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FRANKLINTON DEMONS

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Franklinton (5-6, 3-2) hired a new, legendary head coach with 41 years’ experience winning two state titles to replace Guy LeCompte. Nick Saltaformaggio (63) led East Jefferson to the promised land garnering the 2013 state crown, followed by Hahnville in 2017. Coaching at his alma mater, Holy Cross, for the last three years, he wondered if his career might be over. Franklinton principal Shane Smith then offered coach “Salt” the Demons’ vacant job. “Coaching is the best profession in the world. This job rejuvenates my career, inheriting a solid staff. Franklinton football is special, totally backed by Smith, who coached the 2010 state champions. The community loves and supports this team,” Saltaformaggio said. ” I’ve fallen in love with Franklinton, and I’m very optimistic we’ll be successful. We have a great work ethic, and prideful passion. I want our players to outwork everybody.” The Demons have 11 seniors, counting on 26 juniors to produce. Soph. Jacob Crain moves in at QB with Jr. Connor McGee (WR) triggering the Demons in wildcat formation. Sr. Tim Partman (DE), the team’s best player, leads the 3-4 defense. Saltaformaggio’s winning philosophy: 1A: The Lord, 2A: My Family, 3A: Coaching.

Hammond Tornadoes

Hammond (5-6, 2-5) features 10 seniors as Dorsett Buckels (42) enters his fourth season, vying for continued improvement. “Our group is young, but we have more depth. The younger talent needs to step up. It’s all coming together following a good spring and summer. Our kids work hard and are close-knit. We have potential to be pretty good and we have high expectations,” Buckels said. Five players will see action on both sides of the ball. Four offensive starters return led by Sr. Eli Johnson, who rushed for 416 yards with five scores. Srs. Leon Winsberry (WR) returns and tackle Nyieen Addison (6-1, 300), anchors the front. Fr. QB’s Terin Jones and Dakota McAlister are vying to run the Tornadoes’ spread offense. Five defensive starters are back led by Sr. Jermaine Davis (CB/WR), the team’s fastest player (4.52 forty-yard dash), has been offered scholarships by Alabama State, Northwestern, Southeastern and Southeast Missouri State. Jr. Kenyatta Fleet (DB/ WR) has been offered by Grambling. NG Darius Servick (6-2, 260) has offers from Grambling and Southeast Missouri State University. Sr. Javeon Jones (Free Safety) adds quality to a deep secondary.

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Lakeshore Titans

Lakeshore’s Titans (10-3, 5-0) put their undefeated district mark on the line, coming off their sixth consecutive District 8-4A crown, last year orchestrated by first-year coach Brent Indest, trimming Franklinton in 21-18 Week 10. “Our district is extremely competitive and wellcoached. Taking the job late limited our Wing-T capability but not this year. Our execution will improve, playing to our strengths,” Indest said. The O-line decimated by injuries last year, is solid, averaging about 6-1, 265-pounds. Sr. Austin Roberts (First Team All-District) moves to center with Sr. John Michael Papis switching back to tackle. Lacking overall team speed, the Titans lost their firepower graduating QB Sam Willie and tailback Colby Ziegler. Jr. Beau Bernard takes over, a good runner with a live arm. Sr. Jaden Wells (First Team All-District) is the top threat offering quickness and elusiveness. Defensively, SRs. Kaiden Broussard (First Team All-District) along with Landen Schlink (First Team All-District) and Jared Roberson, provide experience. Coach Indest, a self-proclaimed DJ in the weight room, has been known to hit music playlists, blending in some country, rock and even rap (maybe a little

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Mandeville Skippers

Mandeville (4-6, 4-3) cruises with a boat load of 30 seniors, opening its highly anticipated second season under Craig Jones, since he moved over from Lakeshore. “It’ll be a lot better this year with the staff having a year under our belt, not having to figure out who the players are, or where they should play. Having the off-season, being in the second year of the system benefits us,” Jones said. Seven offensive starters return, highlighted by rising Jr. Nate Sheppard. “He’s good as advertised, a fantastic, versatile athlete, plus being a tremendous student. He’s a true weapon, in the backfield, or in the slot.” Sheppard has multiple offers, including Ole Miss after he attended a summer camp. Nate’s older brother, Will, attends Vanderbilt, who is showing interest. Jr. Isaiah Baham (RB/WR) presents depth. SRs. Caden Clark and Noah Kyle compete at QB. Four O-linemen return with SRs. Cole Beecher, Spencer Davis and Caden Rogers along with Jr. Reagan Touchstone. The Skippers have eight defensive starters back led by SRs. Tasmin Showers (CB) and Pierce Melancon (DE). Richard Guillot triggers the offense, while Zach Vicknair, signals the defense.

Northlake Christian Wolverines

Northlake Christian School (8-4, 4-1) took major strides last year, winning district 7-2A, unseating St. Thomas Aquinas (3x champ), after going just 1-8 the previous season. Fifth-year coach James Willis looks for another strong season, defending the title. Things will be tougher, featuring only five seniors, after graduating 12. “Our leadership numbers are small, so we need to get the kids prepared mentally and physically. I like our number of skill players and their experience level. We need to put the guys in position to be successful,” Willis said. The roster is down to 42 players, dropping from 62 last year, but Willis is counting on some late arrivals and possible transfers. A few players will need to play both ways. Jr. Luke LeBlanc returns at QB along with super sophomore sensations, Kam Casnave and Jordan Willis, the Wolverines’ dynamic, electric, productive one-two punch. Sr. receivers Ollie Brumfield (300-meter hurdle state champ) and Chase Mizell are elusive targets. Sr. Dylan Angelo (OL) returns as one of seven offensive starters. The defense brings back nine, including SRs. Ben Harrison and Gavin Krone (LBs) with Jr. Lee Dauterive and Soph. Trace Crane, being counted on.

Northshore Panthers

Northshore (8-4, 5-2) ended a long drought, winning its first playoff game since 1986, trimming Salmen 21-14. Energetic Bobby Sanders (44) in his third season, hopes his Panthers can continue their consistency. “We need to maintain our level of play, putting in hard work with energy and determination, handling the mental and physical aspects. It’s nice having 24 seniors, knowing what it takes to win. We need to continue working toward that standard, being the best we can be,” Sanders said. “District 6-5A is solid, with good teams, good coaches and good people across the board.” Northshore had a strong outing in the Mandeville 7-on-7, falling to the Skippers in the championship. An experienced offense returns nine starters propelled by explosive Sr. back Kohen Rowbatham (First Team AllDistrict), who also plays LB and safety. Jr. signal caller Donovan Weilbaecher offers seasoned experience with a couple go-to receivers. Sr. Kyle Williams (First Team All-District), has a few offers, including La. Tech, Ole Miss, Southeastern and USM, also playing CB. Fellow Sr. T. J. Coleman (WR) helps spread the field with his speed and elusiveness. Sr. Ja’mire Bolden (First Team AllDistrict) bolsters the line.

Pearl River Rebels

Pearl River (5-6, 2-3), looks to take another step up the district 8-4A ladder, chasing the six-time defending champion Lakeshore Titans. Coach Eric Collins (64) enters his second year, (carving out the path,) making the trip with only seven seniors. “I love our team. They’re a blue collared outfit, that won’t be outworked. The O-line is one of our strengths with the kids getting much stronger. We’re much better at this time than last year, when I took over the program late,” Collins said. The Rebels have a solid baseball flavor on the roster with some guys, who star in both sports, being counted on to help lead the club, contributing significantly. One of those leaders is Sr. Trey Turnage, who takes over at QB. Jude Cooley plays QB/RB/WR, while Jr. Dalton Sabathe (TE/DE), nicknamed “Diesel” (Two Time All District) is an all-around athlete, who has tremendous character, being very versatile. Jr. Sean Jenkins (WR/OLB) and Soph. Noah Benson (FB/LB) are key components. Benson has great hands playing tough, physical football. Sr. John McQueen bolsters the NG slot.

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Pine Raiders

Pine enters year 12 under Bradley Seal (6155). The Raiders (6-4, 1-3), the No. 8 seed, fell to West Lake, 26-24 of the playoff opening round. “We have a stronger team this year with 11 quality seniors. I like our team’s makeup, super competitive with great chemistry. They show up, playing to the best of their ability,” Seal said. Four-year starting QB Luke Spears, guides the Raiders’ Wing-T offense. “Luke has a great grasp of our system, extremely comfortable in his role.” He completed 95 of 173 passes for 1,365 yards with 16 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Jr. RB Vaughn Johnson rushed for eight scores. WR James Owens provides big play capability, rushing for 500 yards, adding 400 receiving. Jr. D. J. Garrett caught 37 passes for 530 yards with three scores. Sr. Preston Stogner returns after missing three games with a knee injury. The Raiders have a revamped O-line, counting on Jr. Jackson Jones (6-7, 295), to anchor things. Jones attended various camps, with Louisiana Tech, Tulane and Ole Miss, interested in him.

Ponchatoula Green Wave

Ponchatoula (5-6, 3-4) opens their campaign with Trey Willie embarking on his second season. “Replacing Coach Hank (Tierney), things should be easier for the staff and I this year. It was a great learning curve last year for the staff and our guys. Our players took big strides in the weight room. They are a very cohesive group. Things are shaping up for us, with a chance to be pretty good on both sides of the ball,” Willie said. The Green Wave returns five offensive starters with Sr. Bishop Davis starting at QB, after taking over midway last season. “We have a good running back room with lots of depth. That combination should allow us to run the ball in key situations.” JRs. Cory Jackson (WR) and C. J. Braziel (athlete), were both members of Ponchatoula’s state championship basketball squad. Six defensive starters return led by SRs. Jamaal Sapp and Albert Smith, who are moving from DE to LB. Smith (4.6 forty time) has received numerous offers, including verbally committing to Arizona State. Coach Willie loves his front seven, describing them as very talented.

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Pope John Paul II (4-6, 2-3) vaults into its third season under Philip Pigott, counting on just four seniors, spearheading the way. The face of the team, reference its Heart-and-Soul, is Jr. back Blaze Rodriguez (First Team All-District). “Blaze is a top-notch kid, who leaves everything out on the field while competing,” Pigott said. Sr. Allen Raimer (6-2, 180), switches to QB, this season after making Second Team All-District at LB last year. Sr. Mikey Strain (TE/LB) provides quality leadership. So. Gus Pizza (WR/TE) provides flexibility. “Early on its imperative that we connect the dots. We’re very young but our players have the desire and ability to succeed. They’re very hard workers and the potential is there. They don’t have many bad habits to break yet.” The O-line, which is a Jaguars’ strength, returns key players, including Sr. James Thompson, Jr. Sean Smith and Soph. Michael Thiel. Sr. Joseph Whitehouse (First Team All-District PK) is regarded as one of the best. Former longtime Slidell High head coaches Wayne Grubb (RBs) and Artie Liuzza (OC/O-line) highlight the Jaguars’ staff.

Salmen Spartans

Salmen (5-6, 4-1) head coach Eric Chuter is very excited and optimistic entering season six at Spartan Field, hoping to battle for a District 8-4A crown. “I’m anxious to finally play on our new home turf, travelling all last year. That was challenging and we also have a new press box,” Chuter said. The Spartans fell to Northshore 2114 in the first-round playoffs. “We competed strong in the LSU and Southeastern 7-on-7’s, battling stiff competition. We were right there, improving along the way.” Sr. QB Cameron Dorsey, a talented triple threat, finished 103 of 196 for 1,176 yards with nine TDs, rushing for five. “Cameron is a proven winner, and we’ll give him the keys to the Cadillac. We love his ability, and instincts.” Sr. Jacobi Jefferson (618 rushing/ 8.96 YPC/8 TDs) is called a TD machine by his coach. SRs. Damon Narcisse (36 rec./414 yds) and Kaileb Rayford (29 rec./352 yds) are quality receivers. Sr. Tre Hartley (DL) one of nine returning defensive starters, registered 40 tackles, five sacks, seven TFL and three forced fumbles. Jr. Desmond Beasley (DB) netted 70 tackles, two interceptions, forcing three fumbles.

Slidell Tigers

Slidell (9-3, 6-1), the defending District 6-5A champs, posted a quality season under Malter Scobel, who replaced Larry Farve, now the principal. The seventh-seeded Tigers defeated Hammond, 55-22, eventually falling to No. 10 Westgate 28-7 at home. “I’m excited about our potential, but potential means, you haven’t done anything, yet? We need to figure out how to be competitive in close games, being able to handle the mental pressure,” Scobel said. The Tigers defend their crown, counting on the leadership of 26 seniors. “The O-line will be our team’s strength, returning four Sr. starters. We’re good enough up front and more athletic with running back depth. We hope to lean on our running game, complementing our passing game.” The SRs. Mehki Gill, Riggs Knight and Xavier Ratcliff solidify the Tigers’ offensive front. Sr. Zayvien

Bartee and Jr. Landon McGrath compete at QB. Sr. Trevell Watts is the lead back. Slidell’s D-line is manned by Sr. Jalen Anderson and Jr. Isaiyah Gallien (Both First Team All-District) along with Sr. 3-year starter Dwayne Mills. Scobel handles defensive signals again.

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ST. PAUL’S WOLVES

St. Paul’s (7-5, 4-2) gears up for its 25th season under coach Ken Sears as the pack joins the hunt for a District 6-5A championship after finishing runner up to Slidell last season, also losing to Covington. “We have 23 seniors, who offer a large, quality class, providing tremendous leadership and great work ethic. They’re leading this team in the right way, hoping to achieve our team goals. We have lots of experience coming back,” Sears said. “We have real parity in our district. I see it being a wide-open battle, hoping we can stay away from too many injuries during the season.” Sears talked about his Wolves’ excellent showing in two Southeastern Louisiana University 7 on 7’s with the quarterback and receivers on the same page offensively. Jr. QB Brennan Keim (6-2, 175) returns, employing a tremendous skill set, looking to hook-up with SRs. Ben Buisson and Jeb Reina. The top defensive returning performers include SRs. Gavin Bourgeois (LB), James Hardwick (S) and Devan Menon (CB). Jr. Drew Talley is back handling Wolves’ place-kicking duties.

St. Thomas Aquinas (3-8, 3-2) hired Shane Mulhern (25), replacing Randell Legette after five seasons, winner of three district titles. Mulhern takes over after serving as the defensive coordinator at St. Stanislaus High in Bay St. Louis and will teach history. “We want to lay the foundation, being able to write the story together, redefining STA football,” Mulhern said. He was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, playing LB at Bloomsburg University and Widener University, leading the team in tackles in 2018-19. Four offensive starters return, highlighted by Sr. Cace Reed (WR), a tremendous playmaker. “He lit it up attending the LSU Mega Camp back in June. The Tigers invited him and about 40 others to take part in the Showcase for those top performers. I’m so very proud of him,” Mulhern added. Sr. Justin Domiano, a 3-year starting infielder (Southeastern commit), is playing football for the first time, being named the starting QB. Mulhern described him as elusive with tremendous leadership, playing with confidence. Sr. Kendrell Perry is a big, strong powerful back, while Jr. De’Shad Sheridan (OLB) is the defensive leader, returning just three starters.

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