DB Law Faulk.

44 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 30 Nov. 5

2026 Schedule

at DeQuincy vs. Rosepine at Oakdale vs. Vinton at Port Barre vs. Oberlin* at Merryville* vs. Elton* OPEN vs. Lake Arthur *District 5-1A game

TIGERS IN REBUILDING MODE New coach aims to restore Oberlin football IQ

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

It wasn’t that long ago that the Oberlin Tigers were churning out district titles and wins, but they struggled the last two seasons with just five wins and barely made it through the 2025 season with 15 players.

New head coach Robert Ethridge believes the pieces are there for the Tigers to turn the program around.

“They were definitely looking to make some progress this last year,” Etheridge said. “They almost lost the program last year.

“I am looking to make some progress to start the makings of a program, just build a program, teaching some football IQ stuff and actually just getting back to teaching football.

"I inherited a group that, football-wise, were kind of neglected," Ethridge continued.

"They don't know much foot-

ball, the schematics and everything. They're kind of out there just playing. We are trying to get out of that mindset where we're just ad-libbing and just putting duct tape on here and patching stuff up there.”

One of their biggest problems will once again be depth with just 25 players on the roster.

“The depth is going to be an issue,” Etheridge said. “I think we have the guys to get it done. I've told the players this.

“We have the guys to be pretty successful, especially with the scheme we're going to try to use. I worry about our depth. We're only going to carry 25 this year on the roster. Of those 25, one may be an eighth-grader.”

The Tigers have traditionally run ground-based offenses, but Etheridge sees more passing in the Tigers’ future with a pair of talented

receivers in seniors Jayden Bokemeyer and D’vante Simmons, plus junior Paityn Declouette and eighth grader Michael Kirkland. They return two experienced linemen in Tatum Ortego (6-0, 245) and Cruz Chandler (6-0, 200), a second-team all-district player last year.

Junior Hunter Montou will start at quarterback, while Daylan Montou, a transfer from Cypress Spring (Texas) will give the Tigers’ ground game some punch.

“The offense is going to be good,” Mouton said. “Hunter is going to be able to throw the ball a lot.

“We are going to be able to throw the ball a lot more with what we have on the offensive side of the ball. We’re still going to have a pretty good chunk of running. We'll probably be 70, 30, 60, 40 percent pass, to be honest.

“For us, everything is going to be mostly done out of the

gun. We're going to be more of a perimeter type team, but there will be some inside runs still, too.”

After allowing nearly 40 points a game in 2025, the Tigers will switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 formation, looking to raise the bar on defense. Upfront, Oberlin returns Ortego at nose guard and freshman Noah Beard at end, plus linebackers Connor Fontenot, Giovanni Warden and Dylan Mouton. Bokemeyer and Simmons return in the secondary and will be joined by Kirkland.

Etheridge wants to see the Tigers create chaos with turnovers.

“We're definitely looking to generate a lot of turnovers,” Etheridge said. “Stop the run is going to be our first main objective, obviously. We're going to look to force some turnovers. That's where we're going to look to get a lot of stuff done.”

TIGERS Head coach: Dr. Robert Ethridge (1st season) Career record: 0-0.

Record at current school: 0-0.

2025 record (playoffs): 2-7.

Returning (offense/defense): 4/5.

Top returning players: RB/WR Jayden Bokemeyer, CB/WR Paityn Declouete, RB/LB Navaughn Williams, OL Cruz Chandler.

Key players lost: OL/LB Tristan Reed, DB Tre Rider.

2026 Grand Lake High School Go! Fight!

Win! Go Hornets!

Sept. 3 Sept. 11 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 29 Nov. 6

2026 Schedule

vs. Vinton at Oakdale vs. Centerville at Rosepine at Basile at Grand Lake* vs. Carroll vs. Lakeside at Merryville* vs. Elton* *District 5-1A game

The best game plan is: Buckle Up Put the Phone Down Drive Sober Watch Your Speed

American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

45

VETERAN PANTHERS AIM TO BREAK PLAYOFF DROUGHT

By Rodrick Anderson American Press

Merryville hasn't made the playoffs since 2021, but the Panthers believe they can change their trajectory.

After battling injuries throughout last season and finishing 2-8, Merryville returns nine starters on both offense and defense.

“That should be the strong point of our team,” head coach Bryan Barbay said. “We got our offensive line, and Cole (Mirante) was a real steady hand for us at running back. And then Brooks (Lukens) is now returning at quarterback.

He’s a good sized guy with good strength. He’s a good runner, and he can throw the ball really well. And we’ve got some guys that can run and catch. We just have to get everyone on the same page.”

The biggest hurdle will always be avoiding injuries.

With a small roster, and the majority of players going both ways, one injury can lead to multiple positions that need to be filled.

“The biggest struggle last year was just staying healthy,” Barbay said. “We normally average about five kids per grade that play football.

“It makes all those guys have to play both ways all the time. And then eventually, you lose one, you lose

two, you lose four, you lose eight. When I used to coach that in Texas, if you lost a lineman, you slide another lineman in, and that didn't play on defense. We probably play with about 13 or 14 kids sometimes for the majority of it. If we can stay healthy, we can win some games. I have been here five years, and we have not made it through a season without people getting banged up and stuff.”

The offense is built around senior running back Mirante, who rushed for 882 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, and junior quarterback Lukens, who returns for his second season as the starter along with receivers Austin Anderson and Zavier Morgan. Five senior offensive linemen also return — Curd Walker (5-11, 200), Zach Byrd (62, 210), Billy Smith (5-10, 190), Bobby Daniel (6-1, 210) and Hunter Springer (6-1, 225) — giving Merryville the experience it needs to field a strong offense. Barbay hopes that experience will allow the Panthers to expand their passing game while still controlling the clock with the run.

“Hopefully, we'll be able to throw the ball around more than what we have,” Barbay said. “We don't normally throw a lot, but we still normally throw more

than most of the people that we play.”

“I've got a lot of good stuff growing. I mean, we got to be able to protect and be able to do it. And I'm not saying we're going wide open slinging it around every play. But I mean, we got a lot of stuff that we can do throwing that'll help us out, especially if we do spread it out some, we can spread it out and still run the ball.”

Even with more options offensively, Barbay wants to control the clock.

“We take our time,” Barbay said. “We are still trying to score, but we are trying to score in nine minutes, not nine seconds.”

“Anytime we can keep the clock moving, it is in Merryville’s favor.”

Defensively, Barbay's emphasis is on becoming more

physical and eliminating mistakes. On the defensive side, Walker will be on the line, while Mirante, Michael Clark, Bubba Lanier and Bryson Dockens will make up the linebacker corps, and Anderson and Watson will lead the secondary.

“We practice kind of soft.

We have to be better tackles, which means we have to be more physical. We always tried to back off and not be as physical because we didn’t want to beat each other up before we play a game. We're gonna have to run into each other a lot more than what we have been. Offensively, we can’t have penalties because it is hard to overcome penalties for us. We’re not the type of team that can go back and have a first and 20 and then overcome it.”

PANTHERS Mascot: Panthers.

Head coach: Bryan Barbay.

Career record: 79-32.

2025 record (playoffs): 2-8 (missed).

Returning (offense/defense): 9/9.

Top returning players: RB/LB Cole Mirante, QB/ LB Brooks Lukens, WR/DB Austin Anderson.

Top players lost: WR/DB Blaze Brister, WR/DL Hunter Brister, RB/LB Carston Lukens, OL/DL Storm Flores.

46 American Press 2026 SWLA High School Football Preview

Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 6

2026 Schedule

at East Beauregard vs. Pine Prairie at Northwood-Lena vs. Pickering at Linden Kildare (Tx.) at Elton* vs. Grand Lake* OPEN vs. Oberlin* OPEN *District 7-2A game

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