Baton Rouge May 2019 Edition
n o r i d i r G a n a i Louis Football Presents
Find the LGF LOGO
The first person to find the LGF Logo and mail it in will receive a free 1 year subscription. (Actual Size ) Louisiana Gridiron Football 132 St, Suite 125Hummell North Range Ave Denham Springs, La 70726
The Football Huddle Donald Jones, Jr CB/WR Broadmoor The first thing you notice about Donald is how great of an athlete he is. Within just a few seconds of watching his film you see the big plays being made on both sides of the ball, showing that he can play any skill position on the field at a high level. Donald is a 2-sport athlete for the Broadmoor Bucs. He was named offensive and defensive honorable mention in District 5-5A and is a 3X State Champion in Track. He has always had a love for both sports but football holds a special place in his heart. On and off the field he leads by example with his work ethic, drive, and determination. Donald is usually the first on the field and last to leave. He also displays this same drive, work ethic, and determination in the classroom earning a 3.97 GPA and a solid 23 on the ACT. We had an opportunity to sit down with Donald and ask him a few questions about this up coming season, his love for the sport, and where it all began. What age did you start playing football? I started playing football when I was 4yrs old. What is one thing you want to accomplish during your high school career? One thing I want to accomplish during my high school career is to win a State Championship.
By: Coach Lamar Watson
What is your biggest accomplishment in football this far? My biggest accomplishment during football so far is simply getting better. Every year I play and I see the results of my hard work. Has playing football ever help with personal problems off the field? Football and life goes hand in hand they are reflective of each other. They both have taught me to never quit and see it through, whatever “it” is! During your football career have you had to overcome any obstacles or difficulties? Yes, my 8th grade year I broke my leg. It was a major setback. This year, my senior year, I will have a new head coach so we all will have to make adjustments but we look forward to the challenge.
Desmond Windon, RB Baker
FIVE STAR PRINTING AND SIGNS printshop5.com
Print • Signs • Mail
BEST PRICES • QUICK SERVICE
CALL US FIRST!
225-271-4096
Desmond is a 5’8 153 lb. three-star running back with great vision and outstanding balance. The first thing you notice when you see Desmond run is how electrifying he is and how every carry has the potential to be “taken to the house!” He has the keen ability to start and stop on a dime and superior vision that has been sharpened and fine tuned over the years of only playing the running back position. But as you look a little closer, past the obvious, you start to notice the mental and physical toughness displayed on every run, the refusal to be brought down by the first attempted tackler, and the big runs between the tackles for the first down to move the sticks. For the 2018-19 season Desmond averaged 131 carries and finished seven yards shy of 1,300 yards rushing with 26 Touchdowns. He was selected as a member of the All District Team for the second year in a row. We took the time to sit down with Desmond to answer a few questions. At what age did you start playing football? I started playing football when I was 10 years old. What is one thing you want to accomplish during your high school career? One thing that I want to accomplish is to bring my teammates a state championship an to be an All-American. What is your biggest accomplishment in football this far? Making all-district 2 years in a row. Has playing football ever help with personal problems off the field? Yes, it taught me how to remain focused and to see it through…whatever it is! During your football career have you had to overcome any obstacles or difficulties? I broke my leg in 9th grade playing football. That was the first time I was ever seriously injured and I hated the whole pro cess but I knew it was a process I had to go
By: Coach Lamar Watson
through to be able to heal and come back 100 percent. Rehab was hard but worth it. What do you love the most about football? The energy and love I get from my brothers on the field and the rush I get when I score touchdowns! Have there been times in the past where you felt like quitting? What motivated you to keep going? I never thought about quitting football, ever! Do you consider football to be harder mentally or physically? Definitely mentally. When things get tough physically, mentally you have to make yourself push through. That’s the difference between a winner and loser. The game is definitely more mental. How do you handle wins and losses? I hate losing more than I love to win if that makes sense but you have to lose in order to win. It’s all about learning and getting better. Who motivated you to start playing the game of football? My older brothers motivated me to play because I knew I could be better than them one day. In what ways do you show your leadership on and off the field? Your mentality shouldn’t change whether you’re on the field or in the classroom. I try to set an example by doing what’s expected and needed to get to the next level. I try to show the younger guys the discipline it takes to be great.
Dakota Wilson, LB Walker Diamond In The Rough O U R G O A L AT L G F I S T O H E L P T H E U N D E R R AT E D BECOME RECRUITED We highlight the best junior and senior athletes Louisiana has to offer. D.I.T.R. articles showcase the talent and ability of these players.
In today’s Diamond in the Rough entry, I will be highlighting Walker High School’s two sport star Dakota Wilson. At 6’1 and 235lbs, Dakota excels on the diamond as a catcher and on the gridiron as a linebacker. Between the numbers, he has good instincts and can seamlessly maneuver through traffic to make a tackle. Never afraid to drop a hat and deliver a lick, Dakota is a steady tackler in the trenches and can play some defensive end at times. He also utilizes his 485lbs squat when engaged with opposing linemen as he routinely holds his own. Even though his strength lies in run defense, he’s a good blitzer and flashes solid coverage skills. A typical southern “Yes sir No sir” kid, Dakota is a modest, calm, and respectful young man, but don’t let that fool you. When need be, he can be that vocal leader you need at the linebacker spot. Here are a few snippets from the interview. How did you get introduced to football? When I was 6 or 7 my parents signed me up for pee wee football. I didn’t like it at first. The team I was on had A, B, and C team. Once I worked my way up to the A team, I started liking football. I like how football allows you to hit people. You can hit all you want and not get trouble for it. Honestly, I just love the game. What sets you apart from other linebackers? Some linebackers are quite and don’t speak out much. I’m just one of those guys where if I see something wrong, I’m going to point it out. I’m more of a vocal linebacker.
5 P.M.
28th
Favorite NFL Player? Baker Mayfield. He just always talking and hypes the team up even when there down. He is just positively affecting the team. I do try to be like him and pick up my team when there down.
By: Joel Martin
Any Hobbies? Mainly just hang out with my family. We’re real close. They do so much for me. Their alwaus at every game and every tournament. They helped shape me into who I am today. Like I said earlier I didn’t really want to play football at first. But they talked to me into it and explained to me all the things I could do and experience with football. And just al the things that they pay for. I wouldn’t be where I am to today without them. Say if you had a game tomorrow. How would you prepare for it? I just stay to myself and stay focused and drink a lot of fluid. Normally before a game I’m just in my locker with my headphones and just stay to myself until game time. Goals for the upcoming season. Personal goals for me is just to get quicker and faster. To do so I’ll be doing a lot of agility drills, some track work, and some parachute work as well. For the season, I want my team to breakthrough and get past the first round. Once we do that the goal is a state championship. Personal Thoughts: Dakota is a good genuine kid who loves football. He worked hard to get where he’s at now and will continue to work once he lands with a college. I can’t say enough about this young man’s character.
Justin Hollins, DT East iberville Can you see your ad here? If so, call Richard
(225) 931-8711
To Advertise, call Richard (225) 931-8711
All Football, All Louisiana www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
Subscribe Today The Only Monthly Football Magazine In Louisiana. For One Low Price Of $49.95 You get 13 Issues Including Our Recruiting Special Edition.
Call Richard Hebert (225) 931-8711
LouisianaGridironFootball@gmail.com 132 Hummell St Suite C Denham Springs, La 70726
Coming in at 6’1 and 275 lbs., the first word that comes to mind when you see Justin play is angry! With one look at his film you can tell that this guy plays with a chip on his shoulder. What grabs your attention most is how technically sound he is, using various d-line moves to destroy his opponents with ease! During his junior season at East Iberville Justin racked up a total of 38 tackles, 6 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 5 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception that he returned over 30 yards, showing off his athleticism. He was awarded 1st Team All District DL in 2018 and 2nd Team All District OL in 2017, dominating both sides of the ball. Justin is receiving interest from Columbia University, Yale, Stephen F. Austin, Nichols State, Arkansas-Monticello, Alcorn, McNeese, Arkansas Tech, Alabama State, Arkansas State, and Mississippi College. We recently had an opportunity to sit down with Justin to ask him a few questions about this upcoming season, his passion for the sport, and how it all began. •The game looks like it comes to you naturally. At what age did you start playing football? I started at the age of 9. I played a lot of little league ball. •What is one thing you want to accomplish during your high school career? I want to become an All State/ All Metro DT. I also want to be the best player to ever walk through my school’s hallways…ever! •What is your biggest accomplishment in football so far? 1st team All District and becoming the highest weightlifter in school history.
By: Coach Lamar Watson
To Advertise, call Richard (225) 931-8711
All Football, All Louisiana www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
Can you see your ad here? If so, call Richard
(225) 931-8711
•Has playing football ever helped with personal problems off the field? I feel as though football makes you mentally tough and gives you perseverance through adversity. So, yes it does; it helps with a lot of personal problems •During your football career have you had to overcome any obstacles or difficulties? Yes, I did: injuries, life, grades and just issues dealing with the down years we’ve had. •What do you love the most about football? I love the fact that you can prove yourself any day and any time; nobody can take it away from you unless you take it from yourself. •Have there been times in the past where you felt like quitting? What motivated you to keep going? I have and honestly it’s just having personal accountability just knowing once you start something, it’s no stopping it. •Do you consider football to be harder mentally or physically? Honestly, I feel that it’s a combination of both. If you don’t outsmart the opposing players you lose, and if you aren’t as strong or don’t work hard enough you lose, so both. •How do you handle wins and losses? Losing is something that I hate. Losses flip a switch. Wins are great, but I always feel I can do better.