Bayou Catholic Magazine - August 2014 - Football Issue by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Bayou

Catholic

4 1 0 2 l l a b t o o F

Kicking off a new season

Contents Nicholls State University Colonels

98 Vandebilt Catholic High School Terriers

104 H.L. Bourgeois High School Braves

E.D. White Catholic High School Cardinals

101 South Lafourche High School Tarpons

106 Morgan City High School Tigers

Central Catholic High School Eagles

103 Thibodaux High School Tigers

108 South Terrebonne High School Gators

110 Terrebonne High School Tigers

116 Louisiana State University Tigers

122 Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA â&#x20AC;˘ August 2014

112 Ellender Memorial High School Patriots

118 Tulane University Green Wave

126

114 Central Lafourche High School Trojans

120 New Orleans Saints

128

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Football

2014 Louisiana College Team Schedules Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Sat. Aug. 30............................................................Oklahoma Sat. Sept. 6........................................................UL-Lafayette Thurs. Sept. 11..................................................North Texas* Sat. Sept. 20.............................. NORTHWESTERN STATE Sat. Sept. 27............................................................... Auburn Sat. Oct. 4....................UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-EL PASO Sat. Oct. 18..... UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO* Sat. Oct. 25......................................... Southern Mississippi* Sat. Nov. 1......................................WESTERN KENTUCKY Sat. Nov. 8................. University of Alabama-Birmingham* Sat. Nov. 22.................................................... Old Dominion* Sat. Nov. 29.................................................................. RICE*

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Conference USA games

UL Lafayette Rajun Cajuns Sat. Aug. 30.....................................SOUTHERN JAGUARS Sat. Sept. 6............................................. LOUISIANA TECH Sat. Sept. 13............................................................. Ole Miss Sat. Sept. 20......................................................... Boise State Sat. Oct. 4............................................... GEORGIA STATE* Tues. Oct. 14.......................................................Texas State* Tues. Oct. 21........................................ ARKANSAS STATE* Sat. Nov. 1............................................ SOUTH ALABAMA* Sat. Nov. 8................................................. New Mexico State Sat. Nov. 15............................................. Louisiana-Monroe* Sat. Nov. 22.................................... APPALACHIAN STATE Sat. Nov. 29....................................................................Troy*

McNeese Cowboys Sat. Sept. 6.............................................................. Nebraska Sat. Sept. 13....................................... PRAIRIE VIEW A&M Sat. Sept. 27............................................ARKANSAS TECH Sat. Oct. 4............................................. NICHOLLS STATE* Sat. Oct. 11......................................................Sam Houston* Sat. Oct. 18.......................................ABILENE CHRISTIAN Sat. Oct. 25....................................................Incarnate Word Sat. Nov. 1............................................ Northwestern State* Sat. Nov. 8....................................... STEPHEN F. AUSTIN* Sat. Nov. 15....................................Southeastern Louisiana* Sat. Nov. 22..............................................................LAMAR* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southland Conference games

Southern Jaguars Sat. Aug. 30.......................................................UL-Lafayette Sat. Sept. 6....................................CENTRAL METHODIST Sat. Sept. 13.............................. NORTHWESTERN STATE Sat. Sept. 20........................................... Prairie View A&M* Sat. Sept. 27......................................................Alcorn State* Sat. Oct. 4.................................................ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF*................................................................................... Sat. Oct. 11....................................................Alabama A&M* Sat. Oct. 25..................................................... Jackson State* Sat Nov. 1.............................................. ALABAMA STATE* Sat. Nov. 8.......................................... TEXAS SOUTHERN* Sat. Nov. 15.......................MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE* Sat. Nov. 29.......................................GRAMBLING STATE* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southwestern Athletic Conference games

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HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Sun Belt Conference games

Grambling Tigers Sat. Aug. 30.................................................................. Lamar Sat. Sept. 6................................................................ Houston St. Sept.13................................................ Bethune-Cookman Sat. Sept. 20................................................... Jackson State* Sat. Sept. 27........................................... Prairie View A&M* Sat. Oct. 4......................................................Alabama A&M* Sat. Oct. 11............................................... ALCORN STATE* Sat. Oct. 18.....UNIVERITY of ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF* Sat. Nov. 1................................................... Texas Southern* Thurs. Nov. 6................................. Mississippi Valley State* Sat. Nov. 15........................................... ALABAMA STATE* Sat. Nov. 29......................................... Southern University* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southwestern Athletic Conference games Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

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About our

sports writers Ed Daniels has been sports director at WGNO Channel 26 in New Orleans since 1993. A native of New Orleans, Daniels graduated from Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie and later received a degree from Loyola University in New Orleans. Daniels started in television in 1977 as first sports intern at WVUE Channel 8 in New Orleans. In 2001, Daniels created “Friday Night Football,” the first high school football show in New Orleans. He was named Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association in 1997. Jeremy Becker, a native of Thibodaux and resident of Schriever, graduated from Nicholls State University in 1995 with a degree in marketing and in 1997 with a master’s of business administration. While working on his master’s, he was a graduate assistant with the Nicholls Colonel Club and is currently president of the Colonel Athletic Association. Becker is director of the Office of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Steve Caldarera, a native of Vacherie, has been the Bayou Catholic’s Tulane columnist for many years. He graduated from Nicholls State University with a degree in communications. Caldarera has experience in announcing sports for radio and doing play-by-play for Nicholls State University. He was the first advertising manager for the Bayou Catholic and currently works in insurance and investments with the Steve Caldarera Group.

Wil Touchet, a native and resident of Houma, LA, graduated from Vandebilt Catholic High School in 1997 and received a bachelor of arts in mass communication from Nicholls State University in 2001. He has been a sports correspondent for The Courier and Daily Comet since 2008 and a Bayou Catholic contributor since 2009. Touchet currently teaches and coaches at West Thibodaux Middle School.

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Football

Nicholls State University Colonels

Coach Charlie Stubbs

Sat. Aug. 30................................................................................... Air Force Sat. Sept. 6....................................................................................Arkansas Sat. Sept. 13............................................................ HENDERSON STATE Sat. Sept. 20............................................................................. North Texas Sat. Sept. 27.................................................................... Central Arkansas Sat. Oct. 4........................................................................... McNeese State* Sat Oct. 11.............................................................STEPHEN F. AUSTIN* Sat. Oct. 18.................................................................................... LAMAR* Sat. Oct. 25........................................................................ Houston Baptist Sat. Nov. 1................................................................. INCARNATE WORD Sat. Nov. 15................................................................Northwestern State* Thurs. Nov. 20....................................... SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southland Conference games

Can Nicholls football make the leap?

By JEREMY BECKER ollowing a pair of 1-10 seasons, not many people were expecting much from the 2013 Nicholls State University Colonel football team; however, with a 4-2 start including an exciting win over 98 FBS school Western Michigan and a convincing win over in-state rival Northwestern State, the Colonels began to convert some non-believers and was getting votes for a top 25 national ranking. Unfortunately for Nicholls, they suffered a number of injuries to key players and the team’s momentum seemed to disappear with those injured players as the Colonels finished the season 4-8. Following what head coach Charlie Stubbs deemed to be successful spring practices, the Colonels will look to start the 2014 season similar to how they began 2013 only to build on it this time. With Stubbs beginning his fifth season at the helm, he was able to see some of the fruits of his recruiting labor by having his largest number of players participate in spring practice with 84 total players and 78 being able to fully participate. Not only did these numbers provide quality depth at nearly every position, but also raised the level of competition as players strive for playing time. Having quality depth has been something that Stubbs’ teams have lacked through his tenure Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

and just like the past few seasons, Nicholls’ schedule will once again be one of, if not the most, difficult in all of the Football Championship Subdivision. The quality of depth will likely be tested this season especially with the Colonels having five of their first six games on the road. Nicholls will open the season in Colorado at Air Force, then travel to face their first ever SEC opponent as they visit Arkansas. Things will not get much easier when Nicholls opens their home schedule as they host Henderson State, who is a top five ranked Division II program and returns a quarterback who is considered the best offensive player in all of Division II by numerous preseason publications. The Colonels will then close out their non-conference schedule with another road game against a third FBS opponent North Texas, who defeated UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl last year and is picked to win the West Division in Conference USA this year. Nicholls’ Southland Conference schedule opens the following week just like the season schedule with two road games at Central Arkansas and at preseason top 10 pick McNeese State. The Colonels will at least be able to enjoy four of their last six games at home as they host Stephen F. Austin, Lamar, Incarnate Word, who is new to the SLC and has former New Orleans Saints running back

Rickey Williams as their running backs coach; and Southeastern Louisiana, who is preseason picked to win the SLC and top three in the nation. The remaining road games will be at another new SLC team Houston Baptist and long time rival Northwestern State. In addition to difficult schedules, another recurring theme for Coach Stubbs’ Nicholls’ teams has been the question of who will start at quarterback and this year will be no different, except for the level of ability. In the past, the quarterback position has not been one of the stronger positions, but with the return of a healthy Kalen Henderson, Stubbs will have three quality, experienced quarterbacks in seniors Henderson and Beaux Hebert, and junior Tuskani Figaro. Henderson, who local football analyst Mike Detillier calls the most exciting Nicholls football player since current Baltimore Raven Lardarius Webb donned the red and gray, will likely get the starting nod as he not only had a very good spring, but was a tremendous player before breaking his leg last year. Number two on the depth chart will probably be Figaro who went from planning to redshirt last season to starting eight games and setting new Colonel football records such as rushing yards in a game with 281 against Arkansas Tech and rushing yards in a season with 1,103, while also throwing for over 1,300 yards and

Tuskani Figaro, Rafe Plaisance

eight touchdowns. After four years of Marcus Washington being the featured running back, the Colonels are going to begin the season with a stable of quality backs with the hopes of one rising above the rest as four juniors Michael Henry,

TALBOT CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Reggie Wilson, Joshua Johnson from Thibodaux High, and Tobias Lofton will compete to be the starter. Dylan Ledet, a junior from E.D. White, will be the blocking back and a nice threat to catch some passes. The key to Nicholls’ offensive

success will be along the line and the protection that they are able to provide. The Colonels will return a tremendous amount of experience and will likely start four seniors and a junior with an average height of 6’4” and weight of about 305 lbs. Look for senior Rafe Plaisance, a South Lafourche product, to be the anchor of the line. If the line can provide the quarterbacks some time to throw, tight ends Nick Scelfo, senior and All-SLC performer, and Stephen LeBouef, a freshman from E.D. White, will be some big targets along with a bevy of talented newcomers and rising junior stars in Demon Bolt from Thibodaux High and Terry Lucas at the wide receiver positions. The area that needs to improve the most for Nicholls to be successful will be the defense as they had some struggles last season. The Colonels will have a new defensive coordinator in Steve Adams, who coached the Nicholls defensive backs last season and will implement a 3-4 scheme. While the Colonels will be a little undersized along the defensive line,

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Football

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there are some quality players in senior Cole Frazier and sophomores Chris Lorden and Jeremiah Thomas from Terrebonne High. The linebacking corps will be filled with young and very athletic players with a few experienced players mixed into the group. From senior inside linebackers Davin Bovie, an All-SLC Preseason 2nd Team pick, and Tyler Harrington to sophomore Ronnie Walker along with outside linebackers in juniors Kameryon Brown and Nick LeBlanc, a Vandebilt product; sophomore Seth Keller and freshman Geoffrey Hebert from E.D. White, the talent is there to lead the defense. The defensive backfield will easily be the most experienced defensive group as the Colonels will start seniors at both corners in Bryon Cobb, an AllSLC Preseason 2nd Team pick, and Josh Dewey. Additionally, senior Toren Joseph will likely start at one safety and sophomore BT Sanders, who is arguably the most talented Nicholls defensive back, will be at the other safety. With the abilities that Nicholls has returning at key positions combined with the most depth they have had under Coach Stubbs, this could be his most talented Colonel football team. If this Nicholls team can survive the first half of the season, which sees them at home for only one game and on the road for five, including two SLC games, somewhat healthy and with a few wins, the big question from there will be if this Colonel team can make the leap from a bottom finishing team in the SLC to one that competes for a title and a spot in the FCS playoffs in November.

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E.D. White Cardinals Fri. Sept. 5.............................................................................. VANDEBILT Fri. Sept. 12................................................................................ ST JAMES Thurs. Sept. 18.................................................................. Central Catholic Fri. Sept. 26...................................................... CATHOLIC-NEW IBERIA Fri. Oct. 3................................................................. ARCHBISHOP SHAW Fri. Oct. 10............................................................................ Donaldsonville Fri. Oct. 17...............................................................................FRANKLIN* Fri. Oct. 24...................................................................................Patterson* Fri. Oct. 31........................................................................... ASSUMPTION Fri. Nov. 7..................................................................................BERWICK* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 9-3A games

Coach Chris Bergeron

Bergeron takes the lead at E.D. White Catholic By Wil Touchet he E.D. White Catholic football team may have a new head coach, but the face is a familiar one.

Chris Bergeron, who was a defensive assistant coach under former head coach Kyle Lasseigne for the last 10 years, was named E.D. White’s new leader in May after

Lasseigne stepped down to spend more time with his family after 10 years at the helm. Lasseigne will stay at the school as a teacher and the assistant athletic director.

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Football

E.D. White “It’s a tremendous experience being here,” Bergeron said. “I was fortunate enough that Kyle hired me on to be at a great place with a great program. The transition has been smooth. The kids know me. They know what I expect. It made the transition a lot easier than coming into a completely new situation or having to rebuild a program. I don’t feel like I’m coming into that situation. I feel like I’m in a really good situation here where I have tremendous support from administration, faculty and staff. The kids know what to expect. They know what I’m about. That’s made the transition a lot easier.” E.D. White was 5-6 overall and 2-2 in District 9-3A last season. The Cardinals, who have 26 seniors and lost 12 seniors last year, have 80 players on the roster and fell 14-0 to Parkview Baptist in the regional round of the Division II playoffs last season. Bergeron said he can point to a few strengths for the Cardinals this season. “We have a lot more depth at the skill spots than we’ve had in the past,” Bergeron said. “We have a little more depth on the offensive line and defensive line than we’ve had in the past. I think the combination of 102 our depth at key positions is going to be important for us. We return a nice little group of veterans who’ve had playing time. Having the veterans being able to pull the young guys along is going to be a real key for us this season. Some of these young kids are going to have to grow up early. We have a really tough pre-district schedule and a tough district schedule. The seniors and the upperclassmen who have played are going to have to bring the young kids along very quickly.” Bergeron said getting the timing of the offense down will be key early on. “I think one of the things we definitely need to improve on is the implementation of our offense. We’ve spent some time during the summer doing that, so I think that’s really going to be key for us to be able to implement our offensive scheme,” Bergeron said. “Defensively, we’re not going to change. We’re going to do what we’ve done in the past. We expect early on for our defense to be able to keep us in games until our offense can catch up.” On offense, quarterback Ben Sposito and running backs Darius Charles and Jeremy Rounds will be key for the Cardinals as their young offensive line develops. On defense, linebacker Frank Robichaux and defensive lineman William Eichler along with Thomas Legendre, Marcus Kliebert and Luke Hagen should provide leadership. The Cardinals are back in District 9-3A with Berwick, Donaldsonville, Franklin and Patterson. “I definitely think Patterson is the frontrunner,” Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

Bergeron said. “They’re always the frontrunner every year with the athletes that they have. They’re in a little bit of a coaching transition as well. Early on, it’s going to be key to see how well they handle their coaching transition. Donaldsonville is a team that is steadily improving year in and year out. Franklin is a team that is also improving year in and year out. So it’s not the old district of you had to get up to play Patterson and then everybody else was having a down year. This year you got to get up to play everybody. And if you don’t get up to play everybody, you’re going to get beat.” Bergeron said he hopes the entire Cardinals team takes on the mindset of the defenses he coached in the past at E.D. White. “The goal for us is to be successful week in and week out. My opinion on that is whatever people have thought of us defensively over the last nine years that I’ve been the coordinator, I want to transition that into what people think about our whole team. I’m not the type of coach that’s going to say a bunch of things and have to have my kids go back it up. I want people to form their own opinion about us,” Bergeron said. “The goal is to execute the best way we can and do things the best way we can. People can take their own opinion of us when they leave the field. But again my goal is set that when people watch us play, whatever you thought of us defensively in the past, I want that to be your opinion of us as a team.”

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Central Catholic Eagles Fri. Sept. 5..................................................................................Loreauville Fri. Sept. 12.............................................................Lusher Charter School Thurs. Sept. 18........................................................................ E.D. WHITE Thurs. Sept. 25............................... HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHRISTIAN* Fri. Oct. 3..................................................................... Vermilion Catholic* Thurs. Oct. 9......................................................... HANSON MEMORIAL* Fri. Oct. 17................................................................ Ascension Episcopal* Thurs. Oct. 23............................. LAFAYETTE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY* Fri. Oct. 31......................................... METAIRIE PARK COUNTRY DAY Fri. Nov. 7..................................................................................... Gueydan* Coach Tommy Minton

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-1A games

Minton back at Central Catholic: Building team chemistry will be key

By Wil Touchet ommy Minton started his head coaching career at Central Catholic in the early 1990s before later going on to a highly successful 16-year stint as the head coach at Patterson High. Now Minton is back where it all started for him, replacing David Fuhrer as the Eagles head coach. “I enjoyed my years (at Central Catholic) and enjoyed the community, so when I decided to retire (from public schools) and this opportunity presented itself, I was really excited about it,” Minton said. “There is no doubt I am a better coach now than I was then. There is no substitute for experience. The No. 1 thing that pleases me right now is how the kids have accepted what we are trying to do. They have embraced this change and worked hard this summer and have done everything we have asked them to do. Hopefully that will bring us some success.” Last season the Eagles were 5-7 overall, 4-2 in District 7-1A and fell 34-0 to district rival and eventual Division IV champion Vermilion Catholic in the second round of the playoffs.

This season the Eagles have 49 players, including nine seniors and eight juniors. “One of our first goals was to get some kids out and create some depth because that has been an issue. When your numbers are low, you don’t have the depth that you need,” Minton said. “We have seen some increased participation now.” Minton said led by running back Stefano Guarisco and quarterback Blake Byrne, the Eagles have some exciting skill-position players on offense. “I think offensively our skill positions players will be a strength. I think we have more talent there than I thought we did coming in,” Minton said. “Defensively our back seven – our linebackers and defensive backs, there is some talent there. My No. 1 worry right now is that we are so young up front on each side of the ball. We are going to be as good as those guys are going to be.” Minton said linebacker Garrett LeBlanc and free safety Charlie Barron will be top players on defense and that he is excited about kicker Matthew Barbier. “He is going to give us points,” Minton said of Barbier. “We feel like

with him, we can get an automatic three points in the red zone if we can’t get into the end zone.” Minton said building team 103 chemistry will be key. “For us to be successful we have to create good team chemistry because good teams beat talent,” Minton said. “A good team is a team that plays together. The kids know their roles and accept their roles and try to excel in their roles. That is what we want. If we can do that, I feel we will be successful in the win-loss column.” Central Catholic is in District 7-1A with Ascension Episcopal, Gueydan, Hanson Memorial, Highland Baptist, Lafayette Christian and Vermilion Catholic. “You have to start with Vermilion Catholic. They are the defending state champion. That tells you right there you have a tough road in your district,” Minton said. “There are some tough teams in there also. Highland Baptist made a little run in the playoffs last year as a new program, and they have growing programs like Ascension Episcopal and Lafayette Christian, and Hanson is a traditional rival. Those are always good physical football games.” www.bayoucatholic.com

Football

Vandebilt Catholic Terriers Fri. Sept. 5.................................................................................. E.D. White Fri. Sept. 12................................................................................. Thibodaux Fri. Sept. 19.................................................................................. St. James Fri. Sept. 26.................................................................................. Patterson Fri. Oct. 3....................................................................BROTHER MARTIN Fri. Oct. 10..........................................................SOUTH TERREBONNE* Fri. Oct. 17..................................................................................... BRUSLY Fri. Oct. 24............................................................................... Assumption* Fri. Oct. 31........................................................................MORGAN CITY* Fri. Nov. 7......................................................................................Ellender* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-4A games

Coach Jeremy Atwell

Atwell takes over at Vandebilt Catholic

By Wil Touchet eremy Atwell has been preparing for this for over a decade. A former assistant coach at Thibodaux High (2002-2006) and a former assistant and defensive coordinator at Nicholls State University (2006104 2013), Atwell is now the head coach at Vandebilt Catholic, replacing former coach Brad Villavaso after he and the school parted ways toward the end of last football season following a difference of opinion on whether or not a player should be allowed back on the team. “The biggest thing for me is that I think without my assistant coaching experience I would not have been ready to take this job over,” Atwell said. “There is no way I could have taken over a program when I was at Thibodaux High, especially a program like Vandebilt, which has expectations

that are a lot higher than other places. You have a lot of demands. There is no way I could have done it at 25 or 26 years old. I think having a long-term vision of where I want the program to be in three or four years gives me perspective.” The Terriers, who have 86 players, including 16 seniors, went 6-5 last season, 3-1 in District 7-4A and lost to Teurlings Catholic 44-7 in the regional round of the 15-team Division II playoffs. Atwell said he has gotten intense participation from the team during summer workouts. “I think the commitment and work ethic will be strengths,” Atwell said. “We had 78-85 kids show up 95 percent of the time, and we are working out MondayFriday, and we know about most of those misses ahead of the time. We have kids showing up and working their tails off. That commitment and work ethic will take us a long

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way.” Atwell said building camaraderie has been one of the goals of the summer. “We are still trying to get these young men to have ownership of their program. I don’t want it to be just my program or the coaches’ program. I want it to be everybody’s program,” Atwell said. “We are trying to build camaraderie. With everything that has happened in the past, some people are unsure. I want these kids to know this is their program and without them there is no football team. We are doing a team run every Tuesday and Thursday so they can all work together and build that camaraderie.” Some of the leaders for the Terriers on the field this season will be quarterback Bailey Pere, who is returning from a torn ACL suffered last season,

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offensive lineman Joseph Hebert, tight end Chase Hutchinson, linebacker Dylan Ward, defensive back Spencer Russ and defensive lineman Benton Bourgeois. Vandebilt will again play in District 7-4A this season with Assumption, Ellender, South Terrebonne and Morgan City. “All those guys do a great job. Coach (Richard) Curlin at South Terrebonne and Coach (Terry) Washington at Ellender do great jobs,” Atwell said. “South Terrebonne is always good and Ellender is headed up. Coach (Tony) Payne at Assumption does a heck of job, and I know they are excited about this year. Our district with those guys and Morgan City, it is a tough district.” Atwell said a major goal for him, especially in his first season, is to lay the foundation for the program by preaching and practicing certain intangibles. “We are not going to talk too much about wins and losses. We want to develop that trust level between the coaches and the players so we can grow the program with character, integrity and trust in a Christian environment,” Atwell said. “I want to make this a great experience. I know winning makes every experience better, but in looking back at my times as a player, you look forward to being back in the field house and locker room and it’s about the friends you make. We want to make this fun for these young men. We want them to enjoy and cherish this time. By doing that, I think you will increase commitment and input and how good the kids feel about their program.”

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Football

South Lafourche Tarpons Fri. Sept. 5......................................................................... O. Perry Walker Fri. Sept. 12........................................................ SOUTH PLAQUEMINES Fri. Sept. 19............................................................. ARCHBISHOP SHAW Fri. Sept. 26.......................................................................... East St. John* Fri. Oct. 3..................................................................................Terrebonne* Fri. Oct. 10........................................................CENTRAL LAFOURCHE* Fri. Oct. 17....................................................................H.L. BOURGEOIS* Fri. Oct. 24................................................................................. Destrehan* Fri. Oct. 31................................................................................. Thibodaux* Fri. Nov. 7............................................................................. HAHNVILLE* Coach Dennis Skains

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-5A games

Tarpons have lofty goals in 2014: ‘We want to be playing in December’

By Wil Touchet wo years ago in his first season as head coach at 106 South Lafourche, Dennis Skains led the Tarpons to a 9-0 regular-season mark, a district title and to the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. In spring drills this season, he said he has seen some similarities between that team and the squad he has entering the 2014 season. “This team reminds me of two years ago, my first year at South Lafourche,” Skains said. “There were a lot of new faces. We were putting in a new offense and a new defense. There was a big learning curve, but you could see the talent was there. I felt that way a little this spring. There were a lot of mental mistakes and learning during spring, but you can see the talent and the potential there. I really believe our skill positions are more talented, and we will be able to throw the ball a lot better than we did last year because of the weapons we have. I think we are going to be much more potent this year. I think we will be more consistent.” The Tarpons, who have 90 players Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

this season including 18 seniors, went 5-6 overall last season, 4-3 in District 7-5A and fell to Barbe 4216 in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. Skains said wide receiver/free safety Dominick Fillinich, running back Justin Doucet, wide receiver Sean Bouzigard, defensive tackle Marvel Bourgeois and linebacker Matt Richardel will be some of the Tarpons top players this season and that there is a renewed emphasis on improving the special teams. “We are putting a lot of emphasis on special teams. I did a poor job last season of getting everybody where they needed to be on special teams,” Skains said. “It is important because every one of the 10 plays on special teams can change the game. We are trying to solidify some things there.” The Tarpons are back in District 7-5A with Central Lafourche, Destrehan, East St. John, H.L. Bourgeois, Hahnville, Terrebonne and Thibodaux. “As a competitor, you would rather be in a district like this and be prepared going into the playoffs rather than being in a district where you may be fooling yourself

a little bit,” Skains said. “That is one thing I love about this place. Our coaches are on the same page and feel the same way and our kids are not intimidated. They look forward to it. They want to play the Destrehans, the East St. Johns, the Hahnvilles and the Thibodauxs. Those are the games they get most excited for, and they embrace those, and that is what I love about them. There are some great teams and great coaches in this district.” He added the goals for the Tarpons are lofty this season but that he feels his team is strong enough for the challenge. “Our goal is that we want to be playing in December, and I believe you can’t achieve that unless it is your goal,” Skains said. “We are not scared to say our ultimate goal is to play in the last game of the season. There are a lot of smaller goals on the way to that. We have to improve on a weekly basis. We can’t stay the same. We know the teams we are going to play are going to get better each week, and we have to embrace those challenges. We have a group who can do that.”

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Football

Thibodaux Tigers Thurs. Sept. 4...................................................................Archbishop Shaw Fri. Sept. 12............................................................................ VANDEBILT Fri. Sept. 19...............................................................................Assumption Fri. Sept. 26................................................................................ Hahnville* Fri. Oct. 3......................................................................H.L. BOURGEOIS* Fri. Oct. 10........................................................................... DESTREHAN* Fri. Oct. 17................................................................................Terrebonne* Fri. Oct. 24.......................................................................EAST ST. JOHN* Fri. Oct. 31.............................................................SOUTH LAFOURCHE* Fri. Nov. 7..................................................................... Central Lafourche* Coach Chris Dugas

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-5A games

Peyton Bonvillain to lead Thibodaux offense in 2014

By Wil Touchet he Thibodaux High football team is entering the 2014 season with 108 experience at a key position – quarterback. The Tigers return senior Peyton Bonvillain, who threw for 919 yards and 13 scores and ran for 415 yards and another six touchdowns as the Tigers went 6-5 overall, 4-3 in District 7-5A and fell to Zachary 43-40 in the first round of the playoffs. “On offense, one of our strengths will be Peyton Bonvillain at quarterback,” Tigers coach Chris Dugas said. “He has quite a bit of game experience from last year. He split time early, but settled in around Week 3 or 4 as the fulltime guy. He also has playoff experience. Our offensive line will also be a strength with four returners in Joshua Matherne, Brennon Burrell, Brandon Barbier and Hunter Melancon. We do have to replace some guys at our skill positions.” The Tigers have 75 varsity players out and 26 seniors after losing 24 seniors last year. Dugas said the defense will be led by cornerback Chis Bryant, safety Dane Benoit, safety Blair Brooks, Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

cornerback Trymanie Samanie and defensive linemen Jude Theriot and Marquis Garman. “Defensively, the secondary looks to be a strength,” Dugas said. “Our defensive line looks pretty strong too. We have some size coming back up front. We are going to be young at linebacker so we will be looking to plug some holes there.” The Tigers are also looking to Jace Haydel to bolster their kicking game. “We need to improve in the kicking game. The kicking game cost us quite a few games last season. We played in quite a few close games last season,” Dugas said. “We have a soccer kid named Jace Haydel who will take over the kicking duties. He had an excellent spring, and we feel like he will be an asset to the team. If we can get the kicking game going like it should, we will be much better. We left a lot of points on the board last year because of special teams.” Thibodaux will be back with Central Lafourche, Destrehan, East St. John, H.L. Bourgeois, Hahnville, South Lafourche and Terrebonne in District 7-5A. “You always have to look at those River schools – Hahnville, Destrehan and East St. John,”

Dugas said. “We joke around down here on the Bayou and call them the SEC West because they all have guys who will be playing the in the SEC West. Those teams will be good again, especially Destrehan. Nick Saltaformaggio won a (Class 4A) state title at East Jefferson last year, and he is at Hahnville now. Then East St. John is just loaded with athletes. Those three teams are always going to be front runners and South Lafourche is always in the mix, and Central Lafourche could be a surprise. H.L. will be improved and Terrebonne and Gary Hill always put together a solid team.” Dugas also said staying healthy will be important this season. “We want to continue to stay competitive and stay healthy in the pre-district schedule because it will be a tough district,” Dugas said. “We have a tough pre-district, too. If we stay healthy we can compete with anyone, but we don’t have a lot of depth at certain positions. We have another good senior class and some young good athletes, too. We have a good group of sophomores. We have to finish summer workouts strong, and we had a good 7-on-7 season. Hopefully we can takeoff from there.”

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Football

H.L. Bourgeois Braves Fri. Sept. 5............................................................SOUTH TERREBONNE Fri. Sept. 12..............................................................................ELLENDER Fri. Sept. 19..................................................................................St. Amant Fri. Sept. 26......................................................CENTRAL LAFOURCHE* Fri. Oct. 3................................................................................... Thibodaux* Fri. Oct. 10.......................................................................EAST ST. JOHN* Fri. oct. 17........................................................................ South Lafourche* Fri. Oct. 24.................................................................................. Hahnville* Fri. Oct. 31........................................................................... DESTREHAN* Fri. Nov. 7.................................................................................Terrebonne* Coach Daron Franklin

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-5A games

Braves work toward winning

By Wil Touchet ast June, Daron Franklin took over a struggling H.L. Bourgeois football program. And while the Braves failed to win a game last season finishing 0-10 overall and 0-7 in District 7-5A, Franklin said the current players now better know what to expect as he heads into his second season as head coach with a full year under his belt. 110 “I think the kids understand now that I expect them to compete all the time,” Franklin said. “We are changing the culture of the program. We have wrapped up the offseason phase, and we have asked them to commit to the process of getting better. They were asked to sacrifice so we can make progress. They have achieved both of those goals. We are focusing on effort now going into the fall. We have gained strength in all areas of our football team. Now our effort will determine our wins and losses. These kids have worked hard since the end of last regular season.” The Braves have 70 players on their roster, including 14 seniors. They lost 12 seniors last year. Franklin said Todd Adkins (quarterback), Ritney Coleman (running back/wide receiver), Caleb Dupre (offensive lineman), Kellen Ruffin (defensive end), Xavier Walker (cornerback) and Tevin Johnson (free safety) will be some of the top players on the Braves this season. He added that working to get better on special teams has also been a major point of emphasis heading into the season. “I think we need to improve in special teams,” Franklin said. “We want to excel in all three phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams. We now have a soccer player who is a true kicker in Nicholas Montana. I think we are on pace to improve with him as our kicker. We also have Nicholas Langford as our returning punter.” The Braves have dropped 29 games in a row, including 17 district games. H.L. Bourgeois is back with Central Lafourche, Destrehan, East St. John, Hahnville, South Lafourche, Terrebonne and Thibodaux in District 7-5A. “When I took this job I knew what I was getting into with this district,” Franklin said. “I call it big-boy football. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

It’s one of the top 5A districts in the state. All the teams in our district are tough. We just want to be prepared and be able to compete. We have three goals. We want to achieve our first win. We want to achieve our first district win, and we want to achieve our first playoff win. If we achieve our first goal and keep rolling and achieve our second goal, we will have a chance to achieve our third goal.”

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Football

Morgan City Tigers Fri. Sept. 5........................................................................WHITE CASTLE Fri. Sept. 12............................................................... Central-Baton Rouge Fri. Sept. 19..................................................................... WEST ST. MARY Fri. Sept. 26.................................................................................. LIVONIA Fri. Oct. 3........................................................................................ Franklin Fri. Oct. 10....................................................................................... RAYNE Fri. Oct. 17.....................................................................................Ellender* Fri. Oct. 24..........................................................SOUTH TERREBONNE* Fri. Oct. 31...................................................................................Vandebilt* Fri. Nov. 7.......................................................................... ASSUMPTION* Coach Scott Tregle

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-4A games

Tregle takes over at Morgan City

By Wil Touchet cott Tregle is a graduate of Morgan City High School, and he wants to make a difference in the football program. The Tigers have not been to the playoffs since 1998 and Tregle, a 112 former Patterson High assistant, wants to get Morgan City back to the postseason. He takes over for former head coach Dennis Lorio, who coached the Tigers in 2013. “A lot of the community was saying, ‘Man, you need to come take over this program and set it in the right direction.’ They haven’t been doing too well lately. Being an alumnus of the school and being in the community, I kind of felt obligated to do it,” Tregle said. “I went in there with the intention of, ‘If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it the right way. I’m going to work the kids hard, I’m not going to put up with any foolishness, and we’re going to have discipline on this team.’ With discipline and hard work, we’ll see what happens. Those are usually the keys to success.” Tregle said the Tigers must learn what it takes to win. “I know you have to have athletes, and we have a few good athletes,” Tregle said. “We just need to learn how to manage the game where we can have a chance in the fourth quarter to win. That’s our outlook on the season. We have a Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

good young group of kids coming up. I’ve already instilled the discipline and work ethic we’re going to have. That’s going to be the foundation we’re going to build for the program.” The Tigers, who have around 60 players on the team including 10 seniors, were 0-10 overall and 0-4 in District 7-4A last season, but Tregle said the players are ready to work to get better and summer workouts have been positive. “They want to have somebody who’s going to work with them,” Tregle said. “They want people who care about them and show them that we’re in this together. They’re hungry. They’re hungry to win. And they want to win. So I haven’t had much problems getting them out there this summer. We had real good attendance this summer. We’ve been getting a lot of stuff done.” Tregle said when it comes to getting better, all areas of the team will be addressed. “Looking at our schedule, we need to improve in all areas,” Tregle said. “Offense, defense and special teams all need to be improved upon. We’re not just concentrating on one thing. We’re concentrating on getting better as a whole. Our conditioning needs to be better than last year and we’re getting that done. Strength and conditioning is a big thing that I saw with them. They were getting pushed

around. So all four of those aspects of the game, they’re going to be better this year. We’ll build upon that after this year.” Some key players for the Tigers this year will be running back Kevon Marsh, linebacker Anthony Rink, defensive back/wide receiver Jaylen Jones and defensive linemen Clifton Escort, Tiryce Oloney and Dezin Young. The Tigers are back in District 7-4A with Assumption, Ellender, South Terrebonne and Vandebilt Catholic. “I think it’s a well-balanced district. Nobody really dominates it every year. I know South Terrebonne and Vandebilt are usually the Top 2. Assumption gives them good games. Ellender has been getting better,” Tregle said. “I want us to get up in the mix. I don’t know if it’s going to be this year but hopefully in the next couple of years. I want to get us in the mix for that district championship.” Tregle said it will take dedication from the players to get the program going in the right direction. “It’s going to take hard work, discipline, and determination,” Tregle said. “That’s the three keys right there. Like I told them when I took over, I could get (New Orleans Saints coach) Sean Payton to come in here and coach you guys, but if you’re not willing to be here and work, you’re not going to be successful.”

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Football

South Terrebonne Gators Fri. Sept. 5............................................................................H.L. Bourgeois Fri. Sept. 12........................................................................ TERREBONNE Fri. Sept. 26......................................................................BELLE CHASSE Fri. Oct. 10...................................................................................Vandebilt* Fri. Oct. 17......................................................................... ASSUMPTION* Fri. Oct. 24.............................................................................. Morgan City* Fri. Oct. 31.............................................................................. ELLENDER* Fri. Nov. 7.......................................................................................... Cecilia Coach Richard Curlin

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-4A games

Defensive line to be strength for Gators in 2014

By Wil Touchet outh Terrebonne football coach Richard Curlin was an offensive lineman in 114 high school and in college, but he said one of the major strengths of the Gators this season will be along the defensive line. The Gators, who have 60 players and 18 seniors and who lost 20 seniors last season, were 5-6 overall and 3-1 in District 7-4A last year and fell in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs to No. 1 Neville, the state runner-up, 50-7. “I’d say our strengths would be our defensive line,” Curlin said. “We’re going to have a pretty solid defensive line and probably a pretty good secondary, too.” Curlin pointed to Pete LeBeouf, Randall Norman, Gage Ross and Louie Blanchard as leaders of the defensive line. In the secondary, Curlin said Brett Franks, Adam Cook and Devin Harding will lead the way and that the biggest question mark on defense will be at linebacker. On offense, Curlin said the offensive line, which he hopes meshes quickly, will be anchored by Dyon Perque, and starting running back Christian Wallis and starting fullback Dylan Authement are returning. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

Curlin said Tyeson Verdin is penciled in as the starting quarterback. “The other question mark is whether Tyeson Verdin, who was our JV quarterback last season, can step up and be our varsity quarterback,” Curlin said. “He looked good in the spring. He had some good matchups in 7-on-7 in the summertime. He is just going to need reps. He’s a kid that’s going to get better as the season goes on We’ve got to get him as many reps as we can. We’re going to play in that extra scrimmage that’s supposed to be at E.D. White this year. We got into that for that reason: to

give him some more experience.” The Gators are back with Assumption, Ellender, Morgan City and Vandebilt Catholic in District 7-4A. “Assumption’s always got good athletes,” Curlin said. “I know they were a little down last year, but I think they can get that turned around this year. Vandebilt has got a new coach. They beat us last year in a downpour. They were solid, and I know they have a lot of kids coming back, too. I’d say those two right there. We didn’t see Ellender or go against them in 7-on-7. I’ve heard they looked good. So it could be a toss-up.”

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Football

Terrebonne Tigers Thurs. Sept. 4................................................................. REDEMPTORIST Fri. Sept. 12.....................................................................South Terrebonne Fri. Sept. 19..............................................................................ELLENDER Fri. Sept. 26............................................................................... Destrehan* Fri. Oct. 3...............................................................SOUTH LAFOURCHE* Fri. Oct. 10.................................................................................. Hahnville* Fri. Oct. 17............................................................................THIBODAUX* Fri. Oct. 24........................................................CENTRAL LAFOURCHE* Fri. Oct. 31............................................................................ East St. John* Fri. Nov.7......................................................................H.L. BOURGEOIS* Coach Gary Hill

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-5A games

Terrebonne looking to head back to playoffs in 2014

By Wil Touchet nder head coach Gary Hill the past eight seasons, the Terrebonne High football program has been a perennial playoff participant. And in 2014, the Tigers again have their eyes set on the postseason. 116 “You never lower your expectations for your team regardless of what you have,” Hill said. “We always try to make the playoffs, try to compete for a district championship and get better every week. That’s what our goals have been all along. Being we’re a little bit younger, we’re going to add a couple of goals to do that. Give your best effort every play. Stay focused and determined. Don’t ever get down. Just always keep fighting and fight through everything. We’ll try and see if that can get us to be competing for a district championship, making the playoffs, and having a chance to succeed.” Terrebonne, which has around 70 players, including 14 seniors after losing 18 last year, was 5-6 overall and 2-5 in District 7-5A after a 44-0 loss to Destrehan in the first round of the 5A playoffs. Some of the offensive leaders for the Tigers, that Hill said have improved offensively through 7-on-7 and summer workouts, will be running back Justin Theriot, receivers Devin Madison and Anthony Walls, offensive lineman Martin Chaisson and new quarterback Brett Bergeron. Hill pointed to linebacker Charles Clark, defensive lineman Cameron Clement and defensive backs Jalen Williams and Jordan Quigg as potential defensive leaders. Hill said the goal for the Tigers going forward is to keep getting better and to develop some younger players. “We have a lot of areas to improve upon,” Hill said. “We have a lot of young kids, a lot of young guys. They’re going to have to step up and be asked to play and do things that they’ve never had to do before. Some Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

of them will be learning the speed of the game at the same time. It’s going to be one of those years where we’re real young and our kids are going to have to do a real good job of staying dedicated and focused on what we have to do to accomplish any kind of success.”

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Terrebonne is back in District 7-5A with Central Lafourche, Destrehan, East St. John, H.L. Bourgeois, Hahnville, Thibodaux and South Lafourche. “If I had to pick the champion, I’m sure it’s coming off the river. Destrehan returns nine or 10 guys on offense and seven or eight on defense. That’s a lot to say for a semifinal team,” Hill said. “Hahnville has a lot of athletes that are returning. They won games in the playoffs last year and they’re back. East St. John has all their guys back. They’ve lost some defensive lineman but they still have those commits to the big schools coming back, and they won games in the playoffs. So you have all three of those schools to contend with. Thibodaux’s got a lot coming back and is pretty solid. Central Lafourche got a lot better last year and they have guys returning. South Lafourche is always real physical. Bourgeois played hard all 10 games last year. Coming off the season they had, you know they’re going to be hungry. It’s one of those things where you hope you can compete every week. You got to give some advantage to the River due to the number of guys they got.” Hill said staying healthy will be another key for Terrebonne. “If we can survive attrition, we can stay healthy as much as possible, that’s the big key,” Hill said. “Stay healthy, stay focused and have guys make plays that they didn’t think they were capable of making at times to really get some momentum and keep going.” 117

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Football

Ellender Memorial Patriots Fri. Sept. 5................................................... MADISON PREP ACADEMY Fri. Sept. 12..........................................................................H.L. Bourgeois Fri. Sept. 19................................................................................Terrebonne Fri. Sept. 26................................................................... St. Helena Central Fri. Oct. 3............................................................................... West St. John Fri. Oct. 10............................................................................... Assumption* Fri. Oct. 17........................................................................MORGAN CITY* Fri. Oct. 24.................................................................................FRANKLIN Fri. Oct. 31.....................................................................South Terrebonne* Fri. Nov. 7..............................................................................VANDEBILT* Coach Terry Washington

T 118

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-4A games

Ellender looks for continued growth under Washington

By Wil Touchet erry Washington took over a struggling Ellender program in 2011. After a winless season that year, the Patriots broke through with a victory that

snapped a 32-game losing streak in 2012, and the program improved. Last year they went to the playoffs, and despite a 62-0 loss to Class 4A semifinalist Landry-Walker in the first round, it was another step forward for Washington and the

Patriots, who ended last season at 5-6 overall and 2-2 in District 7-4A. “You talk about the program and where it was in the very beginning, it was tough coming in. But at the end of the day, we put in a lot of work,” Washington said.

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“These young guys have bought into the program, and they’ve worked real hard. Getting the opportunity to play in the playoffs in the (first) round against a perennial power in Landry-Walker was big for us. After the game was over with, you could see those guys really wanted to get back to the playoffs again. So they went back to work like two weeks after that game, and they’ve put that work in. We’re excited about this group of guys going forward.” Ellender has 85 players this year, including 16 seniors and it lost 13 seniors from last year. Washington said the team’s offensive line can be a strength this season. “We return all five starters on the offensive line,” Washington said. “Those guys have been together for the last three years. So I think the strength of our team is going to be the interior line. The last couple of years it was all skill guys. We’re liking that moving forward. I think the interior line on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, we feel strongly about. I think that’s the strong suit of our team.” Washington said Ellender must step up on defense this season.

“The last couple of years defensively we’ve given up a whole lot of points. We want to shore up the defensive side of the football. That was a major emphasis in the spring. We’re excited about what we’re doing on the defensive side of the football,” Washington said. “We got some guys there that we feel really comfortable with. With our scheme, we’re moving from a 4-25 to 3-4. This gives us the opportunity to get some more athletes out on the football field as well. So, defense was a major emphasis this spring. Going in and coming out of spring, we feel real good about it. So if the defense holds up and we can keep teams at bay, I think it’s going to be a better season than it was last year.” On offense, Ellender is looking to offensive lineman Trent Moore, quarterback Curtis Anderson and running back Justen Harris as leaders. On defense, college recruit Brandon Brinson (defensive end/linebacker), cornerback Darius Neville and nose guard Jace Ordone will anchor the unit. Ellender joins Assumption, South Terrebonne, Morgan City and Vandebilt Catholic in District

Good Luck To All Teams On A Winning Season!!!

7-4A this season. “I think for the first time in our district there’s no clear cut favorite. Any team can beat any team on any Friday night,” Washington said. “To have that in the district makes it that much more interesting to see which team is going to be ready to play on Friday night, which teams can stay away from injury, and so on and so forth. I think from top to bottom, this is the first time we’ve had a district with no clear cut favorite.” Washington said he is looking for his team to compete in 2014. “We talk about it every day at practice, just compete. Compete hard, compete hard, compete hard. That’s our motto. Just compete every day at practice, everything we do in the weight room, running, whatever it is,” Washington said. “We just want to compete. At the end of the day, if we can compete to the best of our abilities and give us the opportunity to the win at the end of the game, that’s all we ask of our kids. We would like to make the playoffs. But at the end of the day, it’s about competing to the best of your abilities. If our players and coaches do that, we’ll be happy with that.”

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Football

Central Lafourche Trojans Fri. Sept. 5.................................................................................FRANKLIN Fri. Sept. 12......................................................................................CLARK Fri. Sept. 19......................................................................... MANDEVILLE Fri. Sept. 26........................................................................ H.L. Bourgeois* Fri. Oct. 3.........................................................................EAST ST. JOHN* Fri. Oct. 10....................................................................... South Lafourche* Fri. Oct. 17........................................................................... DESTREHAN* Fri. Oct. 24................................................................................Terrebonne* Fri. Oct. 31.................................................................................. Hahnville* Fri. Nov. 7.............................................................................THIBODAUX* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District7-5A games

Coach Keith Menard

Trojans head into 2014 confident

By Wil Touchet n his second season as the head football coach at Central Lafourche High, Keith Menard sees more confidence heading into year two. The Trojans, who have 65 players, including 15 seniors after los120 ing 20 seniors last year, went 4-6

overall and 2-5 in District 7-5A in 2013. “I think overall from last year to this year, it’s just a confidence level,” Menard said. “What I mean by that is, the confidence level in our system, the confidence level in each other, the confidence that we can compete at this level. I think

the next thing we bring to the table is overall defensively we seem to be a lot better and a lot faster. The mentality that we’re looking for defensively is finally there and we’re hoping that carries over into the season.” Menard has two of the top running backs in the area back

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in Thomas Wesley and Da’Quan Gray. “I think those are guys who can definitely lead the way for us,” Menard said. “They both can play running back, the slot, returner, so they can do a lot of things for you. Those are two guys that can definitely lead the way for us.” Another offensive leader for the Trojans will be center/guard Cullen Smith, but the Trojans lost a number of starters along the offensive line. On defense, former receiver and quarterback Chandler Richard will play free safety, and other leaders on defense will be linebacker Dereon Thomas and cornerback/return man Anfernee Poindexter. Central Lafourche is back in District 7-5A with H.L. Bourgeois, East St. John, Destrehan, Hahnville, Terrebonne, Thibodaux and South Lafourche. “I think you have to look at Destrehan and East St. John as the favorites,” Menard said. “They have players everywhere and guys who can make plays for them. I think those two teams are going to be battling it out. Those guys stand a little taller than the rest of us. Honestly, I see the rest of us sort Consulting System & Network Design Remote Managed Services Application Development Data & Voice Communications Hardware & Software Solutions Network & Hardware Administration

of thrown in a heap there. Hahnville has got a new staff and they’re going to be well-coached. They have players. Thibodaux has a great team coming back with some great skill kids. South Lafourche is always tough and physical. We have to go there this year so that’s always tough. H.L. is in a rebuilding stage. Terrebonne, I haven’t seen them this year so I’m not sure what they’re going to look like. Thibodaux had a chance to beat East St. John and Hahnville last year and so did South Lafourche. So I think you have a lot of toss-ups out there. No doubt that Destrehan and East St. John have the players and all the kids coming back to be a little head and shoulders above the rest of us.” Menard pointed to winning a district title, qualifying for the quarterfinals and making a run at a state championship as goals for the team this season. “As long as you have a belief in those goals, and are not just saying it, that is what matters,” Menard said. “This year our kids have bought in that these are our three goals, and that’s what we’re shooting for and working for. We feel as a staff that our kids have worked

extremely hard since November of last year. We have a better belief that these things can happen for us. That’s what our goals are.” Menard said the Trojans will have to do certain things to achieve those goals. “Now, how we have to achieve that is No. 1, we have to play great defense. If we can play hard and fast like we did in the spring, I think we have a chance to turn the ball over and make some big plays defensively,” Menard said. “I think No. 2 is last year, kicking-game wise, we weren’t where we needed to be. We have to shore up those things to make us better there. The third thing is I thought last year we turned the ball over too much offensively. We had too many fumbles and too many opportunities we let slip away. Too many drives it cost us because we couldn’t hang on to the ball. I think those three things are major for us. And third down has to be a big down for us. Offensively, we didn’t convert third downs. Defensively, when we had opportunities to get off the field on third down, we didn’t do a very good job of getting off the field. I think those things are important to us in getting us to where we got to go.” 121

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Football

LSU Tigers

Coach Les Miles

Sat. Aug. 30............................................................................ WISCONSIN Sat. Sept. 6....................................................................... SAM HOUSTON Sat. Sept. 13.......................................................... LOUISIANA-MONROE Sat. Sept. 20............................................................MISSISSIPPI STATE* Sat. Sept. 27........................................................... NEW MEXICO STATE Sat. Oct. 4....................................................................................... Auburn* Sat. Oct. 11......................................................................................Florida* Sat. Oct. 18............................................................................ KENTUCKY* Sat. Oct. 25................................................................................OLE MISS* Sat. Nov. 8................................................................................ ALABAMA* Sat. Nov. 15................................................................................. Arkansas* Thurs. Nov. 27......................................................................... Texas A&M* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southeastern Conference games

LSU fans want Tigers closer to the top

T 122

By ED DANIELS his fall, thousands of LSU football fans are fixated on one question. Who’s the starting quarterback? But, there is another pressing need as the Tigers prepare for Les Miles’ 10th season in Baton Rouge. Coordinator John Chavis must halt a steady decline

in the LSU defense. For the first time in the Miles’ era, the Tigers had a losing record on the road. The numbers tell a story. In a three point loss at Ole Miss, LSU allowed 525 total yards, including 176 rushing. In a three point loss at Georgia, the Tigers allowed 494 total yards, including 196 rushing yards.

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And, in a 21 point loss at Alabama, LSU allowed 372 total yards, including 193 rushing. In LSU’s lone 2013 road win, the Tigers still allowed 216 rushing yards at Mississippi State. The LSU defense allowed 5.1 yards per play, the highest number since the 2008 season. The defensive line has underachieved. Senior end Jemauria Rasco gets one more season to live up to the considerable hype that followed him to campus from Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport. Rasco had four quarterback sacks in 2013. LSU had 27 team quarterback sacks, tied for 59th in the Football Bowl Subdivision. In comparison, Tulane had 38 quarterback sacks. LSU’s linebacker play was average at best. True freshman Clifton Garrett was one of the best at his position nationwide in the signing class of 2014. The LSU secondary is a strength. In 2013, true freshman Tre’Davious White intercepted two passes, and was credited with seven pass breakups. Safety Jalen Mills, who led LSU with three interceptions, was suspended from the team in June after being charged with second degree battery. Improvement for the LSU defense must start with turnovers. Last season, LSU was even in turnover margin. The last two times the Tigers reached the BCS championship game, they were plus 20. In 2013, the LSU offense was entertaining and record setting. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger, wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, and running back Jeremy Hill made SEC history. The LSU offense was the first ever in the league to have a 3,000 yard passer, two 1,000 yards receivers, and a 1,000 yard rusher. Eventually, true freshman Brandon Harris of Parkway High School in Bossier City may be the starter at quarterback. But, Anthony Jennings, who attempted only 19 passes, and completed seven in an Outback Bowl win over Iowa, figures to be the starter to open the season against Wisconsin in Houston. In 2014, the Tigers will return to the running attack that head coach Les Miles covets. Four of five starters on the offensive line return. Terrence Magee of Franklinton scored eight rushing touchdowns and averaged 7.3 yards per carry. Kenny Hilliard also returns, and St. Aug’s Leonard Fournette arrives. Fournette, the nation’s number one recruit in the class of 2014, should be an immediate contributor. LSU’s top returning pass catchers are wide out Travin Dural and fullback Connor Neighbors with seven, each. True freshman receiver Malachi Dupre of John Curtis Christian School, will get instant opportunity. The SEC West is full of potential pitfalls. Alabama and Auburn are expected to be national title contenders. And, in the spring, it was clear Les Miles thought his young Tigers, with one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, were on the cusp. “Do you realize how close we’ve been?” Miles asked a reporter. In 2014, LSU fans want Les and his team to get closer.

KFC Locations in: • 141 Linda Ann Avenue Gray, LA • 1005 Greenwood St. Morgan City, LA • 1228 St. Charles St. Houma, LA www.bayoucatholic.com

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Football

Kenny Hilliard

STEVE FRANTZ PHOTO/LSU SPORTS

Danielle Hunter

STEVE FRANTZ PHOTO/LSU SPORTS

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THE ALLNEW 2015 CHRYSLER 200 125

Football

Tulane Green Wave

Coach Curtis Johnson

Thurs. Aug. 28....................................................................................Tulsa* Sat. Sept. 6...................................................................... GEORGIA TECH Sat. Sept. 13............................................SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA Sat. Sept. 20.........................................................................................Duke Sat. Sept. 27.....................................................................................Rutgers Sat. Oct. 11......................................................................CONNECTICUT* Sat. Oct. 18.......................................................................................... UCF* Fri. Oct. 31............................................................................CINCINNATI* Sat. Nov. 8.....................................................................................Houston* Sat. Nov. 15.............................................................................. MEMPHIS* Sat. Nov. 22..........................................................................East Carolina* Sat. Dec. 6.................................................................................... TEMPLE* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes American Athletic Conference games

Greenies will host on campus games this season

By Steve Caldarera t’s time to sweat it out again! For the first time since Nov. 126 30, 1974, Tulane will host an on campus home football game – without a roof. The frantic, ongoing construction of Yulman Stadium continues as the site is set for its grand opening with the resumption of the Tulane-Georgia Tech series on Sept. 6. It may be dreary and rainy, sultry and sticky, but you can expect a curious capacity crowd (22,600-plus). As exciting as it promises to be, it definitely presents a challenge for the faithful who kicked back for any of the past 39 seasons in the sheer 72-degree comfort of the Louisiana Superdome. The awareness of having a roof over the action offered fans to wear comfortable clothing without worrying about getting a sunburn, a rain-soaked sweatshirt or wind-swept, chapped lips. Alas, the Dome became more and more cavernous with each passing season. The sentiment favored returning to campus for a true home field advantage. Millions and millions of dollars later, it’s back to the elements for Tulane football fans, players, coaches and, hopefully, a well-attended student section. Maybe the intense September Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

Devon Breaux

heat and South Louisiana humidity will favor the Green Wave over its visiting opponents. While the novelty of a Yulman Stadium expects to produce higher attendance numbers early on, it will take winning football to close the deal and keep fans in those

seats. Tulane is coming off of an encouraging 7-6 season and its first bowl appearance in 11 years. The Wave was 5-1 at home, its best effort on friendly turf since the 1998 undefeated season. So, the home field advantage, always important, needs to be established immediately. Last year, third year head coach Curtis Johnson produced one of the biggest turnaround seasons in the nation (two wins, 10 losses in 2012 to 7-6 in ’13). His team did it with defense led by a ball-hawking secondary and all-conference and Second Team All-American Lorenzo Doss, whose seven interceptions was among the best. Doss has been nominated for three prestigious preseason award watchlists, the Walter Camp Player of the Year, the Bronco Nagurski Trophy and the Jim Thorpe Award. The Wave lost a few defensive down linemen, but were able to redshirt a couple and return defensive end starters Royce LaFrance and Tyler Gilbert. The linebacker positions should improve. The fiery Nico Marley, pint-sized for a LB, but a punishing hitter, leads that unit. Returning with Doss in the defensive backfield are proven safeties Darion Monroe and Sam Scofield. After giving

up 52 points to Syracuse on the road in game four, the “D” took it upon itself to set the tone for the rest of the season. What a pity the offense could not rise and produce or else Tulane’s 7-6 season would have been even more special. The offense will require better play at the quarterback position— hands down! Returning starter Nick Montana and seasoned backup Devin Powell produced a year of more downs than ups. Redshirting freshman Tanner Lee was one of the smartest things Curtis Johnson and his staff did. Lee was most impressive in the spring and, barring injury, will see ample time as the signal-caller this fall. Question is: Does he and the other QB’s have enough weapons to throw to? Three-year lettermen Justyn Shackleford and Xavier Rush will be in uniform for their final season. The coaching staff recruited three wide outs and three tight ends, all who need to be ready to play. The skinny on the offensive line is that they are, as a unit, better conditioned and should be more effective providing protection for the QB. Guard Chris Taylor (soph) and senior tackle Sean Donnelly are two of a host of lineman who have trimmed down somewhat to get the feet moving quicker. Wave fans will surely miss running back Orleans Darkwa, but several backs return along with the emergence of redshirt freshman Sherman Badie, who looked sharpest in spring practice. The consistency of the kicking game was tampered with the graduation of All-American Cairo Santos, who received many Tulane and national placekicking honors. The Wave will more than likely rely on true freshman Andrew DiRocco out of Florida. The punting chores are in the hands of two-year letterman Peter Piccerelli. A look at the 2014 team roster and you see more Louisiana high school recruits than you’ve seen in quite some time. That is because Johnson and his crew have been able to lockdown on the local boys to stay close to home. Nineteen of the 23 freshman signees hail from the Bayou State with 12 of those coming from the New Orleans metropolitan area. The most notable trait among recruits

during Coach Johnson’s short stay has been increased quickness, especially on defense. Johnson and his staff expect that “trait” to continue in the 2014 season. For the most part, the coaching staff that led Tulane to a New Orleans Bowl berth has remained in tack. Co-defensive coordinators Lionel Washington (a recent inductee into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame) and Jon Sumrall return while Eric Price will again call the offensive plays. After 19 seasons, Tulane exited Conference USA for the American Athletic Conference (AAC). With that move, the Green Wave will see a more challenging schedule and an opportunity to compete for automatic access to a spot in one of six premier bowl games. Eleven teams comprise the AAC including Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, East Carolina, Houston, Memphis, South Florida, SMU, Temple, Tulsa and, of course, Tulane. The Wave faces all but South Florida and SMU, kicking off the season with Tulsa on the road before four consecutive non-league contests. The before mentioned Georgia Tech home opener is followed by a very good FCS Southeastern, LA, team, also at home, and two road tilts with Duke and Rutgers. The Connecticut, Cincinnati, Memphis and Temple games are set for Yulman. In addition to Tulsa, Tulane travels to Central Florida, Houston and East Carolina. It doesn’t take a diehard to see that the schedule has been upgraded with this new conference affiliation. All of these enhancements added by the fact that ALL games are televised events should help recruiting and make Tulane a more renowned player in 21st Century NCAA football. Let’s hope the Tulane administration puts all of its efforts into this new era of Tulane athletics, particularly football. With the roof torn off, it is high time to tear a n ew path for Green Wave fortunes. The coaches, the players and the fans deserve for the Gibson Hall power brokers to be sweating it out with everyone else this fall. The stage is set, so open the gates and let us in!

Lorenzo Doss

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Sam Scofield www.bayoucatholic.com

Football Football

New Orleans Saints

Coach Sean Payton

Sun. Sept. 7........................................................................ Atlanta Falcons Sun. Sept. 14.................................................................. Cleveland Browns Sun. Sept. 21........................................................ MINNESOTA VIKINGS Sun. Sept. 28...................................................................... Dallas Cowboys Sun. Oct. 5............................................................ TAMPA BUCCANEERS Sun. Oct. 19.............................................................................Detroit Lions Sun. Oct. 26..........................................................GREEN BAY PACKERS Thurs. Oct. 30................................................................. Carolina Panthers Sun. Nov. 9........................................................ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Sun. Nov. 16....................................................... CINCINNATI BENGALS Mon. Nov. 24......................................................... BALTIMROE RAVENS Sun. Nov. 30................................................................. Pittsburgh Steelers Sun. Dec. 7........................................................... CAROLINA PANTHERS Mon. Dec. 15..........................................................................Chicago Bears Sun. Dec. 21..............................................................ATLANTA FALCONS Sun. Dec. 28........................................................... Tampa Bay Buccaneers HOME GAMES IN CAPS

Countdown is on for Drew Brees era of Saints football 128

By Ed Daniels ick .. tick .. tick .. tick .. The clock is ticking on the Drew Brees era of Saints football. If Brees, who turns 36 in January, is to lead the Saints to another Super Bowl, the numbers say it has to happen, real soon. Only one 38-year-old quarterback has ever won a Super Bowl title. That was John Elway of Denver in 1999. Since 2003, three quarterbacks have started the Super Bowl at the age of 37. Oakland’s Rich Gannon, Arizona’s Kurt Warner, and Denver’s Peyton Manning have one other thing in common. They all lost the game. Fortunately, for Brees, the Saints, and a passionate fan base, head coach Sean Payton has quickly retooled his roster since his NFL-imposed one year exile. The Saints roster is littered with more good, young players for the first time since the club won the Super Bowl in February 2010. Through the draft, Payton has added several on offense. They include wide receivers

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

MICHAEL C. HEBERT/NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Drew Brees

Kenny Stills and Brandin Cooks, and offensive tackle Terron Armstead. The Saints also added free agent running back Khiry Robinson, who

attended the club’s tryout camp after the 2013 draft. On defense, the re-make is even more dramatic. Free agent cornerback Keenan Lewis and safety Jairus Byrd were added in consecutive seasons. The Saints also drafted safety Kenny Vaccaro in the first round of the 2013 draft. In 2014, the Saints used a second round pick on cornerback StanleyJean Baptiste. Only six starters from the team that lost to San Francisco in the playoffs in January 2012 remain on the roster. Only one, defensive end Cam Jordan remains on defense. When Payton was in exile, he had plenty of time to watch tape and ponder the inevitable. He did not like what he saw. So, here come your new and improved Saints. And, the 2014 version comes with its share of questions. Can the Saints once again be one of the best road teams in the NFL? Answer: they must improve their run defense and get turnovers to give Drew Brees the ball in

good field position. In five of the Saints six road losses, the defense allowed 127 rushing yards or more. In four of those six losses, the Saints defense allowed 141 yards or more. In a 23-15 playoff loss at Seattle, the Saints allowed 174 rushing yards. Who do the Saints have to beat in the NFC to reach the Super Bowl? New Orleans lost six games. Two at Seattle. One at Carolina. And, they had to rally in the fourth quarter to beat San Francisco at home. All of those teams are young, talented, and play a more physical brand of football than their opponents. My guess is, Payton feels his re-tooled team is good enough to be elite, again. They’d better be. Because, the clock ticks on the greatest player in franchise history. The window on the Brees era is still open, but the numbers say it will shut, soon.

Office OF Youth Ministry

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux www.htdiocese.org/ym Advocacy for Young People Part of the mission of our office is to successfully guide young people to make Christian choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values and vision of the Catholic Church. We do this through the following youth programs: • Diocesan Youth Rally • Christian Leadership Institute • Teens Encounter Christ • aNew Experiences • Junior High Faith Experience • NCYC - Team Conference • NCCYM - Adult Conference

Advocacy for Adults Retreat Gatherings that: • Assess parish youth ministry efforts • Teach Keys to successful youth programs • Explore, highlight and affirm programs • Recognize your gifts in ministry • Seek God in your life experiences • Enhance methods for teaching • Minister spiritually to young people • Offer relational ministry to young people • Have opportunities in certification programs

Jimmy Graham

MICHAEL C. HEBERT/NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Michael DiSalvo - 850-3156 Rachel LeBouef - 850-3152 Angelle Babin - 850-3151 www.bayoucatholic.com

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Index to Advertisers

130

Advanced Eye Institute .................................. 75 Archdiocese of Louisville ............................... 13 Archdiocese of Mobile ................................... 16 Archdiocese of New Orleans ......................... 17 B & J Martin, Inc. ............................................ 28 Barker Honda ............................................... 101 Bella Cosa Catering ....................................... 26 Bishop Jacob’s Anniversary Invitation ............. 6 Bishop’s Appeal ............................................. 49 Bueche’s Jewelry ........................................... 67 Cannata’s ....................................................... 45 Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales ................ 132 Catholic Charismatic Renewal National Service Committee ........................ 27 Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux ..................... 29 Catholic University of America Collection ...... 92 Cenac Marine Services LLC .................. 36, 130 Channel 10 ..................................................... 91 Charles A. Page & Sons .............................. 105 Chauvin/Twin City Funeral Homes ............... 119 Coastal Mechanical Contractors ................. 107 Communications Office ................................. 21 Conference Office ........................................ 131 Cross Catholic Outreach ............................... 11 Daigle Himel Daigle ..................................... 117 Data Management Services ......................... 121 David Waitz Engineering & Surveying, Inc. ... 19 Diocesan Outreach Line ................................ 89 Diocesan Website .......................................... 73 Diocese of Alexandria .................................... 32 Diocese of Baton Rouge ................................ 27 Diocese of Biloxi ............................................ 24 Diocese of Birmingham Alabama .................. 39

Diocese of Jackson ........................................ 25 Diocese of Lafayette ...................................... 23 Diocese of Lake Charles ................................ 37 Diocese of Nashville ...................................... 23 Diocese of Shreveport ................................... 29 Duplantis Design Group, PC ....................... 117 Emile’s Furniture & Appliances .................... 102 Falgout Funeral Homes, LLC ....................... 120 Family Vision Clinic ...................................... 105 Felger’s Footwear .......................................... 99 Franciscan University of Steubenville ............ 37 God’s Promises Books & Gifts .................... 122 Hagen Beyer Simon ....................................... 38 Haydel Memorial Hospice ............................. 81 Haydel Spine & Pain ...................................... 53 Headache & Pain Center ............................... 77 Hilton and Mable Michel ................................. 42 Holy Savior Church and Cemetery ................ 35 Houma Digestive Health Specialists .............. 79 HTe News ..................................................... 115 KEM Supply House, Inc. .............................. 100 Knight’s of Columbus Insurance Daniel A. Cabirac ......................................... 55 Lafourche Ford Lincoln .................................. 95 Landry’s/Thibodaux Funeral Homes ........... 100 LeBlanc & Associates, Inc. .......................... 116 Lewis & Company .......................................... 67 Lirette Ford Lincoln ...................................... 113 Maison Jardin ................................................. 86 Marie’s Wrecker Service .............................. 104 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center-Dale .......... 91 Norris & Boudreaux General Contractors ....... 9 Office of Hispanic Ministry ............................. 20 Office of Religious Education ........................ 30

Best Wishes

Office of Youth Ministry ................................ 129 Our Lady of Prompt Succor-Chackbay ......... 25 Permanent Diaconate of the Diocese ............ 35 Randy Alfred - Judge • City Court ................. 85 Re-Bath .......................................................... 78 Robichaux Ford ............................................ 109 Rod’s Superstore ........................................... 87 Samart Funeral Home & Crematorium ........ 124 Seminarian Education Burses ....................... 61 Southland Dodge ......................................... 125 Spotlight ......................................................... 88 St. Ann Church ............................................... 35 St. Bernadette Church/School ....................... 31 St. Genevieve Church/School ........................ 33 St. Joseph Co-Cathedral ................................. 2 St. Joseph Manor/Cardinal Place .................. 79 St. Lawrence the Martyr and St. James Chapel ................................. 35 LouisianaTravel.com .................................... 110 Sunshine Equipment Co., Inc. ..................... 111 Synergy Bank ............................................... 118 Taco Bell #1 ................................................... 97 Taco Bell #2 ................................................. 123 Terminix .......................................................... 91 Terrebonne General Medical Center ............. 71 Thibodaux Physical Therapy ......................... 96 Thibodaux Regional Medical Center .................................. 40-41, 65 Thomassie Construction ................................ 30 Vision Communications ................................. 63 Watkins Walker & Eroche .............................. 34 Weimer Gros Flores ....................................... 18

to all our areas teams for a safe and winning season!!

742 Highway 182 • Houma, LA 70364 (985) 872-2413 www.cenac.com Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2014

The Cathedral Parish of St. Francis de Sales

â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the dawn of the third millennium the Church continues to rely on the ideal figure of the bishop, that of the pastor who, configured to Christ in holiness of life, expends himself generously for the Church entrusted to him, at the same time carrying in his heart the solicitude for the churches spread over the face of the earthâ&#x20AC;? St. John Paul II, in a homily at the conclusion of the Synod of Bishops, October 2001

Dear Bishop Jacobs, The Cathedral Parish of St. Francis de Sales rejoices with you and offers prayers of thanksgiving as you celebrate 50 years of service in the priesthood of Jesus Christ and 25 years of walking in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd as a bishop.