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ATHLETE-TAILORED THERAPY St. James Parish Hospital’s Therapy Team understands the specialized needs of athletes. We are trained to offer the latest, evidence-based treatment plans and work to obtain advanced certifications that can help athletes get stronger, faster and more competitive after an injury or surgery. We offer a personalized, multidisciplinary approach that not only treats the original injury, but also addresses possible issues to prevent reinjury. From chronic overuse injuries to acute sprains, strains, tears and fractures, we take pride in the being a part of the journey that helps our local competitors get back to competing.
athlete /ˈaTHˌlēt/ noun
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017
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In This Issue ... West St. John Rams ................ Page 4
East St. John Wildcats .......... Page 12
St. Charles Catholic Comets ... Page 5
Lutcher Bulldogs ................... Page 13
Riverside Academy Rebels ...... Page 6
Destrehan Wildcats ............... Page 14
St. James Wildcats ................ Page 11
Hahnville Tigers .................... Page 20
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
Rams running as state champs West St. John returning tons of talent for 2018 BY STEPHEN HEMELT L’OBSERVATEUR
EDGARD — The grueling summer heat in Southeast Louisiana has a way of humbling everybody, according to West St. John High coach Brandon Walters. “It has been brutal out there,” the Rams coach said in mid-August, referring to the practice conditions for his defending state champions. “We are trying to get the kids to look beyond what has already happened, but you definitely have those instances where good things are said about them. But, I think our guys are pretty focused now on getting prepared for the season.” The Rams closed last season 12-2 and the kings of Class 1A. West Bank football fans have been salivating for months on the idea of a repeat performance, thanks in large part to a strong returning class of juniors and seniors. Look no further than the offense, where you are quite likely to see junior quarterback D’Andre Gaudia in shotgun flanked by senior running backs Kylan Duhe and Niko Roy. Gaudia is improving, according to SEE RAMS, PAGE 30
The West St. John High Rams take the field in the Superdome before the 2017 state championship game.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
| FOOTBALL 2018 |
Quarterback Justin Dumas, who played extensively last season after Lloyd Nash was injured, is the expected starter for 2018.
Comets Approach SCC defense ready to lead BY LORI LYONS L’OBSERVATEUR
LAPLACE — When the calendar pages turn to August and thoughts turn to football, that’s when St. Charles Catholic football coach Frank Monica’s glass usually becomes half empty. Sometimes he is dismayed by his team’s size. Sometimes, it’s their lack of experience. Usually, it’s all of the above. This year is a little different, however. This year, Monica is finding some bright spots, even though his 2018 football cupboard was emptied
out by the school’s May graduation. Monica said he lost roughly 18 “good” players he now has to replace. Among those were quarterback Lloyd Nash, who has gone on to Nicholls State University, and running back Narquez Jones. Monica also heads into the season down a man on his staff, forcing him to pull double duty as offensive line coach. “So far it hasn’t been a very smooth operation,” he said. The good news, though, is there SEE COMETS, PAGE 29
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
Rebels charting program’s renewal All-State wide receiver Kash Foley is one of Riverside Academy’s and the state of Louisiana’s most talented offensive weapons.
New coach looking to bring stability, continue success BY LORI LYONS L’OBSERVATEUR
KEVIN DIZER
RESERVE — When Kevin Dizer followed his buddy and former Belhaven University teammate, Jonathan Reed, down to Riverside Academy a few years ago, he never dreamed he would become the girls basketball coach. So, imagine his surprise when, just a few months ago, he became the head football coach. Dizer, a native of Sterlington, was tapped to take over the team after Chris Lachney’s surprise resignation. Lachney, who succeeded Bill Stubbs, left to join the Southeastern Louisiana University staff. Now the Rebels are about to kick off the season with their third head coach in three years.
It’s a tough spot for a guy who was an assistant football coach and the girls basketball coach last year. Now he has to lead a program in the tradition-rich River Parishes, where some folks think Friday night football is better than cable TV. The first-time head coach inherits a solid program that lost more than 20 starters from last year, including prolific quarterback Jordan Loving, running back Jeremy Gibson, defensive back Garland Robertson and quarterback/receiver Jared Butler. “The household names are gone,” Dizer said. “The Jordan Lovings, Jared Butler – they’ve all gone. That just means it’s time for a new set of household names to step up and be known.” Dizer said there are several play-
ers who could be the next crop of greats. One of those names Dizer expects to be repeated (besides his own, of course) is sophomore Gage Larvadain, who is expected to fill the enormous shoes left by Loving, who is now a walk-on at LSU. “He’s a natural-born leader,” Dizer said. “I knew Gage was a super leader when I had him in middle school basketball. He’d just absolutely run the gym. He’s a smart guy. He’s only about 5-foot-7, 140 pounds, but everything he lacks in size he makes up with his heart and his intelligence. Gage is going to do great stuff for us. “He’s truly going to be a household name in basketball. By the time Gage is a senior, I think he’ll be one SEE REBELS, PAGE 29
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GOOD LUCK
ST. JOHN FOOTBALL TEAMS St. John the Baptist Parish Council
Larry Sorapuru, Jr. Councilman at Large Division A
Kurt Becnel
Jaclyn Hotard
Councilwoman at Large Division B
Marvin Perrilloux Councilman District IV
Michael Wright Councilman District V
Julia Remondet
Councilman District I
Councilwoman District II
Larry Snyder Councilman District VI
Lennix Madere Councilman District III
Tom Malik
Councilman District VII
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
Good Luck to All River Parishes Teams!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
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Tyler Steib, No. 4, defensive back with St. James High, listens with his Wildcats teammates during scrimmage action this month in Vacherie.
Youth-heavy St. James takes field “You have to reload quickly” — Robert Valdez BY BROOKE ROBICHAUX L’OBSERVATEUR
ST. JAMES — The St. James Wildcats sport a youth-heavy program for 2018 season, and head coach Robert Valdez expects trial and error to lead to success on the football field. Valdez said the team is still solidifying its identity and looking toward returning upperclassmen starters for leadership. Of the 16 seniors returning, four are projected to carry the offense, while defense
falls mostly on the backs of juniors and sophomores. “We are in a program where you have to reload quickly,” Valdez said. “We know these kids are going to make mistakes because they are young. We have a chance to minimize the mistakes and learn from them as fast as possible. At the same time, we need to be consistent in doing the little things such as blocking and tackling.” Valdez said the Wildcats are up against a tough schedule right off the bat, kicking off the season with
a 7 p.m. Friday home game against rival West St. John High, the defending 1A state champion. Junior middle linebacker Lamon Lewis, a returning starter, believes his team will build upon last year’s success. The Wildcats opened the 2017 season with victories against the West St. John Rams and the Lutcher Bulldogs, beginning a run that ended with nine victories and a Class 3A quarterfinal appearance. Last year’s playoff performance included a 50-0 landslide victory
over Madison Prep. “Some people expect us to do worse, but I think we’ll do a lot better this year,” Lewis said. “Our guys do everything the coaches ask. We’re a very good team to look out for, defensively and offensively.” Lewis has developed into a tremendous leader and was named team co-captain, Valdez said, noting senior co-captain Rahlik Fleming has been another guiding force. Fleming recently converted from SEE ST. JAMES, PAGE 28
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
Dasmain “Duke” Crosby, pictured inset and under center, is the student leader for the Wildcats as the returning East St. John High quarterback.
“The E” ready to flex Levee Strength Veteran QB Duke Crosby has wow factor, coach says BY STEPHEN HEMELT L’OBSERVATEUR
RESERVE — Ask Brandon Brown about his East St. John High student-athlete days and the challenges his father put him through. He’ll tell you about levee running along River Road. “I know what it did to me, so I’m going back to my roots,” Brown said. “That levee is going to make you a man, make you tough. We want to be
levee strong. When I was a student-athlete here at East St. John, my dad always had me running the levee.” The newly installed football coach brings a homegrown spirit and strong desire to see his players excel on the football field and in the classroom. Part of that means making his players run the same levee he did a decade ago in an attempt to improve their physical and mental endurance. Despite the increased summer workload,
Brown is excited to say his young Wildcats are channeling their challenge into enthusiasm. “It seems like we are getting better every day,” Brown said. “The important thing coming in here was building a culture and changing the mindset. We’re not going to just be an average football team. We’re going to do everything with championship status. It’s kind of hard to go to the bank and ask for something when money is not SEE LEVEE, PAGE 27
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
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Lutcher High School players and coaches gets pumped up during Bulldogs practice. (Candace Hemelt/L’OBSERVATEUR)
LHS returns 17 starters to playoff team “Experience factor alone should be a lot better” BY BROOKE ROBICHAUX L’OBSERVATEUR
LUTCHER — With 17 returning starters, the Lutcher Bulldogs are confident they have the experience needed to contend against larger schools. It’s a different story than last year’s season start, when the Bulldogs moved up to 4A as the clear underdog after enjoying back-to-back 3A state championships. Third-year head coach Dwaine Jenkins said last year’s 4-7 record and second round playoff finish aided a learning process that would propel the team to new heights. “We’ve gone from having three
guys who started for us to having 17 guys who have started,” Jenkins said. “We have a lot returning on our defensive secondary, and we’re also returning three offensive linemen. Just that experience factor alone should be a lot better going into this season.” Jenkins expects greatness from senior quarterback Kolby Bourgeois, who made a name for himself last year with nearly 1,800 yards passing and 22 touchdowns, while throwing only six interceptions. “It always gives you some optimism when you’re able to return your quarterback,” Jenkins said. “After starting 11 games last year, hopefully Kolby can continue to be a
catalyst going into the 2018 season.” Projected offensive starters include returning seniors Bourgeois, Rondell Mealey, Josh Taylor and Alex Beier; returning juniors Rasohn Williams, Jacoby Williams, and Drake LaFleur; and juniors Javian Jacque and DQ Alexander. Williams is going to be “brilliant” in his third year starting at wide receiver, giving the Bulldogs an opportunity to make big plays on the perimeter, according to Jenkins. Mealey is moving from a receiver role to become the primary ball carrier at running back, a move Jenkins said would build a stronger team offense. Jenkins said Taylor, a four-year
starter, is ready to lead the offensive line from his guard position. “We continue to expect great things out of Josh (Taylor) week in and week out,” Jenkins said. On the defensive end, seniors Seth LeBlanc, Jamal Thomas and Dajon Brown; juniors Jamel Thomas, Chris Burkhalter, Zane McCrary, Ivan Clark, Reshaud Long, Tre Stewart and Rhett Whitney; and sophomore Bryce Scott are projected to start. All except Scott are returning starters from last season. Jenkins said three-year starter McCrary stands out as a leader amongst the juniors and sophomores. SEE LHS, PAGE 25
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JOHN EMERY
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
J.R. BLOOD
Destrehan loads up for 2018 Talented Wildcats ready to pounce with special squad FROM STAFF REPORTS L’OBSERVATEUR
DESTREHAN — After going four consecutive seasons without a regular season loss, Destrehan dropped two such games last season before a second round postseason exit. Their scrimmage play in the spring and summer would indicate they’re not happy about it. Certainly, if the Wildcats’ performances against Northshore and Salmen, respectively, are any indication, then this team is going to keep opposing coaches up at night. The Wildcats scored at will on both occasions and seem to be playing
to their talent level, boasting a roster that includes an SEC committed tailback, SEC committed wide receiver, another wide receiver offered a scholarship by Alabama as a sophomore and a plethora of other Division I prospects on both sides of the ball. Destrehan brings back almost all of its offensive starters from last year’s team. This could be the best offensive football team head coach Stephen Robicheaux has had at Destrehan since 2007, and if it even finishes within shouting distance of that squad — an unbeaten state champion heralded as perhaps the greatest team in school history —
the Wildcats could not only be a threat to reach the Superdome, but a favorite. Running back John Emery’s recent commitment to Georgia was the culmination of a long recruiting process that saw numerous highlevel Division I programs make their pitches. Emery wanted to make a decision before the season, so he could focus on his efforts at Destrehan. It’s no secret why he’s such a popular prospect at the next level. One need only watch him play for a few snaps to see the size, strength, vision and versatility he brings — Emery can do it all, and is arguably
been the state’s best running back prospect. Last season the 6-foot-1, 205-pound back suffered an injured wrist that cost him a large chunk of his season, but it didn’t stop him from tallying more than 1,200 total yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. “He’s just versatile, fast, has great vision … he has all the characteristics of a really good running back,” Robicheaux said. “The greatest thing about John Emery is that if he walked into this locker room and someone didn’t already know him, you wouldn’t know who he was or that he’s such a major recruit. He’s SEE DESTREHAN, PAGE 22
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
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JHA’QUAN JACKSON
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
ADONIS FRILOUX
Hahnville starts life without Pooka “I won’t say we’ll end up in the state championship game, but we have the ability to” FROM STAFF REPORTS L’OBSERVATEUR
BOUTTE — Rumors of Hahnville’s demise in the wake of star running back Anthony “Pooka” Williams’ graduation have been greatly exaggerated. The Tigers may not have prep football’s Human Highlight Reel anymore, but what Nick Saltaformaggio does have going into his fifth season as Tigers head coach is what he believes is his most well-rounded roster yet, with strong position groups across the field. “I won’t say we’ll end up in the state championship game,” said Saltaformaggio, who last season guided Hahnville to its first championship game appearance since 2003, “but we have the ability to. From
Coach: Nick Saltaformaggio Record at School: 39-14 Career Record: 131-56 2017 record: 12-3 2017 Finish: Lost in Class 5A state championship a total roster standpoint, this is a better team than last year. We don’t have an Anthony Williams, that’s obvious, but it’s not like we don’t have a lot of really good skill kids.”
The Tigers are known as a second half squad. They have lost at least two of their first five games in each year of Saltaformaggio’s tenure but have never lost a game in the back half of the regular season over that same span. In 2017, that meant an 8-2 regular season mark and a 12-3 overall finish. What will 2018 yield? Standing at 6-feet, 5-inches, tight end Noah Zeringue is hard to miss. A complete football player, Zeringue has emerged as one of the Tigers’ most indispensable offensive players, threatening defenses down the seam with his size, speed and hands as a receiver, but also consistently winning his matchup when blocking for his backs. “He brings a tremendous work ethic and tremendous toughness,”
Saltaformaggio said. “I read his Twitter the other day. It just said, ‘I love football.’ That was after a practice in 98 degree heat … it excites you to have a guy like that as a coach.” Saltaformaggio said Zeringue is the team’s offensive leader, setting the tone with his physicality. Zeringue said that as much as he loves to haul in those key receptions – “You always have to believe you’re coming down with it,” he said — he takes tremendous pride in his blocking. “We like to play fast and physical all the time,” Zeringue said. “I think we’ll be running the ball a lot, and our attitude is we’re gonna shove it down their throat and let ‘em know. SEE HAHNVILLE, PAGE 21
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HAHNVILLE: Linebacker John Pearsall is all about football FROM PAGE 20
I think we can make a long (playoff) run.” On the defensive side, Saltaformaggio calls middle linebacker John Pearsall a “throwback,” and it’s clear the veteran coach has quite an affinity the team’s defensive leader. Pearsall finished with more than 40 tackles last year, when he also played on offense as the team’s fullback. “You’ll be hard pressed to find a better defensive football player,” Saltaformaggio said. “You know, in a day and age people want to take collisions out of football, he loves them. He loves them! He wants to find your best player and knock him out. He’s flat out a football player.” Hahnville defensive coordinator Carey Melvin said Pearsall’s natural instincts make him a cut above. “He’s a throwback, yes, but a modern middle linebacker, too,” Melvin said. “He’s very good in space and
Tigers’ Projected Starters OFFENSE
DEFENSE
QB – Andrew Robison OR Andrew Naquin RB – Darryle Evans RB – Brandon Comardelle WR –Jha’Quan Jackson WR – Jerry Spencer WR- Corey Lorio TE – Noah Zeringue OL – J’cobe Scott OL –D’Quinn Butler OL – Reggie Pierre OL – Brant Griffin OL – Gabe Medina
DL – Adonis Friloux DL – Jalen Singleton DL – Logan Brimmer LB – Amontae Jernigan LB – Corey LaBranch LB – John Pearsall DB –Syre Lewis DB - Elijah Hamilton DB – Ryan Barbier DB- Robert Jackson DB- Chance Tregle
he has such a nose for the ball. He understands the game.” Pearsall says the 2018 Tigers have something to prove. “We’re out to prove a lot of people
wrong who think post-Pooka we’re not the same threat,” Pearsall said. “But we have a lot of weapons and once we really come together, we can do some special things.”
Senior quarterback Andrew Robison will have to beat out sophomore Andrew Naquin to earn his position after transferring from Vandebilt Catholic this summer, but his experience and tools make him the heavy favorite to earn the nod. That said, until the LHSAA clears him to play at Hahnville, his status is up in the air; as of the team’s preseason scrimmage on Aug. 17, Saltaformaggio said that Robison still hadn’t been cleared, and that he was not sure when the final decision would be passed down. Robison’s arrival created headlines because he’s already proven to be an impact player at Vandebilt, passing for nearly 2,700 yards and more than 30 touchdowns as a junior. “He’s the son of a high school coach and he’s got such a strong arm,” Saltaformaggio said. “An absolute cannon. He throws with velocity I haven’t seen before in all my years. And he’s a natural leader.”
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
DESTREHAN: Power back anxious to start season after 2017 injury FROM PAGE 14
just so laid back and even-keeled.” Emery said it gives him confidence to be surrounded by the talent Destrehan has, and that he’s been incredibly anxious to get back on the field after having to miss so much time last year. “I don’t like sitting on the sideline,” he said. “I’m hungry, man. I’ve always led by example, but coming into my senior year, I made a point to be a more verbal leader … we all push each other. We’re ready to go.” Defensively, middle linebacker Alex Huszar represents a perfect fit for the position in Destrehan’s new scheme under Malter Scobel: a sideline-to-sideline playmaker who can rock a ballcarrier on a blitz or cover a back downfield with equal effectiveness. The Southeastern commitment lost some weight in an effort to increase his speed and agility – he ran a 4.6 in the 40 this summer – and
Projected starters for DHS Wildcats OFFENSE
DEFENSE
QB – J.R. Blood RB- John Emery WR – Quincy Brown WR – Quinton Torbor WR – Mark Trahan WR – Carl Lewis TE – Carson Rieder OL – Chase Cooke OL – Avery Wagner OL – Kerwin Mitchell OL –Jalen Richards OL – Chris Cambre
DL – Noah Taliancich DL – Jeremiah Murphy DL – Xavier Shelby DL – Charles Oliver LB – Alex Huszar LB – Dylan Whitted DB – Dontrell Smith DB – Albert Owusu DB – Denzel Riley DB – Champ Craven DB – Trent Smith
SPECIAL TEAMS Punter - Ronell Santos
Robicheaux said he’s a strong team leader as well. “He’s a guy that works hard,
Placekicker: Mike Ehrmann
a smart and physical kid,” Robicheaux said. “He goes 100 miles per hour. Alex loves football, and
Coach: Stephen Robicheaux Record at School: 162-36 Career Record: 162-36 2017 record: 9-3 2017 Finish: Lost in second round of Class 5A playoffs you can see it by the way he plays. He’s just that leader on the field you have to have on Friday nights.” Huszar said the players know the opportunity that lies ahead of them. “We’re all pretty excited. We know who we have coming back,” Huszar said. “These guys are my family. We hit hard and we get after it, and it should be a special year for us.”
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
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| FOOTBALL 2018 |
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
PARTY TRAYS • MEALS TO GO • SIGNATURE MEATS CERTIFIED ANGUS PREMIUM BEEF LARGE SELECTION OF FINE WINES AND CRAFT BEERS SUSHI MADE FRESH DAILY
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LHS: More line depth needed FROM PAGE 13
With experience on the 2016 state championship team, he exudes contagious spirit. LeBlanc said younger members of the team are stepping up, and returning starters have a renewed confidence. “We’re a lot smarter in our scheme this year,” Leblanc said. “We want to get out on that field and dominate. You could say we’re looking for revenge against Parkview and to do better than we did against Plaquemine last year.” The Bulldogs are talented, but Jenkins said it’s not going to be all smooth sailing. Lutcher remains one of the smallest
Coach: Dwain Jenkins Record at School: 17-9
Serving The River Parishes Since 1975
Career Record: 42-25 2017 record: 4-7 4A schools up against Karr, Plaquemine, McDonogh 35 and other formidable teams. The greatest difference between 3A and 4A competition lies in the line of scrimmage, according to Jenkins. “That’s an area where we need to be more durable,” Jenkins said. “We don’t have a lot of depth on our offensive
2017 Finish: First round playoff loss and defensive line with our upperclassmen. We really have to continue to improve and push those guys to get stronger.” Jenkins said the Bulldogs have welcomed a capable class of freshmen offensive linemen who will be integral to the success of the program for years to come.
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| FOOTBALL 2018 |
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
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ESJH coach Brandon Brown said his players run the levee in St. John the Baptist Parish because it makes them physically and mentally tougher.
LEVEE: Linebacker is a team strength with veteran leadership FROM PAGE 12
in there. Put in the work right now. When the time comes later on in the season, we can always go back to the bank and get back what we already put in.” Brown has preached physical toughness this summer while also highlighting “Mental Mondays,” where coaches challenge players with tough situations. Once the season starts, “Mental Mondays” will continue with increased study hall time. Brown is pleasantly surprised with his players’ reactions. Brown arrives at ESJH, following a head coaching stint at 2A St. Helena College and Career Academy, where the Hawks wrapped up 2017 with an appearance in the state championship. Brown was 36-25 at St. Helena after taking over a program that barely averaged a win a season in the three years before his arrival. Today he leads the Wildcats, coming off a 5-6 season that included a first round playoff defeat. Thankfully, senior quarterback Dasmain “Duke” Crosby is back for
Coach: Brandon Brown Record at School: 0-0 Career Record: 36-25 2017 record: 5-6 2017 Finish: Lost in first round of the playoffs
his third year behind center. “Duke Crosby has been doing an excellent job leading our team,” Brown said. “He knows what it takes because he has been in the line of fire. Duke has a mind for the game. He is very intelligent. He makes some really good decisions. With his elusiveness and quickness, he can always get you out of a bad play. He is special with the ball in his hands.” Brown said he is routinely amazed
at the moves Duke shows off in practice, something he is eager for Wildcats fans to enjoy each Friday in the fall. ESJH is especially strong at the skill positions with running backs Pershing Toney and C.J. Gardner joining receivers Markel August and Dontae Fleming to form excellent attack options. In the defensive secondary, Brown was quick to say Howard Joseph, Jarius Monroe and Shawn Sterling have become team leaders by displaying strong work ethic through conditioning and weight room activities. “They are doing great things that are going to pay off down the road,” Brown said. Linebacker is a team strength with Trevion Hampton, Devontay Morgan and Kendrell Holmes forming the foundation of a dangerous unit. Physically imposing sophomore Welland Williams is back along the defensive line after a superb ninth grade year, where he made a name for himself battling 5A competition. “He looks real good,” Brown said of Williams’ summer and preseason
work. “To come in and start as a freshman at East St. John tells you a lot about the kid. He has been pleasant to coach, very humble with a great attitude. He works extremely hard.” Bringing more experience is fellow defensive lineman and senior Matthew Billings, who Brown sums up in single word — “special.” “Matthew is a kid who is very dedicated and works hard,” Brown said. “He is a leader, the type of guy you want in your locker room. He is a great guy to have around your team.” “The E” starts the season at 7 p.m. Friday at home against Plaquemine, with plenty of 4A and 5A powerhouses to follow. Back in his home stomping grounds, Brown wouldn’t have it any other way. “We’re going to have to take it one week at a time, because there are no easy wins,” he said. “From week one with Plaquemine, we have stiff competition, but when it gets down to week 6 and 7 and the start of district play with your Hahnvilles, your Destrehans and your Terrebonnes, this tough start is going to put us in a good place.”
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
ST. JAMES: Shamar Smith brings experience to quarterback FROM PAGE 11 Shamar Smith, No. 3, gets in a practice snap during scrimmage action.
a defensive line role to offensive center “out of necessity,” Valdez said. Senior Dontaz Sterling and junior Sean Lebeouf are projected to start at running back. Meanwhile, junior Shamar Smith returns as quarterback, a position he grew into throughout 2017. “Shamar is a very, very talented kid and a fast guy,” Valdez said. “He started receiving for us before we moved him to quarterback full time. He played in the quarterfinals for us as a sophomore, so he’ll bring that experience to his first full year as quarterback.” Junior receiver Logan Gravois is stepping into the backup quarterback role Smith started in last season. Gravois’ greatest strength lies in his versatility, according to Valdez. Other emerging leaders include returning starters Lewis, senior Arum Joseph and junior Tyler Steib, who have each stepped up on the defensive front while showing a lot of speed. Valdez commends the team for putting in hard work during the preseason, but the preparation is far from over. “I feel we need to improve drastically on the offensive line and in the defensive back field in order to give ourselves a chance to be successful,” Valdez said. “I think there is always room for improvement when you have so many young receivers, but our kids are resilient. They are capable. Once these kids get some big games under their belts, I think they can do pretty well.” Coach: Robert Valdez Record at School: 17-7 Career Record: 90-44 2017 record: 9-4
Shamar Smith throws a pass against West St. John High.
2017 Finish: Lost in Class 3A third round Marquell Bergeron and Tyrese Batiest pose during the scrimmage.
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REBELS: Strong play expected to bring back player numbers FROM PAGE 6
of the best basketball players in the state, if not, possibly, the country.” Larvadain said it helped him tremendously to train for a year with Loving, to learn the ropes. “It was great to be able to sit back there and watch him,” Larvadain said. “He taught me a lot.” But now it’s up to him to carry the load. “I’m a little nervous,” he said. “Once the games start I won’t be.” Larvadain showed some skills in this month’s scrimmage against Ellender, completing a 70-yard touchdown to a player who might just become one of those new household names. Ahmonte Watkins turned a short pass into a long touchdown and later scored another on a 40-yard run. Larvadain has a few more weapons in his arsenal, including AllState wide receiver Kash Foley, who is being heavily recruited for his skills, and running back Louis Cheneau.
Coach: Kevin Dizer Record at School: 0-0 Career Record: 0-0 2017 record: 5-5 2017 Finish: Division II football semifinalist The pantry isn’t exactly, full, however. Dizer admits his program numbers are down this season, for a myriad of reasons. That will probably impact his team’s depth – but not it’s success, he says. “We’re going in full steam,” Dizer said. “We want to be successful, just like every other Riverside team. I think once we have some success, our numbers will come back up.”
First-year starter Gage Larvadain is expected to lead RA at quarterback.
COMETS: “I think we have a chance to be pretty decent on defense” FROM PAGE 5
are more than a few morsels left behind. Monica said his defense should be pretty solid with five returning starters, including All-district selections junior lineman Mason Narcisse, senior linebacker Anderson Sirmon and senior cornerback Bryce Authement. Added to the mix is junior linebacker Mandell Eugene. “Our defense will play hard,” Monica said. “I think we have a chance to be pretty decent on defense when all is said and done. They like to hit people. I was encouraged by that.” The offense is another story, Monica said. “We still have to get that loving feeling,” Monica joked.
Coach: Frank Monica Record at School: 172-61 Career Record: 258-78 2017 record: 9-3 2017 Finish: Defeat in Division II semifinals
Running backs Joe Chiarella and Phillip Tran will lead an offense that Monica says is “still finding its DNA.”
“We have no consistency,” he said. “I’ve got to get them confidence.” The building block will be junior quarterback Justin Dumas, who saw more than a usual amount of playing time last year due to a Nash injury. “He tries real hard,” Monica said. “He really wants to be good. He has a nice arm and he’s smart. He throws a decent ball. They’ve just got to give him some time in the pocket. He just has some growing pains to go through.” According to Monica, who is heading into his 49th year as a head coach, there will be a lot of that going around. He said it was especially evident during the scrimmage against 2017 Division II select champion, University High. The Comets were outscored four times to none.
Monica called U-High, which is stacked with six SEC college commitments and a Clemson commit, the best team he’s ever played against. “That’s unheard of,” Monica said. “All my first analyses were correct and I didn’t want to be correct. It all came to fruition. We’re a team that, right now, has no DNA. We haven’t established ourselves yet. We can’t find that winning combination. We have some try-hard guys, but they’re not ready for Prime Time. We have a long way to go.“ But the Comets usually get there. It would take an awful lot of calendars to find the last time the Comets failed to reach the post season. The team was Division III runnerup in 2016 and won a state championship in 2011.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
RAMS: Experienced, play-making secondary paces strong defense FROM PAGE 4
coaches, who simply want him to execute the game plan by making the right calls and check-to reads at the line of scrimmage. Walters has said his quarterback is already making better decisions in preseason. “It makes the job a little easier when you have two monsters back there like that,” Walters said, referring to Duhe and Roy. “Those guys are getting back at it this year and they are hungrier. They both want to see how each one can outdo the other. That makes for a good thing in the backfield.” A host of beefy lineman fuel the offense up front, where senior Hauron Robinson sets the tone at left guard. Expected to start at his left is tackle Jalen Walker. Junior Corbert Jackson is getting the nod at center, with Savon Bridges at right guard and Jakobe Lewis at right tackle. They average about 275 lbs. across the board, with the smallest guy being the freshman Lewis at 250 lbs., Walters said. “The center, the two guards and left tackle have really good playing experience,” Walters said. “They all have good playing experience and minutes in the fire. We are confident in what they can do and how well they can play.” The Rams offensive linemen are sure to be tested each day in practice when going against West St. John’s dangerous defensive line. Senior Jonathan Porter is expected to anchor the defensive line, with a host of
Coach: Brandon Walters Record at School: 22-18 Career Record: 22-18 2017 record: 12-2 Finish: Won the 1A state championship
Running backs Niko Roy, left, and Kylan Duhe present a dangerous one-two punch in the Rams backfield. West St. John High coach Brandon Walters described them as “monsters,” adding each looks to outdo the other. A powerful offensive line paves the way for each.
“young pups” ready to make their marks alongside him. Eyes are already pointed to freshman Kailep Edwards, who is replacing all-everything departing senior Covan Barnes. “He played last year as an eighth grader but he got hurt early in the year and did not finish the year with us,” Walters said of Edwards. “He is back in full
swing and actually a lot bigger than Covan as a freshman. Our new group is really good. We have a bunch of young kids that can really play. They are hungry to show what they can do.” Returning linebackers Roy and Zyron Wilson are a big plus rounding out the defensive box, neatly setting the stage for, possibly, the team’s strength — the Rams
secondary. With a complete group of returning starters, the depth and maturity should be unmatched. “We get after people and try to make them throw into coverage,” Walters said. “We don’t back off a lot in our coverages and like to play a lot of men to let the kids be more athletic. We allow the kids to use their athleticism and put them in
as many situations as possible to make the plays they are capable of making.” Playmakers Aaron Moll, Jeremiah Downing, Wantrell Williams, D’Kyri Jackson and Trenton Grow are sure to make their presence known. “These guys are battletested,” Walters said. “They have been in some good games and some really great challenges. We’ve been down a few times on the scoreboard and had to come back and win. They see it on different levels and different angles.” A road game Friday at St. James High to open the season has long had the Rams’ attention, especially considering the Wildcats defeated the Rams 36-33 in heartbreaking fashion in 2017. Walters said a week does not go by, whether in local stores or pumping gas, that Rams fans or St. James fans fail to remind him about the current state of the rivalry. “It’s always a lot of jawing with each other,” he said. “It’s good, healthy fun, but it is definitely a rivalry. We look forward to playing that game. Hopefully, we’ll be on the better side it.”
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