Rick Hickman / American Press
C2 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
FOOTBALL 2021
TEAM INDEX C3 — Barbe C4 — Sam Houston C5 — Sulphur C7 — DeRidder C8 — Leesville C9 — LaGrange C10 — Washington-Marion C11 — Iowa C12 — Jennings C13 — Lake Charles College Prep C14 — St. Louis C15 — South Beauregard C16 — Westlake C17 — DeQuincy C18 — Kinder C19 — Oakdale C20 — Iota C20 — Rosepine C21 — Vinton C22 — Pickering C22 — Lake Arthur C23 — Basile C24 — Elton C24 — East Beauregard C25 — Welsh C26— Hamilton C27 — Grand Lake C28 — Merryville C28 — Oberlin
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C3
Barbe: Bucs ‘fired up’ to be able to play Nearly two years since last varsity football game By Rodrick Anderson American Press
When Barbe takes the field on Sept. 3 at LaGrange’s John J. Mims Stadium, it will have been nearly two years since the Bucs have played a varsity game. But the Bucs are more than ready to return to the gridiron after last playing on Nov. 15, 2019. Hurricanes Laura and Delta wiped out the Bucs’ 2020 season. “The kids have been working hard, and they are excited to play,” Barbe head coach Mike Cutrera said. “We are just fired up to be able to play. “It has been a long time coming. They have been putting in the work, so hopefully, we will be ready. I think just getting on the field this year with all the things these kids have been through is going to be a success. Hopefully, we can stay healthy, and everything else works out off the field with everything that is going on. They are just excited to be out there, which is nice and refreshing. It is good to see their faces when they get to go out on the field and play.” The Bucs lack game experience with just a handful of seniors that saw playing time as sophomores in 2019. “We are going to be very young and very green,” Cutrera said. “We will have a lot of juniors
‘I think just getting on the field this year with all the things these kids have been through is going to be a success.’ Mike Cutrera Barbe football head coach
Rick Hickman / American Press Archives
Tylan Ceasar ran for more than 1,000 yards and helped lead Kinder to the Class 2A finals. Ceasar returns to play for Barbe this season after playing for the Bucs as a sophomore in 2019. and seniors that don’t have any playing experience. “With our district, we are going to have to grow up fast.” But one starter saw plenty of action last season and will be a beacon for the rest of the team. Tylan Ceasar ran for more than 1,000 yards and helped lead Kinder to the Class 2A finals before returning to Barbe. He ran for 537 yards and six touchdowns in 2019. “That is going to be huge,” Cutrera said. “He did play in a state championship last year.
“That helps out tremendously. Hopefully, he will be able to relay those experiences to the rest of the team. We are looking for him to be the leader and carry the load for us in the running game.” Quarterback Will McClain will have plenty of receivers to throw to in Jamaal Levi, who played in 2019, Kenny Galla, Reed Boyd and Travis Antoine. “He (McClain) is progressing very well,” Cutrera said. “He is cool, calm and collected. “He throws the ball well, and he does a good
job of running our offense. He is a leader out there.” Cutrera said the Bucs’ success rests on the offensive and defensive lines. They have a mix of seniors and juniors up front in offensive linemen Drew Mitten, Blake Materne, Dillon Payne, Eric Marras and Kamden Broussard and defensive linemen Javan Thomas, Jason Legre and Kaden Broussard. “On both sides of the football, it is going to depend on how well our lines hold up,” Cutrera said. “With them not
having plenty of experience, it is going to be a challenge. “Those kids are working hard. If the offensive and defensive line develop, that will give us a chance.” The rest of the Bucs’ defense will be a mix of seniors and juniors in linebackers John Henry Richard (Jr.) and Cory Sonnier (Sr.), safeties Wade Roberts (Sr.), Khaled Chloun (Sr.), Luke Saxby (Sr.), Kandyn Cordova (Jr.) and Dylan Fletcher (Sr.) and cornerbacks Gabe Sarver (Sr.) and Cole Laughlin (Sr.).
“They (defense) are young and aggressive,” Cutrera said. “They can run pretty good, and they like the physical part of the game, and that helps tremendously. It starts up front. If those guys can progress, they will help the linebackers and the secondary.” The Bucs also return kicker Collin Medlin, who made 39 of 50 extra points for Kinder last season. Cutrera is placing high hopes on his senior class. “They have not been able to play in two years, and this is their final year,” Cutrera said. “They are really taking it to heart and really working hard to make it a successful season.”
BA R B E - 2 0 2 1
*District 3-5A game
09/03 09/10 09/17
09/23
10/01
at vs. at at at LaGrange Benton Teurlings *Southside *New Iberia Catholic (Thursday)
LET’S GO
BUCS
HEDULE SC
10/08
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/05
vs. at vs. at vs. *Sulphur *Lafayette *Sulphur *Acadiana *Comeaux
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C4 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
Sam Houston: Broncos itching to compete Varsity players back after one-year hiatus
‘We are preaching championship mentality around here. If we are going to get to that level, we have to play that caliber of team.’
By Rodrick Anderson American Press
It is not a rebuild, just a reboot. Sam Houston will restart its varsity program this season after a one-year hiatus. Lack of experience will be the issue early in the season, so first-year head coach Chad Davis has upped the intensity in practice to get his team ready. “We have set the tone in practice on how everything is going to go,” Davis said. “I don’t think Friday night is going to be a shocker to them. “These kids have worked very hard all summer, and the practices have been very up-tempo and physical. We are going to have to grow a little bit early, but I think we are in a good spot right now. These kids are all itching, ready to play, and ready to compete on Friday nights. We played a little JV season last year, which was nice. We got to compete a little bit, but that is not Friday night football. They are ready to play together again, play in our stadium and have a season.” The Broncos will get a huge early test when they host Class 5A powerhouse West Monroe on Sept. 3. “We are preaching championship mentality around here,” Davis said. “If we are going to get
Chad Davis Sam Houston football coach
Kirk Meche / American Press Archives
Sam Houston’s Dylan Abshire will be converting from running back to receiver this season. to that level, we have to play that caliber of team. “The kids are not backing down whatsoever. The kids are ready. They don’t care who is coming or where we are going. They are just ready to compete.” Sam Houston has an all-new starting lineup except for three seniors who started in 2019 in wide receiver Luke Yuhasz, offensive lineman Colby Bertrand (6-1, 250 pounds) and Dylan Abshire, who converted from running back to receiver. “Those guys have the experience,” Davis said. “They have played Friday
S A M
nights and have been successful. “Those guys have really owned the leadership role for us. All these kids are following in their footsteps. When they are working and being leaders, everyone is following.” Yuhasz, who played for Division III Notre Dame last season, caught 57 passes for 980 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2019, while Abshire had 773 total receiving and rushing yards with five touchdowns. Junior Dennis Gardere will take over at tailback while Ashton Fuselier and Quinton Simon are
part of the receiver corps. “(Gardere) is a big, physical kid with a lot of expectations for him,” Davis said. “He is another guy that has no varsity experience. We have to see how he matures, and, hopefully, he matures quickly.” Senior Andrew Glass, who helped lead the Broncos’ baseball team to the Class 5A semifinals in May along with Fuselier a will start at quarterback. “He played quarterback for us last year in our JV season, so he got a little bit of a taste of what we do and how it operates,” Davis said. “He has really taken off
with it. “He is always watching film and asking questions. He is a senior that has a lot of potential, and he is putting in the work.” Davis feels the driving force of the Broncos 3-4 defense, which has a new defensive coordinator in Chad Coltharp, will be linemen OJ Patterson, Josh Lemonier and Draven Duncan and junior linebacker Jamorion Jackson (6-3, 200). “He (Jackson) is the motor of that whole unit between him and the three defensive line guys,” Davis said. “We moved him over to the
other side for depth. “He is starting at linebacker and doing some really good things over there. He is 6-3, 200 pounds, and flies around. He is a very physical, big kid. We have an older defensive line again. They are showing really good signs of being competitive. They are very physical. It is exciting to see.” Davis plans for the defense to quickly get the ball back to the Broncos’ offense. “The biggest thing for us defensively is not giving up the big plays,” Davis said. “We have to keep everything in front of us, get turnovers, play physical football and get the ball back in the offense’s hands. That is their job.”
H O US T O N- 2 0 2 1 HEDULE C S
09/03
vs. LaGrange
09/17
09/24
vs. Thibodaux
vs. *New Iberia
10/01
10/08
10/15
10/21
vs. *Comeaux
*District 3-5A game
09/10
vs. West Monroe
at *Barbe
at *Southside
at *Acadiana (Thursday)
10/29
11/05
vs. *Lafayette
at *Sulphur
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C5
Sulphur: Young but eager team ready to take field By Rodrick Anderson American Press
It may be one of the youngest teams in program history for the Sulphur Tors this season, but it is not going to stop them. “They are playing varsity football for the first time, and they didn’t play much JV football last year,” head coach Chris Towery said. “I think they are going to compete hard. I think that is going to be the strong point. How quickly we can get where we can execute on a high level, I don’t know yet. But these guys will compete hard.” The Tors have just nine seniors and will have to grow up quickly in one of the most competitive Class 5A districts in the state. “It is going to be
Sulphur senior Tag Stelly runs for a big gain against Lafayette during a 2020 game at Matt Walker Stadium.
Kirk Meche American Press Archives
about how quick we gel as a team and how quick our guys grow up and get over the fear factor,”
Towery said. Sulphur is hoping to put the hurricanes behind them after falling
just short of the playoffs in 2020. “I think that we are past all of that,” Towery
said. “It will be a few years before life is back to normal around here.
‘I think they are going to compete hard. I think that is going to be the strong point.’ Chris Towery Sulphur football coach Hopefully, that doesn’t become a factor with what is going on around here. “Any time you have had an event like that, it is going to linger around. See SULPHUR, C6
SULP HU R-20 21 HEDULE SC
09/03
Photo Courtesy of Trish Leger
*District 3-5A game
09/09
vs. Pineville
at Notre Dame (Thursday)
09/16
09/24
vs. Iowa (Thursday)
at *Acadiana
10/01
10/07
vs. *Lafayette
at Southside (Thursday)
10/15
10/22
vs. *Comeaux
at *Barbe
10/29
11/05
vs. *New Iberia
vs. *Sam Houston
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C6 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
SULPHUR Continued from C5
normal yet.” The bulk of the Tors’ returning starters (6) are on the defensive side in junior linebackers Corey Hyatt (39 tackles, 5 TFL) and Dillon Bird, senior defensive tackle Kylan Kelly, sophomore nose guard Keagan Trim, junior strong safety Tyler Massey (30 tackles, 7 passes defended) and sophomore cornerback Grayson Stelly (27 tackles, 7 PD). Also starting will be Jay Stelly, Landon Arrant and Brooks Beddoe on the line, while Kole Navarre, Peyton Lemaire and Garrison Burgess will play in the secondary. “Corey Hyatt is a good football player,” Towery said. “He is a big kid that can run well, and we are going to use him on offense as a running back. He is a physical, long kid. Lemaire can flat-out run. He is definitely a kid that can make plays. We have some guys that can run pretty decent and, hopefully, they can be solid playmakers for us on that side of the ball.” The Tors will base out of the 4-2-5 but will have something for every type of offense. “We get in a ton of formations,” Towery said. “It creates mismatches, outflank people, create leverage for our guys up front. “We just have to make sure to tackle. We play people that may get you out in space, and they are going to create those situations where you have to make plays in space. That is going to be the key for us defensively. We can’t give up big plays.” The Tors return three on the offensive side in tackle Dawson Lebrun, senior Tag Stelly, who played every skill position last
season, and tight end Kaleb Vizier, who has bulked up since last season. With Vizier standing at 6-5, 220-pounds, and freshman John David Lafleur at 6-6, 231, and 6-2 sophomore Austin Babez, the Tors will have a trio of massive tight ends for Stelly, who will split time at quarterback with junior Gage Trahan. “We try to do some things match up wise with him (Vizier) and John Davis Lafleur, a freshman that is 6-6, 231,” Towery said. “We are going to try to get the ball in their hands.” Stelly led the Tors in rushing yards last year with 243 and caught 13 passes for 121 yards. Trahan completed 50 percent of his passes last year with one touchdown. “With what we do, both of them (Stelly, Trahan) are good,” Towery said. “Both bring a lot to the table and have thrown a lot this summer. Tag is dynamic with the ball in his hands. We are playing both of them and trying to maximize the best guys we have on the field. They both bring different traits to the table. Tag is valuable with the ball in his hands, so you want the ball in his hands. We are going to do different things to get the ball in his hands. Sometimes that means Gage (Trahan) going in there and playing quarterback, so we can make those things happen.” New offensive starters include linemen Kyle Thibodeaux, Layne Ackel, Emmanuel Brady and Lewis Broussard, running backs Jackson Serice, Demarcus Williams and Elijah Brady, and receivers Kaden Blalock, Jonathan Hopkins, Ashton Alston and Dawson Ortego. Ethan Paiz will handle the Tors’ kicking duties.
SEASON SCHEDULE Week 1
Thursday, Sept. 2 Nondistrict: Iowa at Iota, Pickering at Grand Lake, Elton at Vinton. Friday, Sept. 3 Nondistrict: Barbe at LaGrange, West Monroe at Sam Houston, Pineville at Sulphur, South Beauregard at DeRidder, Leesville at Jennings, Plaquemine at LC College Prep, St. Louis at Crowley, DeQuincy at Westlake, Welsh at Kinder, Basile at Lake Arthur., Oakdale at St. Edmund, LaSalle at East Beauregard, Merryville at Pine Prairie, Oberlin at Rosepine.
Week 2
Thursday, Sept. 9 Nondistrict: Sulphur at Notre Dame, Iota vs. St. Louis at Sulphur, Iowa at Kinder, Evadale, Texas at Merryville, Pine Prairie at Elton. Friday, Sept. 10 Nondistrict: Benton at Barbe, LaGrange at Sam Houston, Many at DeRidder, Washington-Marion at Northside, Jennings at Eunice, Franklin at LC College Prep, Rosepine at South Beauregard, Berwick at Westlake, Erath at DeQuincy, Grand Lake at Lake Arthur, Ville Platte at Oakdale, East Beauregard at Pickering, Vinton at Welsh, St. Edmund at Basile, East Beauregard at Pickering, Hamilton Christian at Highland Baptist, North Central at Oberlin. Saturday, Sept. 11 Nondistrict: Leesville vs. Captain Shreve at Independence Stadium, Shreveport.
Week 3
Thursday, Sept. 16 Nondistrict: Iowa at Sulphur, Crowley at Iota, Welsh at Hamilton Christian, Elton at Lake Arthur. Friday Sept.17 Nondistrict: Barbe at Teurlings Catholic Thibodaux at Sam Houston, LaGrange at Leesville, Peabody at Washington-Marion, DeRidder at Jennings, Southwood at LC College Prep, DeQuincy at South Beauregard, St. Louis at Erath, Westlake at Vinton, Bunkie at Pickering, Kinder at Loreauville, Oakdale at Oberlin, LaSalle at Merryville, East Beauregard at Rosepine, Sacred Heart-VP at Basile, Grand Lake at Jeanerette.
Week 4
Thursday, Sept. 23 District 3-5A: Barbe at Southside. District 4-1A: Merryville at Grand Lake. Nondistrict: LaGrange at Iowa, Iota at Jennings, Welsh at Pickering. Friday, Sept. 24 District 3-5A: New Iberia at Sam Houston, Sulphur at Acadiana. District 4-1A: Hamilton at Basile, East Beauregard at Elton, Gueydan at Oberlin. Nondistrict: Westlake at DeRidder, Leesville at Pineville, St. Louis at Washington-Marion, De La Salle at LC College Prep, Dunham at South Beauregard, Lake Arthur at DeQuincy, Kinder at Catholic-P.C., St. Mary’s at Oakdale, Sacred Heart at Rosepine, Opelousas Catholic at Vinton.
Week 5
Thurs., Sept. 30 District 4-1A: Basile at Grand Lake. Friday, Oct. 1 District 3-5A: Barbe at New Iberia, Comeaux at Sam Houston, Lafayette at Sulphur. District 4-1A: Basile at Grand Lake, Gueydan at East Beauregard, Oberlin at Hamilton Christian, Elton at Merryville. Nondistrict: Minden at Leesville, St. Louis at LaGrange, DeRidder at Marksville, Booker T. Washington-NO at Washington-Marion, Iota at North Vermilion, Jennings at Sterlington, Westgate at LC College Prep, Pineville at Iowa, South Beauregard at Vinton, Westlake at Welsh, DeQuincy at St. Mary’s, Kinder at Northwest, Lake Arthur at Hanson, Port Barre at Oakdale, Rosepine at Logansport, Pickering at North Caddo.
Week 6
Thursday, Oct. 7 District 3-5A: Sulphur at Southside. District 5-2A: Vinton at Pickering. District 6-2A: Notre Dame at Welsh. District 4-1A: Basile at Elton, Merryville at East Beauregard. Nondistrict: DeRidder at
Buckeye. Friday, October 8 District 3-5A: Sam Houston at Barbe. District 3-4A: Leesville at Bolton. District 4-4A: North Vermilion at LaGrange. District 4-3A: South Beauregard at Iowa, Jennings vs St. Louis (at Sulphur), LC College Prep at Westlake. District 5-3A: Iota at Church Point. District 5-2A: Oakdale at DeQuincy, Rosepine at Kinder. District 6-2A: Lake Arthur at Lafayette Christian. District 4-1A: Grand Lake at Oberlin, Hamilton Christian at Gueydan. Nondistrict: Jeanerette at Washington-Marion.
Week 7
Thursday, October 14 District 5-2A: Kinder at Oakdale. Friday October 15 District 3-5A: Barbe at Lafayette, Sam Houston at Southside, Comeaux at Sulphur. District 3-4A: DeRidder at Leesville. District 4-4A: Washington-Marion at Eunice. District 4-3A: St. Louis at LC College Prep, Westlake at South Beauregard, Iowa at Jennings. District 5-3A: Ville Platte at Iota. District 5-2A: Pickering at DeQuincy, Vinton at Rosepine. District 6-2A: Port Barre at Lake Arthur . District 4-1A: East Beauregard at Basile, Oberlin at Elton, Hamilton Christian at Grand Lake, Gueydan at Merryville. Nondistrict: LaGrange at Welsh.
Week 8
Thursday, October 21 District 3-5A: Sam Houston at Acadiana. District 4-1A: Basile at Merryville. Friday, October 22 District 3-5A: Sulphur at Barbe. District 3-4A: Bolton at DeRidder, Peabody at Leesville. District 4-4A: LaGrange at Rayne, North Vermilion at Washington-Marion. District 4-3A: Iowa at Westlake, Jennings at LC College Prep, South Beauregard at
St. Louis. District 5-3A: Pine Prairie at Iota. District 5-2A: DeQuincy at Kinder, Oakdale at Vinton, Rosepine at Pickering. District 6-2A: Welsh at Lake Arthur. District 4-1A: Oberlin at East Beauregard, Elton at Hamilton Christian, Grand Lake at Gueydan.
Week 9
Thursday, October 28 District 5-2A: Pickering at Kinder. Friday, October 29 District 3-5A: Barbe at Acadiana, Lafayette at Sam Houston, New Iberia at Sulphur. District 3-4A: DeRidder at Peabody, Leesville at Tioga. District 4-4A: Washington-Marion at LaGrange. District 4-3A: LC College Prep at Iowa, Jennings at South Beauregard, St. Louis at Westlake. District 5-3A: Iota at Northwest. District 5-2A: Vinton at DeQuincy, Rosepine at Oakdale. District 6-2A: Lake Arthur at Notre Dame, Port Barre at Welsh. District 4-1A: Gueydan at Basile, Hamilton Christian at East Beauregard, Grand Lake at Elton, Merryville at Oberlin.
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Week 10
Thursday, Nov. 4 District 4-1A: East Beauregard at Grand Lake. District 4-3A: Iowa at St. Louis. Friday, Nov. 5 District 3-5A: Comeaux at Barbe, Sam Houston at Sulphur. District 3-4A: Tioga at DeRidder. District 4-4A: LaGrange at Eunice, Rayne at Washington-Marion. District 4-3A: Westlake at Jennings, South Beauregard at LC College Prep. District 5-3A: Mamou at Iota. District 5-2A: Pickering at Oakdale, DeQuincy at Rosepine, Kinder at Vinton. District 6-2A: Welsh at Lafayette Christian. Elton at Gueydan, Merryville at Hamilton Christian. District 4-1A: Oberlin at Basile. Nondistrict: Lake Arthur at Kaplan.
Vinton Lions
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C7
Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives
DeRidder’s Ryker Stewart (63) makes a hole for running back Isiah Roberson (13) during the first round of the playoffs in 2020. Stewart will move from offensive line to tight end this season.
DeRidder: Dragons to lean on ground game Coach: ‘We have established ourselves as a quality playoff team’ ‘Going to the second round two years in a row and getting beat by the state champ Carencro last year and playing a close game with Neville the year before that, has helped grow the program ... We are looking forward to coaching the young kids this year and watching them grow.’ Brad Parmley DeRidder head football coach
By Warren Arceneaux American Press
New faces abound in DeRidder, where the Dragons are looking to continue a run of success that includes eight playoff berths in the past nine seasons. DeRidder has won a playoff game two straight years. Head coach Brad Parmley said he likes the way the program is growing. “I think the program is healthy, we have established ourselves as a quality playoff team,” he said. “Going to the second round two years in a row and getting beat by the state champ Carencro last year and playing a close game with Neville the year before that, has helped grow the program. In high school football, you are
going to have ebb and flow, we are looking forward to coaching the young kids this year and watching them grow. “We have three linemen/ tight ends back on offense. We have two defensive backs that have played a lot over the past two years and a running back who got some playing time last year.
Other than that, it is going to be a whole new look.” Parmley said the Dragons will lean on the ground game. “I hope the running game will be a strength,” he said. “We return tackle Jessie Williams, guard Adam Stracener and tight end Ryker Stewart. We hope those guys can clear the way for three quality running backs in Ronnie Crosby, Alex Archield and Darian Castille.” Ethan Maples takes over under center. “He has done a great job of managing everything,” Parmley said. “He has been solid all summer and spring.” Defensively, the secondary returns a pair of starters in Kaleb Lutrell and Ethan Duplechien.
“Luttrell at free safety is a three-year starter there isn’t going to be much in front of him that he has never seen,” Parmley said. “Ethan Duplechein is one of our best athletes who will play both sides.” Linebacker Kagen Jacobs is the only other returning starter. Parmley said there are talented players waiting to step into bigger roles. “We are expecting big things from (lineman) Elijah Lewis this year,” he said. “It is his turn to step up after having some special kids in front of him. Xavier Sanders at linebacker was not a starter for us but got some quality reps. A young kid, Kanias St. Romain, is going to be our rover. He is a great kid that has a lot of tools. We are excited to see what he can do this year.”
D E R I D D E R - 2 0 2 1
*District 3-4A game
09/03
vs. South Beauregard
09/10 vs. Many
09/17
at Jennings
09/24
10/01
vs. at Westlake Marksville
HEDULE SC
10/07
10/15
at at Buckeye *Leesville (Thursday)
10/22
vs. *Bolton
10/29
at *Peabody
11/05
vs. *Tioga
C8 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
Leeville: Cats looking to continue success Four-year starter Gallashaw returns for one last season By Warren Arceneaux American Press
All-around threat Caleb Gallashaw returns for one last season for Leesville, which is looking to continue a string of success in recent years. The Wampus Cats have reached the playoffs each of the past five seasons, winning at least one game each time. Last year Leesville finished 5-4 and reached the regional round of the playoffs.
‘Experience and some athleticism will be our strong suits. Up front is where we took the biggest hit. How well we play up front will be a focal point of the season.’ Robert Causey Leesville football coach Gallashaw is a versatile speedster who can impact every phase of the game. Last year, he led all of Southwest Louisiana in scoring with 120 points. He scored 14 touchdowns rushing, 5 receiving and one on a kickoff return. In eight games played, he gained 813 rushing yards on 126 carries and
Dennis Babineaux / American Press Archives
Caleb Gallashaw is a versatile speedster who can impact every phase of the game, said Leesville High School head football coach Robert Causey. caught 29 passes for 645 yards. He did not play in Leesville’s final game of the season, a narrow 21-14 loss to Minden in the second round of the playoffs. In the last four games he played, Gallashaw ran for 517 yards and 8 touchdowns, finding the end zone in every game.
As a sophomore he had 904 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 138 carries, 22 catches for 392 yards and 3 touchdowns and a kickoff return for a touchdown. “He is a four-year starter, is so coachable and is extremely talented,” Wampus Cats head coach Robert Causey
said. “He has breakaway speed, can run between the tackles. He can catch out of the backfield or play receiver or in the slot or at wingback. He can play corner on defense. He is a great kid with phenomenal academics. He is a calming presence.” The Cats have plenty
of other skill players to use in Causey’s imaginative attack. “Layne Self is a twoyear starter at fullback and can play tight end,” Causey said. “Kemhari Pruitt can play wingback and cornerback and brings a physical presence, a big body. Daveion Grubb and Ju’liun Culbert brings some length and athleticism at receiver.” Senior Jerome Watts and junior Parker Maks are competing for the quarterback job. “They are both capable and we are looking at playing both of them unless one outsteps the other,” Causey said. “They each have different skills and have done well over the summer.” The offensive line returns three starters — Terry Evans at left tackle, Mason Fitzgerald is back at right guard and Derrion Beebe returns at right tackle. On defense, the Wampus Cats have experience on the back end but are starting from scratch on the line. “Experience and some athleticism will be our
strong suits,” Causey said. “Up front is where we took the biggest hit. How well we play up front will be a focal point of the season. You have to stop the run and be physical at the point of attack.” Many of the offensive skill position guys will rotate into defensive roles. “We have some good kids in the back seven,” Causey said. “Caleb and Pruitt will rotate at a corner. Grubb will play at safety. Stefan James will play corner and safety. DJ Beebe will play corner. All those guys have experience. Mustafaa Dhiaa will start at safety. At linebacker we have three guys that played a good bit last year — Nathan Mawae, Frank Ford and Caden Beeler are all returning lettermen.” Causey is confident about the newcomers that will man the line. “We don’t have experience but we do have good kids — Baker Graves, Jaymeon Henderson, Jashawn Mabry and Daniel Cheatham.” he said.
L E E S V I L L E - 2 0 2 1 HEDULE SC
09/03
09/11
09/17
09/24
at at Jennings Captain Shreve (Saturday)
*District 4-4A game
vs. LaGrange
at Pineville
10/01
10/08
vs. Minden
at *Bolton
10/15
10/22
vs. *DeRidder
vs. *Peabody
10/29
11/05
at *Tioga
Open
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C9
LaGrange: Young, enthusiastic team ready for action Players started their offseason ‘We’re still behind, one reason being in January By Warren Arceneaux American Press
Sitting out last season and a small senior class has left the LaGrange Gators short on experience. Head coach Marrico Wilson hopes his team’s athleticism and enthusiasm can help make up for the inexperience. He’s hoping to see progress from week-to-week during the season. “We’re still behind, one reason being we have so many kids who have never played football,” he said. “We have a ways to go. I won’t say it is a rebuilding year. We are going to judge the season by the product we put on the field weekby-week.” One area with a little experience is the offensive line. “On the offensive line we have two seniors, two juniors and a sophomore,” Wilson said. “That is going to be the focus of the team. Korian Lubin and Za’vyreon Tezeno are seniors. Tezeno played sparingly his sophomore year. Cortlen Mitchell, a junior, started as a freshman. Having two kids who have played a little will help.” Wilson said the Gators will run a multiple offense and spread the ball around. “We have quite a few skill players that can make plays,” he said. “Eli
we have so many kids who have never played football. We have a ways to go. I won’t say it is a rebuilding year. We are going to judge the season by the product we put on the field weekby-week.’ Marrico Wilson Head coach
Malbreaux is a senior who will be pretty good. So are Omarion Randolph, Kameran Darmond and Kevin Stevens. Chris Dixon, a basketball player who just came out, looks pretty good.” Under center will be junior Jason Wilson. Defensively, Wilson said speed will be the team’s calling card. “One thing we have is athleticism,” he said. “We are not very big, but we are strong and can run.
Dennis Babineaux / American Press Archives
The Gators are returning to action after sitting out the 2020 season. We started our offseason in January and most of the kids showed up over the summer so we have gotten a lot stronger.” Wilson said the staff is moving pieces around in preseason practices,
trying to find the best combination. “Kevin Stevens will play a corner for us and K’Bran Senegal will help us,” Wilson said. “Up front we have Isaiah Henry — a big, fast,
strong guy. Ellis Kemper is another one. We have a good strong safety in Damien Martin. We’re still not settled on a starting eleven, we are still shuffling people around.”
Wilson said his youngsters are ready for action. “The kids are very enthusiastic,” he said. “They haven’t played in a year, some of them two years, so they are ready to get on the field.”
L A G R A N GE - 2 0 2 1 HEDULE SC
09/03
*District 4-4A game
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GATORS
09/10
vs. Barbe
at Sam Houston
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at Leesville
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10/01
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11/05
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C10 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
Washington-Marion: Indians back after year off Inexperience biggest obstacle to overcome, coach says By Warren Arceneaux American Press
A familiar face has returned to Washington-Marion, which chose to sit out last season after Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Jules Sullen, a former W-M assistant and head coach at Peabody, LaGrange, Scotlandville and Hamilton Christian, took over as head coach in the spring. Inexperience is the biggest obstacle the Charging Indians will have to overcome, with only two players on the roster having started a game at the varsity level. “(Linemen) Jamari Condoll and Gary Citizen played as freshman, they are our only two that have started games,” Sullen said. “But, we have a lot of juniors and sophomores. Our numbers have improved, we’ll have close to 50 kids. They are starting to understand there is more to football than the physical part. What I like about these kids is that they are persistent. They want to get better. Now I want them to understand how to practice with a sense of urgency, focus on things like hustling from drill to drill during practice.” Sullen said progress has been made since the spring, which featured few practices due to weather. W-M was active on the camp and 7-on-7 circuit in the summer. “We didn’t get many days in during spring because of the weather, so we tried to focus more on the weight room,” he said “Then we tried to use the summer as spring practice with the camps and everything, getting reps in. But we didn’t try to do too much. It
‘They are starting to understand there is more to football than the physical part. What I like about these kids is that they are persistent. They want to get better.’ Jules Sullen Washington-Marion football coach
Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives
Washington-Marion offensive lineman Gary Citizen is one of the few experienced players who have returned for the Charging Indians this season. was more about learning what the players did best, what routes they liked, things like that.” Improvement was steady over the course of the offseason. “Our running backs and defensive line have shown good improvement,” Sullen said. “Our quarterbacks are starting to catch on. Our defensive backs did a decent job in 7-on-7. Offensively, Sullen said speed will be the team’s calling card. “Our speed is going to be a big factor for us,” he
said. “Our running back, Derek Paul, is an elusive guy and weighs about 190. He can run and catch well. We’ll do what everybody wants, get the ball to playmakers in space.” Receiving targets will include Tyree Brown, Elijah Netty and Braylon Williams. Brown was an all-district basketball player last season. Netty previously played under Sullen at Hamilton Christian in the 2019 season. The line will feature
Citizen at center, LeBrondrick Lovely and Jamari Candoll at guard and Clifford Washington and Ronald Alveris at tackle. The group averages 258 pounds. “Defensively, our front seven is the strength,” Sullen said. “They’ve been playing really well since I’ve gotten here. They understand how to be aggressive and use their hands. Our linebackers and strong safeties will be a plus. Jamari is returning, Kade Rogers is playing well.
I think those guys will carry us the first couple of weeks.” Condoll, Gabe Citizen, Rogers and Javante Roberts are expected to start on the defensive line with Ezra Porter, Chris Brown and Ray Thomas at linebacker. Kishaun Stevens, Brown, Brenton Bobb and Jordan Condell are slated to start in the secondary. Sullen said he wants to grow during the first half of the season and be ready to compete when district play starts.
“Our ultimate goal is to make the playoffs,” he said. “We want to be in the top 32. It provides us with respect and shows them that the hard work pays off. So we want to use the nondistrict part of the season to grow, to get better week-to-week and hopefully by the time we start district play we will be able to compete.” The Charging Indians last reached the playoffs in 2017 and last won a postseason game in 2012, which was also the last season Washington-Marion finished about .500. In 2013 and 2017, W-M went 5-5 in the regular season but lost in the first round of the playoffs. In his last head coaching job, Sullen led Hamilton Christian to a Division IV playoff berth in his only year at the school. He has reached the postseason with every school where he has served as head coach.
W A S H I N G T O N-M A R I O N - 2 0 2 1
Open
09/17 09/24
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C11
Iowa: Jackets bringing experience to field Secondary, offensive line big pluses for team, coach says By Warren Arceneaux American Press
Familiar faces dot the Iowa roster this year, led by Purdue commitment Curtis Deville and fellow Division I prospect Crajaun Bennett.
‘We’ve got 21 seniors, a lot of guys who have played. We have a lot of seniors and experience up front.’ Tommy Johns Iowa football coach
That duo, along with standout offensive lineman Jacob Kershaw, will be seeing time at new positions as the Jackets look to improve on last year’s first-round playoff exit. Head coach Tommy Johns said experience in the secondary and along the offensive line are big pluses heading into the season. “We’ve got 21 seniors, a lot of guys who have played,” he said. “We have a lot of seniors and experience up front.” Each side of the ball will feature some moving parts to create favorable matchups. “Curtis is back and will play some running back in addition to receiver,” Johns said. “It will bring an added dimension to
Kirk Meche / American Press Archives
Iowa’s Curtis Deville makes a catch on his way for a touchdown in 2020. Deville has committed to play at Perdue. our offense. He’s 6-2, 195 right now. He can run and had a great track season for us. This is another way to get him the football. We are going to move him around all over the place.” Koltin Lebleu takes over at quarterback. “He played some at running back and quarterback last year,” John
said. “Koltin can run, is probably better suited from the shotgun than under center. He kind of reminds me of an oldschool quarterback, but he can throw it, too. He is as dangerous with his legs as his arm.” Four linemen return, led by Jacob Kershaw. “He does everything well and knows every
position up front,” Johns said. “He played guard for us last year but is moving to tackle. He can also play some defensive end. He is intelligent, physical and a three-year starter. Erik Johnson will be starting for the second year, Adam Hardy will be a guard and Hunter Ardoin will be at tackle.” On the other side of
the ball, the Jackets are young up front. “Defensively we have some holes to fill,” Johns said. “That will come with experience. One thing that hurt last year was not having many junior varsity games. Some guys have not played in a year.” The secondary has a pair of veterans.
“Bryson Leblanc will be a four-year starter for us at free safety,” Johns said. “Crajaun Bennett is another four-year starter, he will go back and forth between corner and safety. Those two guys will lead us. Ross Dennison is back at linebacker and Jesse Martinez will be the other one. He played a lot last year.”
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C12 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
Jennings: Bulldogs looking to make another run at title Star running back Etienne back this season
Jennings Trevor Etienne carries the ball around the outside for a gain during a 2020 quarterfinal round playoff game against Madison.
By Warren Arceneaux American Press
Jennings had its perfect season end prematurely in a home loss to eventual state champion Madison Prep in the quarterfinal round last year, but returns 10 starters as it looks to make another run at a state title. Star running back Trevor Etienne returns after running for 1,234 yards and 17 touchdowns in nine games last year. Etienne scored in every game and ran for more
Every
Rick Hickman American Press Archives
‘We are rebuilding our offensive line, we lost four seniors who had played a lot of football over the past two years.’ Rusty Phelps Jennings football coach
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country by 247 Sports and will choose between college offers from LSU, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Clemson. Jalen Lewis, another 1,000-yard rusher, graduated. Jennings head coach Rusty Phelps said he has several options for the second running back. “Freshman ReJohn Zeno, is a talented freshman,” Phelps said. “Jamaric McZeal played sparingly last year but reminds you of (Lewis). He runs hard between the tackles and they have the same stature. Aidan Ward carried the ball for us a little last year but will play safety for us primarily.” The Bulldogs return just one offensive lineman. “We are rebuilding our offensive line, we lost four seniors who had played a lot of football over the past two years,” Phelps said. “So, what we’ve done is taken a couple of guys from the defense and moved them to offense. They are pretty athletic. Our tight end (Clay Broussard) is back which is a big help for us. “Where we got hit the most was receiver with four senior losses. We’ve got some young guys out there coming along, they just need field time. Once they come along I think we’ll be able to be more balanced. With Trevor in the backfield, we have to get people to back off the line. We’ll be more of a play-action team this year.” Austin Ewing takes over for Bub Wilridge at quarterback. “I think he will be
known as more of as a runner, we’ll be more of a true veer team with a running quarterback,” Phelps said. “We’ll use the tight end more.” End Jayden Sonnier returns to lead the defense. “He’s a two-year starter, understands the system, understands the inside and outside of the defense,” Phelps said. “He is like a coach on the field and has played in a lot of big football games. He’s put on some weight, has some more power, and has worked on things this summer to be a better player. We return Isley Mouton, who has played two years, will take Kennon Landry’s spot. Korey Hebert split time last year and will play the other end. Kedrick Gary is about 6-1, 290 pounds and will be the other tackle. I feel good about those guys.” Jennings returns just two members of its back seven. “Ethan Jardell returns at weak linebacker,” Phelps said. “Owen Dugas will be the middle linebacker. He came in during the Madison Prep game and got 13 tackles after the starter got hurt. His confidence has grown. “We are young in the secondary except for Ward, who will be a thirdyear starter. He’s a leader, he’s coaching the young guys and done a nice job of mentoring the younger guys, getting them lined up and explaining the scheme to them.”
JE N N I N G S - 2 0 2 1
09/03
vs. Leesville
09/10 at Eunice
09/17
vs. DeRidder
09/23
10/01
vs. at Iota Sterlington (Thursday)
*District 4-3A game
10/08 10/15
10/22
10/29
11/05
at vs. at at vs. HEDULE *St. Louis *Iowa *Lake Charles *South *Westlake C S Catholic College Prep Beauregard
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C13
LCCP: Expectations high for Blazers Team returns with half-dozen Division 1 commits in senior class By Warren Arceneaux American Press
Expectations are still high at Lake Charles College Prep despite a heartbreaking one-point loss to Union Parish in a Class 3A semifinal and the graduation of a talented senior class, including two-time American Press All Southwest Louisiana Offensive MVP Dillon Simon at quarterback. The Blazers return this year with a half-dozen Division I commits in the senior class and a highly-touted Franklin junior in defensive back Curley Reed. Leading the way is LSU commit TreVonte’ Citizen, who has started at linebacker in the past but could take on a bigger role on offense at running back. Citizen has run for 815 yards and 12 touchdowns on only 104 carries over the past two seasons. “He is not going to be a full-time running back, but will probably get a pretty heavy load,” Blazers head coach Erick Franklin said. “He’ll still play some defense for us.” Track star JaRell Joseph will share carries with Citizen. “He hasn’t played much running back, but this can be a year where we give him about 10
LCCP receiver Keshlon Jackson, right, returns to lead the Blazers’ receiving corps. Jackson, a Louisiana Tech commit, is the lone returning starter receiver for Prep, which lost three seniors, all college signees, to graduation.
Kirk Meche American Press Archives
carries a game,” Franklin said. Keshlon Jackson, a Louisiana Tech commit, returns to lead a receiving corps that must replace a trio of Division I signees from last season. “Eric Beloney and Elijah Garrick will be stepping up,” Franklin said. “Garrick is a 6-2 sophomore, very talented. He had a good summer at the camps and is getting attention from college coaches already. Eric is one of our fastest kids, very shifty and good
L A K E
09/03 09/10
in open space.” Replacing Simon will be sophomore Josiah Bushnell. “He’s just as athletic as Dillon was at this age, same arm strength, it’s just a matter of getting playing time, getting reps at the varsity level,” Franklin said. “He’s very talented and athletic.” LCCP returns four starters on the offensive line, including college commits Reginald Burks (Lamar) and Jalyn Easton (McNeese) at tackle. Also back are Darian Rosario
C H A R L E S
09/17
09/24
10/01
and Darius Green. “It makes it a lot easier from a play-calling standpoint to have those guys back,” Franklin said. “They are so talented and physical. We have four guys who have played together for two years, we are finally starting to feel like an older team.” Prep’s standout year last season came with a drastic improvement on defense. That trend should continue with seven starters back this year.
CO L L E GE
*District 4-3A game
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10/08
“Our linebackers are going to be our strength,” Franklin said. “I feel our three — Kendrick Pete, Daylon Sibley and Kevon Freeman are the best group in the state. All three will play college football.” The secondary features a trio of returnees. “Kevin Thomas does everything well, can play man or zone,” Franklin said. “He doesn’t stick out as a fast kid, but can cover anybody. Reed is a talent, very long and athletic and can run. He
isn’t scared to tackle. Joe Ward (a McNeese commitment) is freaky. He can do anything. He is good enough at covering to play corner but can tackle well enough to play safety. He has good ball skills. We have two youngsters coming up, Erick Franklin, Jr. and Courtlande Collins, who is one of the most explosive kids I have been around.” Darnell Taylor is the lone returnee on the defensive line.
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C14 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
At St. Louis Catholic
Experienced players to mix it up with promising young guns By Warren Arceneaux American Press
One of Brock Matherne’s first actions as new St. Louis football coach was to go to a baseball game. James Reina, an infielder on the Saints championship team, caught his eye. Reina is now his starting quarterback, with Matherne hoping his fiery attitude will produce similar results on the gridiron. “He’s a competitor, he has a drive,” Matherne said. “He makes things happen when there’s nothing there. We want him to be the leader that he is, let his skill set make our offense shine.” Matherne said he likes his options at the skill positions. “We want to get the ball on the perimeter and have a downhill running game,” he said. “We have
Rick Hickman / American Press Archive
St. Louis Catholic linebacker Cody LeBato (25) tackles Welsh’s Cohen Fontenot (32) during their game at Welsh High School last season. some talented backs and a talented quarterback that can do multiple things. We are going to adapt week-by-week. “We have a good re-
ceiving corps,” he said. “Grant Evans and Trey Tate are two that we are looking to get the ball to. They are both really good and explosive. Grant is
6-3, a big body. He can run every route on the tree. Trey is a speedster, a quick guy that can get into space.” There are multiple
options in the backfield. “Logan Trahan is a senior we are really excited about, an explosive guy that can take it to the house,” Matherne said. “Hank Milligan is our power back. We have a sophomore Kyle Turner? that we are excited about.” The offensive line has caught Matherne’s eye. “They’ve been the high point of the summer, there are some great leaders there,” he said. “Senior Cole Pierson has been great. Jalen Guidry is a big body.” Defensively, free safety Marcus Duhon has impressed. “He is our team leader,” Matherne said. “We started a thing here where No. 1 is going to be worn by our leader. He exemplifies everything we want this program to look like. He is our main guy on defense. “He does everything — he’s our kick returner, our punt returner, our safety, he can play
‘He’s a competitor, he has a drive. He makes things happen when there’s nothing there. We want him to be the leader that he is, let his skill set make our offense shine.’ Brock Matherne St. Louis Catholic Football coach discussing starting quarterback James Reina cornerback or anywhere on offense. He can do it all. He is not flashy, he is about whatever the team needs. He lines us up on defense. We are looking for him to lead the young guys in the secondary and he is doing a great job so far. He is going to play everywhere and be all over the field.” The Saints will be young elsewhere. “The front seven will be a strength,” Matherne said. “We have some experienced guys mixed with some young guys with potential. Camden Watkins? is an end who has been a leader since I showed up. Cody LeBato is a returning starter at linebacker. He is a guy we are leaning on to show how things should be done. Those two have been excellent.”
S T . L O U I S - 2 0 2 1 HEDULE SC
09/03
vs. Iota (Thursday)
09/17
09/24
at Erath
at Washington-Marion
10/01
10/08
at LaGrange
vs. *Jennings
10/15
10/22
at *Lake Charles College Prep
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11/04
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09/09
at Crowley
vs. *Iowa (Thursday)
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C15
South Beau: New, but talented players on the line By Warren Arceneaux American Press
Experience is short in most areas but spirits are high at South Beauregard, where the Golden Knights are coming off their best season in the past few years.
Defensive back Josh Dixon is one of a few returnees with experience for the Golden Knights. Dixon played at defensive back and receiver for South Beauregard last season.
‘We’re extremely young with a lot of new faces in new positions, but the kids are working hard and we’ve had a good camp so far.’ Dwight Hudler South Beauregard football coach The Knights beat district rival Iowa in the playoffs last year for its first postseason win since 2016. “We’re extremely young with a lot of new faces in new positions, but the kids are working hard and we’ve had a good camp so far,” head coach Dwight Hudler said. “The offensive line is the only area with experience back. We’ve got three seniors on the interior. Zach Peresich will be at tackle. Eian Dowden was hurt last year but started as a sophomore. Caiden Dyer is our third senior, another one who was injured most of last year. A sophomore, Kellen Vincent, who started the last five games for us, has grown quite a bit and will be in the mix. Dawson Roden started
Kirk Meche American Press Archives
some for us at tight end last year. We didn’t use a tight end much last year but will have one on every play this year.” The skill positions will feature new but talented players. “At quarterback we have Jesse Shuff, a smart kid who has gained about 15 pounds,” Hudler said. “We are going to see what he can do — we are going to ask him to run, throw and control the pace of the offense. We’ll be running back by committee. Ethan Jurquet got a little bit of action last year. He’ll probably get the bulk of the carries early. We have some kids coming up. We’ll use the next few weeks to see what we have.” On defense, the front will be the strength. “Mason Derouen is our only starter back on the interior,” Hudler said. “He played linebacker and will replace (All Southwest Louisiana Defensive MVP) Cale Jacobsen and call every-
S O U T H
09/03
at DeRidder
09/10
09/17
vs. vs. Rosepine DeQuincy
09/24
vs. Dunham
thing for us, run the show for us. We’ll have a lot of guys playing two ways and some young kids like Bryan Irvin to rotate in on the line. Gavyn Elliot will play linebacker and Landon Richard will start
at outside linebacker. He played quite a bit last year and will do a good job for us. Shuff will play free safety after playing some corner last year. Jace Hodges will look at safety. Bryce Deason will
get a good look.” Hudler said he likes the desire to improve his youngsters have shown. “They are hard-working kids with great personalities,” he said. “They are hungry to
learn. With only four returning starters, everyone is fighting for a job. We have a couple of freshmen who might crack the lineup. It’s been a good amount of competition.”
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C16 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
Westlake: Rams learning to make good decisions By Warren Arceneaux American Press
After enduring a winless season last year, the Westlake Rams are ready to return to winning ways. A few players who left after the hurricane have returned and last season’s underclassmen are bigger and better. “The most experienced part of the team is the offensive line, where we have four starters (Garrison Guillory, Bradey Olivier, Jacob Martin and Jackson Hardesty) back,” head coach John Richardson said. “Ja’Quaylon Pettieway started as a freshman but left last year because of the storm. He is back now so we have five guys with starting experience. We have pretty good size too.” Jamal Guillory is back at quarterback. “He had been a receiver prior to last year, then got thrown into the mix at quarterback,” Richardson said. “He has a lot of ability. I think we have gotten him to be a little bit more poised. He runs the ball extremely well. His throwing is night and day from last year, it is really good. The biggest thing that we have stressed is making good decisions, not forcing plays downfield that lead to turnovers. He is looking really good in practices.” Richardson said the Rams have talent at the skill positions. “Running back Brandon Jupiter missed all of last season with an injury
‘Last year we didn’t have much of an identity with everything that was going on and a lot of inexperience ... (Now) We are a lot more experienced, a lot more poised. We are going to be a much better football team.’ John Richardson Westlake head football coach Kirk Meche / American Press Archives
and is looking really good right now,” he said. Tristan Goodly and Gavin Robertson will be the receivers. They both have speed and quickness with really good hands. They’re both going to be really good players for us.” Defensively, the Rams are strong up the middle and in the back. “Our secondary will be our strongest part, we re-
Westlake’s Jamaal Guillory throws a pass as a LC College Prep defender closes in at Vinton High School on Oct. 22, 2020. Westlake head coach John Richardson says Guillory has made huge improvements. turn two starters there,” Richardson said. Overall, the group has looked really good in practice. We have Kristian Ozane at safety and cornerback Christian Johnwell to be our leaders back there.” Ethan Koonce returns at middle linebacker. “He’s just a tough kid that will make all the
tackles,” Richardson said. “He is real aggressive and a physical player.” The line will feature a couple of players with experience. “Alex Sims returns on the defensive line, he is going to be a really good one,” Richardson said. “Gavin Carlin had been with us the year
before, but left because of the storm and is back now. Those two guys will anchor the line on the interior.” Richardson said he expects a quick bounce back from last season. “Last year we didn’t have much of an identity with everything that was going on and a lot of
inexperience, and I knew that it wouldn’t end well, but I felt like the kids deserved a chance to play,” he said. “Now, I think we are going to reap the benefits of that. We are a lot more experienced, a lot more poised. We are going to be a much better football team.”
W E S T L A K E - 2 0 2 1
*District 4-3A game
09/03
vs. DeQuincy
09/10
vs. Berwick
09/17 at Vinton
09/24
10/01
at DeRidder
10/08
at Welsh
10/15
10/22
vs. at vs. D E U *Lake Charles *South *Iowa H L E SC College Prep Beauregard
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C17
DeQuincy: Tigers sticking to ground game Looks to build on new offense, strong finish in 2020 By Rodrick Anderson American Press
Changing the offense made all the difference for DeQuincy last season and the Tigers are looking to build on that. DeQuincy switched to the split-back veer and won two games to close out the 2020 season, scoring 82 points after putting up just 61 in a 0-3 start. “A few good teams in Louisiana run (split-back veer) it like Acadiana and Jennings,” second-year head coach Matt Dufresne said. “It is the simplicity that enables you to go fast. “That is the main driving force behind it. We have five run plays. I think our team, with the way we figured things out last year, we will have a better shot to be a lot better ball club.” While not always fulltime starters in the past, the Tigers have an experienced backfield starting with senior three-year starter Taije Ceasar. He has run for more than 900 yards in his career and nearly 900 receiving yards. Joining Ceasar in the backfield is quarterback Reese Ashworth and dive-backs Hudson Snyder and Ethan Guidry. “Reese Ashworth gives us experience at quarterback,” Dufresne said. “He played every-
‘I think our team, with the way we figured this out last year, we will have a better shot to be a lot better ball club.’ Matt Dufresne DeQuincy football head coach end. Joining Eaves on the offensive front will be Hunter Kelly, Jase Royer, Dylan Daigle and Sammy Maddox. On the defensive side, sophomore Deacorius Griffin will be the other end, while junior Zach Chambers will start at tackle and sophomore Ronnie Courville at nose guard. “I think depth on the offensive and defensive line is the struggle right now,” Dufresne said. “I think our size is not overly big on the defensive front. “I do feel like we are fast. We are going to run to the ball and tackle.”
Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives
Senior Taije Ceasar is expected to be DeQuincy’s top offensive threat in the Tigers’ split-back veer offense. Ceasar has totaled more than 1,800 rushing and receiving yards in his career. where as a freshman and sophomore, including quarterback, so it is not like we are putting a new signal-caller in. “He (Ceasar) has been starting since he was a freshman.” If teams try to stop the run, the Tigers can air it out with 6-2 tight end Chris Simmons, plus Gavin Guidry and Quentin Pharris. “People feel like you have to stack the box, so we feel like we get a lot of one-on-one looks with our receivers,” Dufresne
said. “Us throwing the football may be a little different than an Acadiana would do. “Their (Acadiana) passing game isn’t very complicated, and it gets them out of things every now and then. We will have the ability with Reese, Gavin, Quentin Pharris and a couple other receivers to throw the football out of this offense. We have a really big tight end. He can catch the ball well and run. He is a big ol’ body.” Four two-way players
will lead the defense in Simmons on the line, Snyder, an all-district linebacker, with Guidry alongside him and Gary at strong safety. Senior Jacob Leblanc will be the third linebacker, while Pharris, Mario Dixon and Kaleb Hooker will join Gary in the secondary. “We are going to go both ways,” Dufresne said. “We have solid depth on both sides of the ball, but I think our skill is our main driving force.
“You have a kid like Gavin Gary, who came from cornerback, and we switched him to safety. He is doing great there. He is also playing receiver. He is catching everything right now in practice. When he gets open, he is tough to guard. I think he is going to be a great one.” The Tigers are working on building up the line on both sides of the with just one back on each side in left guard Brendan Eaves and Simmons at defensive
D E QU I N CY - 2 0 2 1 HEDULE SC
09/03
09/10
09/17
09/24
10/01
10/08
at Westlake
vs. Erath
at vs South Lake Arthur Beauregard
*District 5-2A game
Photo Courtesy of Dennis Duvall
at St. Mary’s
vs. *Oakdale
10/15
10/22
vs. *Pickering
at *Kinder
10/29
11/05
vs. *Vinton
at *Rosepine
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C18 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
Kinder: Next group ready to ‘carry torch’ Yellow Jackets light on experience, but not winning tradition By Rodrick Anderson American Press
Kinder was one of two area teams to beat the odds and reach the state finals. While the Yellow Jackets lost several players from that team, the next crop is ready to take up the banner. “You have some of those guys that were on the field for that game last year that are back,” head coach Bret Fuselier said. “They played some big games. “These guys expect to win every time they get out on the field. That is the kind of attitude that you have to have to be in those games and win those games. That is a big factor that determines the outcome of every week. I think this group is ready. We have a lot of juniors on the field, but they have been waiting for their time. They are ready to take that step and carry the torch.” Kinder lost a 1,000yard rusher in Tylan Ceasar, who returned to Barbe for his senior but returns junior quarterback Graham Fawcett plus slot back Griffin Cooley. “Graham has really come along,” Fuselier said. “He had a real good offseason. “He is stronger and more confident in both the run game and pass game and especially the passing game. He has made big strides there. He and Coach Reed worked a lot in the offseason. He is having more confidence in his reads, and it makes a difference how that ball is coming out of his hands.” Dive backs Alex Lavan and Landon Schmitz and slotback Brayden Guillory will round out the backfield. “Our backfield this year is athletic,” Fuselier said. “We feel like we are going to have three guys in the backfield that can hit the home run any given play. “It has been a while since we have had that
‘I think this group is ready. We have a lot of juniors on the field, but they have been waiting for their time.’ Bret Fuselier Kinder football head coach
over here from the dive back to the two slots.” Kinder’s defense was key to its runner-up finish in 2020, allowing 12.8 points a game and four starters in Jaron Johnson, who moves from end to linebacker, Schmitz at cornerback and safeties Guillory and Cooley. “This is his (Johnson) third year to start,” Fuselier said. “It is his more natural position. “Behind him, you have Griffin Cooley. He is a natural at safety. He is athletic, and of course, everyone knows him from playing baseball. He is physical. He is not afraid to come up and hit you. He has put on some weight and gotten taller. I think he is primed to have a big year this year. Defensively, I feel good about our secondary guys.” The question for Kinder will be upfront with one returning starter on either side in Johnson at offensive tackle. Senior Caleb Nash will start on the line, and junior Jordan Peloquin will head up the defensive line. “Right now, the big question mark is going to be defensive line,” Fuselier said. “Right now, I don’t know who else is going to start. “We are going to find out after the scrimmage. I think we have an opportunity to be good
Kirk Meche / American Press Archives
Quarterback Graham Fawcett led Kinder to the Class 2A state championship game last season as a sophomore. He rushed for five touchdowns in 2020 and threw six. there. I like the skill level of that group, but it is the fact that they are inexperienced. Until they get out there and go against somebody else, that is a big question mark. We are all fresh there (offensive line). We are going to have some size there. When someone gets in front of them with that different color jersey, we are going to see how they react to that.”
Junior Griffen Cooley will provide the Yellow Jackets experience on both side of the ball at slot back and safety. Rick Hickman American Press Archives
K I N D E R - 2 0 2 1
09/03 09/09 vs. Welsh
09/17
09/24
10/01
*District 5-2A game
vs. at at at Iowa Loreauville Catholic- Northwest SCHEDULE (Thursday) Pointe Coupee
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10/08
10/14
10/22
10/28
11/05
vs. at vs. vs. at *Rosepine *Oakdale *DeQuincy *Pickering *Vinton (Thursday) (Thursday)
YELLOW
GOJACKETS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C19
Oakdale: Warriors looking to repeat 2019 success Coach: Backfield, offensive linemen have returned this season By Rodrick Anderson American Press
2020 was supposed to be the Oakdale Warriors’ year. There were coming off their first winning season since 2011. But after a 2-1 start, the Warriors struggled last season. This time around, the Warriors will look to its offense to repeat the success of 2019. “Early on, it is going to be the skill guys,” head coach Destin Dieterich said. “They have to carry us until we see this youthful line. “We don’t know what they can do. They are all babies. They need to all step up; we go as far as they go. We had a chance to be really good last year. After the 2019 season, the first winning season in a while over
‘After the 2019 season, the first winning season in a while over here, I couldn’t wait for 2020 to come. We were going to make a lot of noise, and the bottom fell out.’ Destin Dieterich, Oakdale football coach
here, I couldn’t wait for 2020 to come. We were going to make a lot of noise, and the bottom fell out. We took two steps back from 2019 (last year), and I hope we take one step forward.” The Warriors return their entire backfield in quarterback Dutton Dieterich, fullback/tight end Dallas Daniels and
backs Cedrick Allison and Jamall Warnell. Allison and Warnell averaged more than 200 combined yards a game last year. “They are pretty good athletes,” Dieterich said. “They are very coachable. “They don’t mind the weight room. They don’t mind contact. They don’t mind any of those things. The thing about
it is that we have to open some holes. They can’t do it alone. We are going to run it and run it some more. We are not going to be a four-wide. We want to get I backs and run the ball or get an h-back moving around to lead up on somebody. I like to call it an upgraded 1980s offense.” Also back is offensive linemen Seth Longino and Wesley Durrant. Junior Ashton Hayden and sophomores Aidan Valle and Wyatt Johnson will see action on the line. “He (Hayden) is getting big, but he has not grown into his body yet,” Dieterich said. “When he is 21, he is going to tell people he is all-conference in the SEC, and they are going to believe him. “But he can’t get caught up in it right now.
We think he is going to grow into it. Both of those guys (Valle, Johnson), we think are going to be good. We hope that it is sooner than later.” The Warriors return only four on defense but will have a strong secondary with a mix of returning starters and new additions in Allison, 6-3, 180-pound Gavin Jackson, Khamel Jacks and Elijah Anderson. “Our secondary has more experience,” Dieterich said. “They should know what is going on. “We are changing schemes a bit. We lost our coordinator, Neil Martin. There is going to be a learning curve. “We are expecting good things out of him (Jackson) at wide receiver and defensive back. I
think (Jack) can help us out there on the edge at corner.” Daniels, a two-time all-district defensive end, is switching to linebacker, and Longino returns on the line. The one thing the Warriors lack is depth. Avoiding injuries will be paramount. “We lack depth,” Dieterich said. “Injuries are going to strike us harder than a normal Class 2A school. “We have to stay healthy and do things right to have a chance. We have to stay healthy. We have to keep it pretty simple upfront early until they start getting a feel for themselves, and we can see what they can do upfront before we can add any additions or wrinkles.”
Iota: 19 starters back in action this season By Warren Arceneaux American Press
Despite having its streak of three straight seasons with a playoff win snapped last year, the Iota Bulldogs are poised to make a run with 19 starters returning. Among them is District MVP quarterback Dawson Wallace. “His athletic ability, arm, and the decision making with that experience helps,” head coach Josh Andrus said. “He’s a competitor. He does what a quarterback is supposed to do, what a leader is supposed to do. He gives us a chance to win
games.” The Bulldogs have experience at every spot on the offensive Andrus line. “We have four guys returning with at least two years starting experience,” Andrus said. “It is going to be a big strength for our offense. The fifth starter got some playing time last year and grew a little bit.” Tight end Owen Harmon will be a featured part of the offense “He’s an athlete,”
Andrus said. “He can line up in the backfield, with his hand in the dirt or out wide and be a mismatch. We plan on doing the same, just putting him where we can get him the ball and letting him make plays.” Daylon Lunson and Tyler Charlot will share the backfield with Wallace. “They both run hard.” Andrus said. “Lunson is more of a downhill guy, a one cut and go guy, he has a lot of speed. Charlot can make more cuts, hit the hole and get to the secondary quickly.” See IOTA, C20
Dennis Babineaux / American Press Archives
District MVP quarterback Dawson Wallace returns this season for Iota High.
O A K D A L E - 2 0 2 1
*District 5-2A game
09/03
09/10
09/17
at vs. at St. Edmund Ville Platte Oberlin
09/24
10/01
vs. vs. St. Mary’s Port Barre
HEDULE SC
10/08
10/14
10/22
at vs. at *DeQuincy *Kinder *Vinton (Thursday)
WARRIORS WARRIORS WARRIORS
10/29
11/05
vs. vs. *Rosepine *Pickering
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C20 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
R O S E P I N E - 2 0 2 1
09/03 09/10 vs. Oberlin
09/17
09/24
*District 5-2A game
10/01
at vs. vs. at South East Sacred Heart Logansport Beauregard Beauregard
10/08
HEDULE SC
at *Kinder
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/05
vs. at at vs. *Vinton *Pickering *Oakdale *DeQuincy
Rosepine: Eagles expecting big season Frey, Ducote lead seasoned offensive machine By Rodrick Anderson American Press
Rosepine could be on the verge of one of the best seasons in program history. The Eagles return more than a dozen starters, including a loaded group on the offensive side. That has head coach Brad Ducote excited. “I am feeling good right now in all three aspects — offense, defense and special teams,” Ducote said. “I feel we are as solid as we have ever been. “I have a lot of confidence in this group of kids.” The Eagles are looking to finally get past the regional round of the playoffs for the first time in program history. Several of the Eagles’ returning starters helped lead Rosepine to its first-ever state baseball championship in May in quarterback Ethan Frey, running back Grant Ducote, fullback Braden Trull, tight end Cole Donahue, plus defensive lineman Casey Tilley and linebacker Dalton Keel. “In my opinion, it has the potential to be the most talented group that has ever come through this school,” Ducote said. “We actually have a little
IOTA
Continued from C19
The Bulldogs return seven on defense. “Our linebackers and defensive line will be strong,” Ardrus said. “We have a lot of guys that got playing time. We have good depth on the line. At linebacker
‘I feel we are as solid as we have ever been. I have a lot of confidence in this group of kids.’ Brad Ducote Rosepine football head coach
Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives
Rosepine running back Grant Ducote rushed for 1,089 yards and 16 touchdowns in eight games last season. He has 2,443 career yards on the ground and 30 touchdowns. bit of depth at receiver. Our No. 2s at the receiver spots are as good as the 1s. Overall, I hope that all that (baseball state championship) carries over. Most of those guys we have Seth Shuff, Parker Hayes and Payton Daigle, physical guys that can run. I think that will be our strength. Our defensive backs are no slouch. We have Luke Duhon returning at safety who had six interceptions. Payton Daigle is a warrior at cornerback, especially when he is alone against a receiver.”
are my skill guys on offense, and hopefully, that carries over into our football season.” Frey, the MVP of the championship game, has thrown for more than Andrus said the Bulldogs could be in the mix late in the playoffs with a little luck. “You have to be healthy at the end of the year, be playing well and get some breaks,” he said. “If we stay healthy and keep playing like we should, I think anything is possible.”
2,800 yards in the last two seasons. “As far as Frey goes, he is just a super talent,” Ducote said. “God gifted that kid with a 6-5 body and squats more than anybody on our team. “He is just a big, strong, hard-working kid and has a great talent level. The scary part about it is that he is nowhere near reaching his ceiling.” Ducote has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. “I expect another year like last year,” Ducote said. “With us running the RPO system with
what we put on the field, it is hard to stop both. You have to pick your poison. If you load the box, we are going to throw it and get it out to our quick guys. If you leave five in the box, we are handing it to Grant every time.” Other returners on the offense include receivers Isaiah Stinson and Bryant Merriweather and linemen Collin Gill and Keaton Jackson. Ducote expects the defense to be better, as well. Tilley will be joined on the line by Logan Cheeber and Cross Thomason.
Smith and Merriweather return at defensive back. “Last year, we had kids out there that were hard-working kids, but one false step and they couldn’t recover,” Ducote said. “This year even with a miss read, they can recover. “This is by far the fastest team that has ever been at Rosepine. Speed is probably the No. 1 difference from this defense to last year for sure.” The Eagles got a big addition to the defense when sophomore Michael Woods transferred from Pickering, plus safeties Aden Cline and Bryson Meeks, a pair of military transfers. “The Woods kid transferred, and he is going to be a big help,” Ducote said. “This Woods kid, even though he is only a sophomore, he is a very intelligent football player. “He does good things out there and leads. He will kind of be our quarterback on defense. Cline and Meeks are military kids that moved in over the summer. They are both pretty dang good football players.”
I OT A-2021
*District 5-3A HEDULE C S
09/02
09/09
09/16
09/23
10/01
vs. at vs. at at Iowa St. Louis Crowley Jennings North (Thursday) (Thursday) (Thursday) (Thursday) Vermilion
10/08
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/05
at vs. vs. at. vs. *Church Point *Ville Platte *Pine Prairie *Northwest *Mamou
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C21
Vinton: Lions ahead of game this season Team much further along with 14 returning starters, coach says By Rodrick Anderson American Press
2020 was a season of trials for the Vinton Lions. The Lions’ new head coach wasn’t hired until April, hampering an already a COVID-limited spring practice season. Then a pair of hurricanes shorted the season, and the Lions rarely got a practice or two in before each game. But head coach Lark Hebert, a veteran high school head coach and college assistant, feels the Lions are ahead of the game this season with 14 returning starters.
‘This team is a little different. We actually had a spring and an offseason. We feel like we are so much further along.’ Lark Hebert Vinton football coach
“This team is a little different,” Hebert said. “We actually had a spring and an offseason. “We feel like we are so much further along. I just don’t know how much better we are. I think we are better. Last year was so hard. I didn’t get there until April, and we had no spring training, and summer kept getting interrupted. Between COVID and the storms, we played some games with one day of practice and kids in and out. Last year we were just trying to play the season. We didn’t care one day practice or two days of practice, we just wanted to play.” Lukas Bunting returns at quarterback and wide
Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archive
Vinton’s C.J. Jack (8) tackles DeQuincy’s Trey Penigar during at game at B.S. Walker Stadium last season. Jack will go both ways this season, joining Keishawn Budwine in the offensive backfield. receiver Logan Beard returns. Hebert moved Keishawn Budwine, who played receiver last season, and C.J. Jack, who started at cornerback as a freshman in 2020, to the backfield this season to add more explosiveness to the run game. “He (Budwine) has been starting since he was a sophomore and will be a senior,” Hebert said. “We expect him to carry a big load for us on offense even though he is not a returning starter at running back.” Bunting threw for nearly 1,000 yards in six
games last season. “He did well,” Hebert said. “I thought he improved, and he had a really good summer throwing the ball. “I think he will have a good season. He got more accurate.” The key to the offense’s success will be upfront where seniors Dayton LeBeouf, Cutter Barks (6-2, 215) and Hector Ortega and sophomore Cutter Barks (6-2, 215) return. Sophomore Devin Monceaux is the new addition to the line. “That (offensive line)
is what we are hanging our hat on with Keishawn and Jack at running back,” Hebert said. “With those guys coming back with some experience, hopefully, they will show some toughness up there and lead us to some wins.” Senior tight end Rhett Tharp is out with an injury and will be replaced by senior Reece Borel. “He ended up hurting his knee in our spring game, and I don’t know when he will be back,” Hebert said. “Hopefully, he will come back by
district and be in the starting spot. Hebert is hoping for improvements on the defensive side where the Lions return four players in defensive linemen Casey Laird and Dallas Reeves, linebacker Ethan Hoffpauir and cornerback Carrington Dailey. The Lions’ seven new starters will be tackles Gavin Marceaux and Elijah Monceaux, linebackers Memphis Stone and Jordan Rogers, cornerback Jacob Rogers and safeties Tyrese Gallow and Dayton Prince. “We are not very big,
but we can run,” Hebert said. “It will be interesting to see if we can tackle. That is yet to be seen, and that is important.” With more time to prepare for this season than the last, Hebert hopes the Lions will be able to cut down on turnovers and penalties. “I would like to see if we can eliminate some turnovers and penalties,” Hebert said. “We have a lot of dumb penalties last year. “Some of them bother me because it was jumping offsides and making late hits.”
V I N T O N - 2 0 2 1
*District 5-2A game
09/02
vs. Elton (Thursday)
09/10 at Welsh
09/17
09/24
10/01
vs. vs. vs. Westlake Opelousas South Catholic Beauregard
Personalized Protection Tony Guillory 337-527-3658
HEDULE SC
10/07
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10/15
10/22
10/29
11/05
at at vs. at vs. Pickering *Rosepine *Oakdale *DeQuincy *Kinder (Thursday)
C22 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
P I CK E RI N G-2021
HEDULE SC
09/02
09/10
09/17
at vs. vs. Grand Lake East Bunkie (Thursday) Beauregard
09/23
10/01
*District 5-2A game
10/07
vs. at Welsh North Caddo (Thursday)
10/15
10/22
10/28
11/05
vs. at vs. at. at Vinton *DeQuincy *Rosepine *Kinder *Oakdale (Thursday) (Thursday)
Pickering: New coach asking a lot of young players By Rodrick Anderson American Press
It will be iron-man football for the Pickering Red Devils this season. But the Red Devils are meeting the challenge so far, impressing first-year head coach Jared Underwood during a scrimmage last week. “What really impressed me was the drive and the effort the boys had,” Underwood said. “You didn’t see their heads hanging low on bad plays. “They played to the next play, and that is what we want to see. That is what we were proud of.” Pickering has just 25 players on the roster this season and only three seniors, and Underwood will be turning to underclassmen to fill the lineup. “We are just young,”
‘We are having to ask a lot of our freshmen and sophomores, who probably didn’t’ step on the field at all last year.’ Jared Underwood, Pickering football head coach Underwood said. “Being young and a lack of depth is going to be our Achilles’ heel. “We have 25 on the roster. We have more freshmen than anything. We are having to ask a lot from our freshman and sophomores, who probably didn’t step on the field last year. We are asking them to grow up in a hurry. We are asking them to have a role that might be out of their comfort zone and grow
up in a hurry. If we can stay healthy and get to where we want to get condition wise, we can be a solid football team.” Seniors Savion Adams (RB/LB), Kaden O’Banion (OL/DL) and Cameron Blackwell (OL/DL) have helping the younger players adjust to varsity life. “They have taken these young ones
See PICKERING, C23
Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives
Pickering quarterback Marlon Freeney threw for nearly 1,400 yards last season and 20 TDs and will be tasked with leading an inexperienced offense this year.
Lake Arthur: Tigers changing their stripes By Rodrick Anderson American Press
The Lake Arthur Tigers are changing their stripes. After decades of run-oriented offenses, the Tigers are switching to the spread. “It is a big change,” head coach Tarius Davis said. “I think the kids are excited about it. “It has been a run offense here for years, going back to Coach Chad Lavergne in the split-back veer. Coach Mark Deshotel came in and eventually went to the wish-bone, and we
ran that for the last 10 years. For probably the last 20 years, it has been a run-heavy offense.” Lake Arthur went 1-5 last season, but Davis feels the offensive switch will turn things around. “I think the future is bright,” Davis said. “We are going to have a few growing pains over the next year, but I think we will get the corner turned in the right direction. “I think our backs are really not geared to that (wishbone or split-back). They are more slasher-type backs, suited to more of a zone-type
‘It is a big change. I think the kids are excited about it...For probably the last 20 years, it has been a run-heavy offense.’ Tarius Davis, Lake Arthur football head coach running scheme, so we went to the spread.” The Tigers return two wide receivers in senior Aiden Duhon and sophomore Ray Levi plus junior slotback Ashton Davis.
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vs. Basile
09/10
vs. Grand Lake
09/16
09/24
are going to need to grow in this new offense, but I think for the future down the road it is probably the best move for us offensively.” Limiting turnovers will be one of the Tigers’ top priorities. “Just like a run offense, the biggest thing in a game is taking care of the football,” Davis said. “So if we can take care of the football and make good decisions until we can really get the nuances we will have to lean on the defense. See TIGERS, C23
A R T HU R - 2 021
Photo Courtesy of Jada Daboval
09/03
But the Tigers expect growing pains with just one offensive lineman back in Tate Abshire while breaking in a new quarterback, whether it be senior Ridge Savoie
junior Ethan Onellion, and running back sophomore Warner Levy. Sophomore Keynon Boese will be a downfield threat for the Tigers while the new starters on the line are senior Bryce Trahan, juniors Baylor Monceaux and Cason Conner and freshman Carson Myers. “We have a lot of challenges ahead of us,” Davis said. “We maybe got four days in the spring because of the weather. “We put more of a focus on this summer than I normally do because of that fact with some 7-on7. We have some areas we
10/01
vs. at at Elton DeQuincy Hanson (Thursday) Memorial
*District 6-2A game
10/08
HEDULE SC
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/05
at vs. vs. at at *Lafayette *Port Barre *Welsh *Notre Dame Kaplan Christian
GO TIGERS! Town of Lake Arthur Sherry Crochet Mayor
P.O. Drawer AK 102 Arthur Avenue Lake Arthur, LA 70549
Fax (337) 774-3387 Cell (337) 224-6655
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C23
Basile: Winning is the norm for Bearcats Split-back veer offense suits Bearcats personnel By Warren Arceneaux American Press
Not much changes in Basile, where winning seasons and playoff wins have become the norm. This year, the Bearcats are hoping a new offensive scheme will help keep their winning machine going. After trying the split back veer in the middle of last season, the Bearcats are keeping the scheme and adding more plays to it. Head coach Kevin Bertrand said his players picked up the scheme pretty easily last season. “Our players took to it, they understood it quickly and we were able to put in a lot of stuff at a quick rate,” he said. “We have a lot of returnees that are used to it and we think it is a scheme we can run no matter what type of athlete we have in the backfield.” Bertrand will have a trio of choices to rotate into the running back spots. “We have three backs that played a lot — Ethan Bazinet, Austin Deville and Horace Edwards,” he said. “They all compliment each other well and do different things. It works well and that
TIGERS Continued from C22
Those guys (defense) are going to have to play well for us.” While the offense goes through teething, the defense will need to pick of the slack. The Tigers return seven on the defensive side of the ball, including a pair of linebackers in Savoie and Kayden Palfrey and three
‘We have a lot of returnees that are used to it (splitback) and we think it is a scheme we can run no matter what type of athlete we have in the backfield.’ Kevin Bertrand Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives
Horace Edwards ran for more than 500 yards last season for the Basile and will team up with Ethan Bazinet again this season to lead the Bearcats ground game. experience is going to help.” The Bearcats return tackles Anphrony Guillory and Gabe Fontenot and center Christian Bergeron on the offensive line. “It is nice to have that experience because some young guys are sandwiched between them.” Bertrand said. “To be able to get the
young guys up to speed, it is great. Having that experience up front, if a defense gives us something we did not expect, we’ll be able to adjust.” Junior Luc Johnson is taking over at quarterback. “He is a competitor, he is going to do the right things and is a hard-nosed kid,” Bertrand said. “He was a
secondary members in Davis, Oneillion and Jude Martin. “Him (Savoie) and Palfrey came on strong last year,” Davis said. “That is going to be our strong point. “When the year ended, they both looked like the light had come on. I like our linebackers early on. I think they are the strength of the defense now. I like the secondary guys. Those guys were
forced into action last year, so we go from being inexperienced to at least get some game experience. I think we are going to be better on the back end. I think we struggled so much last year with the fact that we put so many guys out there that didn’t have any playing experience at all.” The Tigers also return a pair of defensive linemen in Duhon and junior Tate Abshire.
medalist on our wrestling team. He knows how to compete and get things done.” Linebackers Baylor McCoy and Horace Edwards return to lead the defense. “Our linebacker corps is going to be the heart and soul of our defense,” Bertrand said. “We can do a lot with them since they are all returning.
PICKERING Continued from C22
underneath their wing and kind of showed them what we want and we how want to do things.” Underwood has big plans for second-year junior quarterback Marlon Freeney, who threw for 1,359 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2020 along with 9 rushing TDs.
Basile football head coach
Having those guys out there making sure we are lined up right is going to go a long way.” Other returning starters include Guillory at nose tackle, Deville and Bazinet at safety and Justin Smith and Ethan Lampley at cornerback. Bertrand said he expects another tough race for the District 4-1A title. He said the depth
of quality teams in the district helps his team play at a high level every week. “There are no weeks off,” he said. “We have to be ready every week and that helps us keep that edge. “There are no weeks where we can say we can cut practice short or take it easy. Every week is a grind and mentally that is going to help keep us sharp and focused.”
“I am hoping to get his legs more involved and be more of a dual-threat,” Underwood said. “We have seen him in scramble drills, but we want to have more runs geared towards him. You are going to have to respect not only the arm but the legs now. Adams will also see a bigger role. “We are going to ask him to tote the rock a
little bit more than last year,” Underwood said. “He is a big back, 6-0, 185. He is pretty shifty, so we are going to ask him to tote most of it if he can stay healthy as well.” Other starters include Caden Henderson (RB/ LB), Logan Snead (C/ NT), Laddarius Privitera (WR/CB), Anthony Berry (WR/CB), Deandre Herron (WR/LB) and Kaleb Hagan (TE/LB).
BA S I L E - 2 0 2 1
*District 4-1A game
09/03
09/10
09/17
09/24
09/30
at vs. at vs. at Lake Arthur St. Edmund Sacred Heart *Hamilton *Grand Lake SCHEDULE Christian (Thursday)
10/07
10/15
10/21
10/29 11/05
at vs. at vs. vs. *Elton *East *Merryville *Gueydan *Oberlin (Thursday) Beauregard (Thursday)
GO BEARCATS! MAYOR MARK DENETTE CHIEF OF POLICE ALLEN IVORY
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C24 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
E L T O N - 2 0 2 1
09/02
09/09
09/16
09/24
*District 4-1A game
10/01
at vs. at vs. at Vinton Pine Prairie Lake Arthur *East *Merryville SCHEDULE (Thursday) (Thursday) (Thursday) Beauregard
10/07
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/05
vs. vs. at vs. at *Basile *Oberlin *Hamilton *Grand Lake *Gueydan (Thursday) Christian
GO INDIANS GO INDIANS
HWY 190•ELTON Phone: 584-2311 Fax: 584-2323
Elton: Indians back in the game By Warren Arceneaux American Press
Elton is back in the game after sitting out last season due to not having enough players. That’s not the case this year, as new head coach Marcus Lejeune expects to have about 40 players in the program on opening day. Lejeune, former head coach at Iota and Welsh,
said the Indians want to compete, not just play, in their first season back. “We want to be competitive and are practicing that way,” he said. “We are a little bit behind, but it’s always like that coming in with a new system. They don’t have much experience, but they are going to get it quickly. We have some depth with older kids, a nucleus of players
‘We want to be competitive and are practicing that way.’ Marcus Lejeune Elton football head coach
who played a couple of years ago. The ones with experience will lead. Our attitude is good, the kids
want to compete. We want to make it fun, learn and be as competitive as we possibly can.”
Lejeune is hoping to stay in games with a strong defense and ball control offense. “Sherman Bellow will be the starting tailback and Xavier Ceasar will be the fullback,” he said. “Those two will also play defense so we will work some other guys in on offense. Khayden Pitre, Demarcus Jack will also handle those duties. We are trying to establish a
strong defense first, then get guys some breaks on offense.” Lejeune said there will be a lot of mixing and matching on offense as he looks to get two-way players some rest. “Maddox Pierrotti and Jadon Ross are getting snaps at quarterback,” he said. “Maddox will
See ELTON, C25
East Beauregard: Trojans have depth, speed By Warren Arceneaux American Press
Depth and speed at the skill positions are reasons for optimism at East Beauregard. The Trojans, usually noted for a strong, power running game, are breaking in four new starters on the offensive line. “We have one lineman, Jayden Meadows, returning, he is moving
EAST
from center to right tackle,” head coach Ronnie Simmons said. “He is a big kid (6-2, 250) with a lot of experience. He is a leader for us.” New starters are expected to be left tackle Coltin Brister, guards Sean Guillory, Jacob Carlson and center Andy Bernamen. “They have some talent,” Simmons said. “We’re not as big as we
‘They (backfield) are probably the fastest group we’ve had.’ Ronald Simmons, East Beauregard football head have been in the past. Brister is big, about 295. Guillory is one of the smartest kids in the
school, he knows everybody’s assignment. Carlson plays with a lot of heart, is aggressive. Ber-
naman is another smart kid who can also get after it. We’ll be physical and aggressive.” Wingback Kane Atkinson is back to lead an exciting group of backs. “He’s a senior who has played a lot,” Simmons said. “Gage Hildreth started last year at fullback. We have five guys we can rotate in at wingback. Jordan Plumley, Skyler Beebe, Caleb
Johnson and Freddy Beall will all get time. They are probably the fastest group we’ve had. We might have had kids who were faster, but as a group, we’ve never had one like this. Isaac Humphreys will be quarterback. “He’s been playing QB in this offense since
See TROJANS, C25
BE AU REG ARD -202 1 HEDULE SC
09/03
at Pickering
09/17
09/24
10/01
10/07
at Rosepine
*District 4-1A game
09/10
vs. LaSalle
at *Elton
vs. *Gueydan
vs. *Merryville (Thursday)
10/15
10/22
at *Basile
vs. *Oberlin
10/29
11/04
vs. *Hamilton Christian
at *Grand Lake (Thursday)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C25
Welsh: Reasons for optimism with returning starters New quarterback will be protected by experienced offensive line By Rodrick Anderson American Press
The last two seasons have not gone the way of the Welsh Greyhounds, who went 4-16. But there are reasons for optimism this season with 15 returning starters. “We are always optimistic,” head coach Cody Gueringer said. “Optimism and positive energy are what it is all about. “Last year, I had multiple people say, ‘You couldn’t tell you won one game.’ ” We go up to North Caddo and lose 6-3, and it shows. It is about positive energy. Yes, it didn’t go your way, but make sure to stay the course is the way to go. The sky is the limit. We expect to be good always and to battle. Expectations are something that we always want. We don’t say that we want to be average or below average. We expect to contend
TROJANS Continued from C24
junior high, he knows it well,” Simmons said. “He grew a good bit in the last year and is close to six feet. He’s pretty athletic, runs and throws well. He has all the tools to be successful, he just needs some live action.” Defensively, the Trojans have experience on the back end. “Our secondary will be strong,” Simmons said. “Our two safeties, Deebe and Beall, both played a lot last year and are both athletic and smart.” The defensive line will be a mix of the old and new.
‘We are always optimistic. Optimism and positive energy are what it is all about.’ Cody Gueringer Welsh football coach
for a state championship. That is what it is all about.” The bulk of the Greyhounds’ returning starters (9) are on the offensive side, including all-district running back Cohen Fontenot and junior Kennon LeGros. “A lot of those guys have played on Friday night, which is really “Kaden Lee started the last part of his freshman year,” Simmons said. “He’s a good-sized kid with a good motor. Sean Guillory will play, he started last year. Forrest Tollett, a junior, would have played for us last year but got hurt. He is a big strong kid who will also start at tight end for us. Bobby Jenkins will start at tackle.” Simmons hopes that the versatile Caleb Johnson can settle in at linebacker. “He has played all over for us but got bigger over the summer so will play linebacker,” Simmons said. “He runs really well. We have a few guys fighting for the other linebacker spot. I
good,” Gueringer said. “We have some guys back offensively, and we think we can put it all together. Welsh will return to the spread this season with receivers Caleb Miller and Cale Navarre back plus halfback Grant Daigle. “We have always run the spread until last year,” Gueringer said. “We could have run it last year, but with the guys that we had lost, we felt like we were not there yet. “Obviously, if we look back on the year, maybe we weren’t even ready for double-slot. We had been in this offense six years previous to last year, so they kind of know and understand what it is.” Welsh will break in a new quarterback in junior Gabe Gillett, but he will be protected by an experienced offensive line in 6-2, 260-pound, left tackle Rhett Davis, left guard Colton Ber-
feel pretty good about all of them.” Plumley will play the rover role. “He is our only returning all district player,” Simmons said. “He’s sometimes a defensive end, sometimes a strong safety depending on the offense. He sets the tone for us.” Simmons wants to see the Trojans get better each time they take the field. “We lost 14 seniors and don’t have a lot of starters back,” he said. “Early on, we want to get better every week. Hopefully by the time district starts we’ll have some things figured out and can be competitive in district.”
Rick Hickman / American Press Archives
Welsh running back Cohen Fontenot drags a Lake Arthur defender during a game last season. Fontenot earned first team all-district honors last season. geaux, center Brady Hall, right guard Alec Johnson and right tackle Tanner Lopez. “Every single guy that is on the offensive line has played on Friday nights,” Gueringer said. “They will be our strength offensively. “He (Gillett) got some reps at quarterback last year, but he was just never able to find his rhythm in the double-slot. He can pull it and can run.
He is a pretty quick guy. He has toned down the mistakes that young quarterbacks make. I expect him to do really well this year. As a first-year starter, there is a huge learning curve. We like where he is at, and his ability to run the football helps, too.” Davis will head up a solid, experienced defensive line including Fontenot, Brady Hall and Cole Labouve.
“We are always going to be fundamentally sound in regards to alignment and assignments,” Gueringer said. “That is kudos to our coaches that put them in the rights spots. Senior returning linebacker Koen Leblanc is getting some interest from colleges along with Davis. Navarre is the Greyhounds lone returning player in the secondary.
ELTON
Lejeune said the staff is installing a base 4-2-5 scheme on defense. “Right now we are learning alignment and responsibilities,” he said. “We are going to build week-to-week, opponent-to-opponent. We have a few guys playing two positions to try to establish depth. We want the defense to be the backbone of the team. Ceasar, Jack, Cayl Doise are going to be our leaders. We are going to lean on the seniors. They
have had a rough past two years, we are going to play for those guys.” Lejeune said the program has gotten a boost with a majority of the school’s hoops team deciding to play football. The Indians won the District 4-1A title in basketball. “A lot of those guys from the basketball team came out,” he said. “We’re trying to get everybody out. We want to give kids the opportunity to play every sport here.”
Continued from C24
probably take the bulk of the snaps with Jadon starting at receiver. They both play defense and both may play at receiver. We are trying to get our best guys on the field as much as possible. “We have good depth on the line. They are coming along and will all play defense so we will need younger players to step up as needed.”
W E L S H - 2 0 2 1
*District 6-2A game
09/03 09/10
09/16
09/23
10/01
at vs. at at vs. Kinder Vinton Hamilton Christian Pickering Westlake (Thursday) (Thursday)
10/07
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/05
vs. vs. at vs. at D E U *Notre Dame LaGrange *Lake Arthur *Port Barre *Lafayette H L E SC (Thursday) Christian
337-564-6613 5606 Common St.
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C26 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
Hamilton: Back-to-back storms couldn’t stop growth By Rodrick Anderson American Press Just a few years ago, Hamilton Christian was on the verge of shutting down its football program with dwindling numbers. But head coach Dexter Washington and his staff worked hard to build it back up and now boast 40 on the varsity team and more than 60 in the program from sixth-grade up. Even back-to-back hurricanes didn’t stop the growth as Hamilton won three consecutive games to finish out the 2020 regular season. “I have never seen us so competitive for positions in practice before,” Washington said. “That beats us starting four years ago when we were ready to shut down the program. We had 13 kids. We were real close. When we started here, we were not going to have a football team, but I went into the office and told (the principal) we were going to have football. I didn’t know how, but I began praying. Last year was a tough school year for us. The crazy part about it, none of our kids that came here because of displacement left. They found an identity here, and more importantly, the parents found an environment that they wanted their kids to go out in. We are not better than anybody, but we do things a little different.” Not only does Hamilton have plenty of experience on both sides of the ball but speed as well. “I think our strength this year is going to be team speed,” Washington said. “When I looked at them in practice and the different schemes we run, and at one-time coach had the whole 4x200-meter relay team out there. “One time, he had the 4x100 relay team out
‘I have never seen us so competitive for positions in practice before. That beats us starting four years ago when we were ready to shut down the program.’ Dexter Washington Hamilton Christian football coach
there and an alternate. If we can just get in front of somebody for maybe a couple of seconds, I think our team speed, maturity and depth at certain positions is going to be really big for us.” Hamilton is loaded with seasoned seniors, who play on both sides of the ball, in Caleb Blakey (DT/OT), Tate Dimas (NG/OL), Donovan Henderson (DT/OT), Zebeian Doffoney (RB/ LB), DJ Williams (RB/ LB), Neiman Sullen (QB/ DB), Logan Richard (RB/ DB), Julius Guidry (DB), Elijah Belton (RB/DB), Kevin Smith (TE/DL) and Devontae Coffe (WR/DB). “These kids have worked hard,” Washington said. “This is probably the first time in the history of Hamilton since I have been here, that I have actually seen a strength and conditioning program with over 90 percent participation through the whole 75 days.
Kirk Meche / American Press Archives
Senior Neiman Sullen will take over at quarterback this season. Hamilton Christian won four of its final five games last season and finished 4-2. “We did all that with a make-shift weight room. Our weight room was devastated by the hurricane. These kids showed up, and the coaches worked them. I have a great set of coaches. They push the kids, and they care about the kids.” The Warriors have several players that could make the jump to the
H A M I L T O N
09/03
09/10
09/16
vs. at vs. St. Thomas Highland Welsh Aquinas Baptist (Thursday)
09/24 at *Basile
10/01
vs. *Oberlin
next level. “We have several kids that have college interest,” Washington said. “Neiman Sullen is probably more of the team leader. “He has offers to several colleges. D.J. Williams, linebacker, has offers. Logan Richard has a couple of offers out there and Zebiean
Doffoney.” The Warriors are eying the top spot in District 4-1A but will have to stop the run to get there. “Our district is traditionally a run-heavy district,” Washington said. “We did a good job against East Beauregard (last year). “Our district is a battle. I can’t tell you who
is the front-runner. We know Grand Lake played for a state championship. We know Basile is there every year, and Oberlin is there every year. We are trying to sneak in, but you can’t sleep on East Beauregard. I think if all the chips fall into play, I think Hamilton Christian football has a chance in the district.”
CH R I S T I A N - 2021
*District 4-1A game
HEDULE SC
10/08
10/15
10/22
at at vs. *Gueydan *Grand Lake *Elton
10/29
11/05
at vs. *East *Merryville Beauregard
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 AMERICAN PRESS C27
Grand Lake: Offensive line will be their strength By Rodrick Anderson American Press
Grand Lake went from the destruction of two hurricanes to the Class 1A state finals in 2020. The Hornets lost to Oak Grove in the finals, but looks at the run to the finals as a huge positive to build on. “It was disappointing to not win the state championship, obviously,” head coach Jeff Wainwright said. “We talked at the end of that game that we were not going to look at that as a negative. “That was going to be a positive to build our program. We have had a great offseason. Our numbers are up on the team, and we had a great summer. We are healthy. We haven’t had any injuries over the summer, so we are looking forward to the start of the season.” The Hornets will be strong up front with 6-7, 315-pound UL-Lafayette commit Bryant Williams along with Brett King and Kaleb Styron and tight end Grant Trahan. “Looking at Kaleb, Bryant, King and Grant coming back, that is definitely our strength,” Wainwright said. “We have a couple of young kids that are coming in. “Keaton Fontenot is going to be a really good player for us.” Junior quarterback Connor Guillotte returns along with running back Nate Murrell, but the Hornets will have to replace their top two backs in Eli Fountain and Levi Murrell. Sophomores Ian Vigo and Kaden Taylor along with senior Kobe Cionek will see time carrying the ball in the Hornets’ split-back veer. “We are looking for him (Guillotte) to step up his leadership role on the team,” Wainwright said. “Everything is kind
‘We have had a great offseason. Our numbers are up on the team, and we had a great summer. We are healthy. We haven’t had any injuries.’
Junior quarterback Connor Guillottee returns this season on Grand Lake’s offense. Kirk Meche American Press Archives
Jeff Wainwright Grand Lake football coach
of second nature for him because he had so many reps last year. “His confidence level is still high from last year. Our offensive line will be our strength early until our young skill players can develop with the new backs.” Wide receiver Kyler Little graduated, but the Hornets have two new down field threats in 6-4 senior Drake Sturlese and 6-2 junior Kent Zaunbrecher. “He (Sturlese) is 6-4, so he is going to be a big target to throw the ball up to and make some good catches,” Wainwright said. “Him and Kent Zaunbrecher will be the two receivers. We expect him (Zaunbrecher) to go both ways and do quite a bit for us. Our maturity level and how fast we can get back to what we were doing at the end of last year, will depend on our skill players.” Grand Lake’s defense was at its best in the playoffs last year, holding three of four opponents
under eight points. Six of those starters are back including linebacker Grant Trahan, King and Williams on the line and Guillotte, Murrell and Zaunbrecher in the secondary. “We had a real good defense last year,” Wain-
09/10
09/17
down the middle.” Fontenot fills one of the open spots on the defensive line along with Darian Blanchard and Alexander Bailey. Jesus Morales will start at linebacker and Taylor at safety. “Keaton Fontenot is
going to be our other defensive tackle,” Wainwright said. “We are replacing Cole Matt at linebacker with Jesus Morales. “He is a good athlete but just lacks the experience. He is going to have to develop fast for us.”
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wright said. “I think our box will be really strong with King, Bryant and Grant all being right down the middle. “I really think our defense has a lot of team speed, and we should be strong on the inside run game with those big guys
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L A K E - 2 0 21
vs. at at vs. vs. Pickering Lake Arthur Jeanerette *Merryville *Basile CHEDULE S (Thursday) (Thursday) (Thursday)
*District 4-1A game
10/08
10/15
10/22
at vs. at *Oberlin *Hamilton *Gueydan Christian
10/29 at *Elton
11/04
vs. *East Beauregard (Thursday)
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C28 AMERICAN PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
M A R Y V I L L E - 2 0 2 1 HEDULE SC
09/03
*District 4-1A game
09/09
at Pine Prairie
vs. Evadale, TX. (Thursday)
09/17
09/23
vs. LaSalle
at *Grand Lake (Thursday)
10/01
10/07
vs. *Elton
at *East Beauregard (Thursday)
10/15
10/21
vs. *Gueydan
vs. *Basile (Thursday)
10/29
11/05
at *Oberlin
at *Hamilton Christian
Merryville: New head coach sets sights high By Warren Arceneaux American Press
New Merryville head coach Bart Coody and his crew have an eye on the District 4-1A championship, and have hit the ground running in pursuit of it. “The kids are working hard, responding well to the new things that we are implementing,” Coody said. “We just need to stay healthy.” Running back Cam’ron Williams will be the bell cow on offense. “He’s just a football
guy,” Coody said. “He works hard, leads. It takes more than one person to bring him down. He plays with a lot of heart. He is a high motor, high energy guy. I could not ask for a better leader.” The other skill positions offer talented options. “I’m very pleased with our skill guys,” Coody said. “Dylan Brown at receiver is back and has had a good start to the season. He does all the little things. Remington Coody moved from tight
‘The kids are working hard, responding well to the new things that we are implementing.’ Bart Coody Merryville football coach
end to quarterback and is off to a good start. We are throwing a lot at him. He is a tall, big, strong kid. Has a good arm and is real smart. He loves the game, studies it and
has a great attitude. We are excited about Dakota Thompson and Amarion Hill.” Coody said the Panthers will be young along both the offensive and
defensive lines. “I’m hoping our linebacker crew will be the strength of our defense,” he said. “We have a senior, Tyler Belcher, leading us from there. Thompson will play there as well. We are hoping to create a lot of havoc with our guys on the line so our linebackers can make a lot of tackles for us. Cam’ron, Remington will play on the line with some new faces. Isaiah Sautter, a freshman; Jace Corbin and Chandler Blackmon
will play some. Hopefully we can keep moving guys in and out to keep some fresh guys in there.” The Panthers know the road to the district title is a bumpy one, but are not lowering their expectations. We’d like to compete for the district title. We are excited. We know Grand Lake and Oberlin are going to be tough as always, Basile too, but we feel good about what we can put on the field if we can stay healthy and avoid COVID.”
Oberlin: Tigers forging new path with youth By Rodrick Anderson American Press
Oberlin enjoyed back-to-back large senior classes to go 17-4 over the last two seasons, including a run to the Class 1A semifinals in 2019. It will be “uncharted territory”, according to head coach Durrel Peloquin, with just four seniors. “It is uncharted territory for me to have multiple groups of freshmen,” Peloquin said. “As you can tell, we are going to be young and inexperienced at critical positions, so we are going to have to grow up quickly and be resilient in the same sense.
“We lost 11 seniors last year and 16 the year before, so at a Class 1A school we are taking a big hit. They are hungry and humble. They have shown up to go to work. They bring their hard hat and lunch box every day and are a great group of kids to coach.” Peloquin is looking for the offensive and defensive line to guide the Tigers through early-season trials. “The offensive and defensive lines are going to have to be the strength early in the season, and our skill position people are going to have to grow up fast,” Peloquin said. “Each practice and game we are going to have to
‘They bring their hard hat and lunch box every day and are a great group of kids.’ Durrel Peloquin Oberlin football coach get a little bit better each week in preparation for district competition. They are growing well together. They are forming a close-knit group.” 6-1, 240-pound Adameon Botley will be the anchor on both sides of the ball and defensive end Noah Carter is back. New to the offensive line will be senior Josh Ceasar
and juniors Ben Thomas, Tobey Menier and Josh Pitre. Meiner and Pitre will play on both sides of the ball. “Adameon and Noah are going to have to lead the squad early,” Peloquin said. “We are going to have to play good technique, line upright and be fundamental with our tackling.”
The Tigers will have to replace backs Malachi Simien and Aiden Reed, who combined for over 1,600 yards and 28 touchdowns. Dominique Eaves saw action last year, picking up 201 yards and two touchdowns. “He (Eaves) has good feet, and he is real quick,” Peloquin said. “He is the fastest kid on our team. He is more of a shifty, fly-sweep guy, but he has worked out hard in the weight room this summer and has gained some strength. We are not afraid to run him between the tackles, but he is more of an outside threat.” Also in the backfield in the Tigers’ Wing-T of-
fense will be sophomore fullback Colby McMahon, halfback Derrick Deville and wing-backs De’sean Deville, Zac McConnell and Kristoff Brandon. Oberlin has a battle at quarterback between McConnell, a junior, sophomore McMahan and freshman Seth Lyons. “Colby is more of a dual threat quarterback just like Seth is,” Peloquin said. “Zac is more of a drop-back passer, but we have inexperience with all three of those guys under center or in the shotgun. If Seth Lyons is not going to be our starting quarterback early in the season, will have him going in at halfback or wingback.”
O BE R L I N - 2 0 2 1
*District 4-1A game
09/03
09/10
09/17
at vs. vs. Rosepine North Central Oakdale
09/24
10/01
vs. at *Gueydan *Hamilton Christian
10/08
10/15
vs. at HEDULE *Grand Lake *Elton C S
10/22
10/29
11/05
at vs. at *East *Merryville *Basile Beauregard