PAGE 2 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 3
In This Issue... Covington Lions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Page 6 Fontainebleau Bulldogs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Page 9 Mandeville Skippers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Page 12 Northshore Panthers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Page 19 St. Paul’s Wolves • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Page 25 Slidell Tigers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Page 29
C ove r S t o r y : 2009 District 7-5A Preview Stories and photographs by Mike Pervel and Chris Kinkaid Cover Design by Sheila Allemand • Cover Photo by Mike McCall
B ate s l e a d i n g St . Pa u l ’s st i n g y d e fe n s e ❖ S e e Pa g e 4
PAGE 4 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
Bates ready to create havoc for opposition Bates gets verbal commitment to LSU out of the way, ready to lead St. Paul’s defense By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News St. Paul’s senior defensive end Houston Bates is characterized as a special player whose motor is always running on high octane. Bates has business to take care of this season as he bolsters the Wolves’ defensive front, but he is looking to the future as well after making a verbal commitment to attend LSU. Bates (6-3, 235) was rated as the No. 31 player in Louisiana by rivals.com. On a five-star rating system, he earned three stars. He runs a 4.65 40-yard dash. Bates topped the Wolves last season with 40 tackles, 16 solo including 10 sacks. He recorded nine stops for losses. He caused two fumbles, and both were returned for TDs. Bates has had a passion to play football since he was a youngster at age 7 when he started playing while living in Baton Rouge. Bates said when he played football at Parkview Baptist Middle School his coach used to refer to him as “The Animal.” Bates moved to the Northshore when he was 12 and attended school at Madisonville Junior High then St. Paul’s. Bates, a three-year starter, described himself as a tenacious defensive player. “I like to get after the ball and rush the passer. I like to attack the offensive linemen I’m playing against by being quick off the snap. If you can stop the run and the pass then you have the full package. I work really hard at being able to do both. I strive on getting after the quarterback,” Bates said. “When you get a key sack on a third-and-long, that’s special. My teammates respect me, and I will do my part to help lead them to victory. We want to get to the Dome and play for a state championship. “When you can make big plays your teammates come to rely on you. Big players make big plays, and that’s what I try to do. When
DEFENSIVE END HOUSTON BATES
your teammates see that they strive on it as well. When everybody steps up you can rely on each other and then the momentum swings throughout the defense” Bates said he takes pride in the Wolves’ stingy defense. St. Paul’s third-year defensive coordinator Lee Pierre said he’s excited about having Bates back to spearhead the Wolves’ defense and is looking for him to have a tremendous senior year. “Houston has a motor that never quits. If you can get players to play like he does every single play it is fantastic. He never takes a play off. His motor is what helps make him the superb player he is,” Pierre said. Pierre said Bates worked really hard during the off-season building up his strength and
endurance. “He is a dedicated player. He has gotten very smart with the game and reads the blocks much better now. He makes quicker decisions, knowing when he should be up there to rush or fall back. He has great vision, knowing where the ball is at all times,” said the defensive coordinator. Bates said defensively the Wolves have to play as one. “That’s kind of our motto, one team one heartbeat. If we focus on that and get our jobs done nothing can stop us,” he said. Pierre said he has had a number of good defensive players in the last few years, and Houston Bates is right up there. “David Boyce, Josh Fay and Tony Bellan are some guys that come to mind that were extremely successful for us. Somehow we
just have a way of finding those guys,” he said. Bates said coach Pierre has done a tremendous job with the defense. “In addition to being our defensive coordinator, we see coach Pierre as a father figure. Our relationship is not just on the field, but it is off the field as well. Having that great relationship with him definitely affects the way we play,” Bates said. Bates said he and his defensive teammates want to perform to the best of their ability for him in order to get the job done. He said its great having his junior teammate Mickey Johnson (62, 295) on the line with him. “It’s like he’s my accomplice. We get after it together. It’s a trust issue with us. We just believe in each other. There’s nobody else I
would rather be beside than him,” Bates said. Bates said he and Johnson play off of each other’s strengths. “We know the offensive lines are game planning to stop us. If they concentrate on either one of us too much then it frees up the other. It also helps our teammates to make a play when they put the attention on us. We have set a goal to be the best defense in the district,” he said. Wolves’ head coach Ken Sears said Bates was a big factor in why the Wolves had a good summer getting stronger in the weight room. Sears said Bates is a tremendous influence on his teammates. “His work ethic in the weight room wore off on his teammates. It becomes contagious. He is a proven leader for our team,” Sears said. Bates said by making the verbal commitment he got a lot of stress off of his shoulders. “Going into my senior year now I don’t have to worry about college recruiting anymore. I can be focused on performing for the Wolves in my senior year instead of the recruiting process,” Bates said. Bates said he has always wanted to attend LSU. “Going to LSU games and watching them play it has been a dream of mine. LSU thinks I’m a versatile guy,”he said. When asked about who was a tough offensive linemen for him to face without hesitation he said Northshore Panthers’ graduate and current LSU true freshman Chris Faulk (6-6, 315). “He was a big, physical kid. I guess when I get to LSU I’ll see him a lot during practice. I’ll have time before I have to worry about going up against him again,” Bates said. Bates, who finished his junior year with a 3.2 grade point average, likes biology and said he has always wanted to become a doctor. “Balancing pre-med and football will be tough, but I’m going to try,” he said.
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 5
PAGE 6 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
Tale of the Tape Founded: 1913
Head Coach: Malter Scobel
2008 Record: 4-6
Home: Jack Salter Stadium
Covington Lions
Lions return six offensive starters, five on D By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News Covington head coach Malter Scobel moves into his second season after registering a 4-6 record last year, including a spot in the playoffs. The Lions fell to Thibodaux (No. 5 seed), 26-21, in the bi-district round of the Class 5A playoffs. Scobel and his staff are looking to build on last year’s trip to the playoffs. The Lions won three consecutive games last year at one point, but struggled down the stretch to finish 3-4 in district. “We have a year of experience under our new defensive scheme, while our offensive scheme is changing under a new offensive coordinator (Jim Guderian). It is similar in some ways and not a complete overhaul of schemes,” Scobel said. CHS lost offensive coordinator
Larry Route, who became head football coach at Lakeshore High School, which opened this year. Scobel called his team gritty. “They have backbone and are going to fight for what they want. As a team, we are bigger, faster and stronger,” Scobel said. He added his club is headed in the right direction. CHS returns a number of key defensive players. “Most of our defensive skill players are back. I’m looking for better things defensively. ‘No big plays’ is our defensive motto. Make them earn it and don’t give it to them,” Scobel said. Scobel said the quarterback of his defense is senior starting middle linebacker Kyle Crouch (6-0, 200), a three-year starter. Crouch topped the Lions with 94 total tackles, registering 49 individual stops and 45 assists. He recorded two sacks and had seven stops for
losses. He caused three fumbles, recovered two and intercepted a pass. “Kyle has been around football his whole life and understands the game. I tell him something once, and he gets it. He has the leadership quality to get his fellow defensive players lined up,” Scobel said. Crouch said he and Scobel (defensive coordinator) spend lots of time breaking down video. “We watch film to figure out our defensive strategy in preparation for games. We have a number of people back (five defensive starters) so we are looking strong. We are much stronger than we were last year, and we are faster,” Crouch said. “We are more efficient with the defensive scheme, and we won’t make as many mistakes. Everybody has their job to do, and if we play assignment football, we’ll
make the plays. If somebody makes a mistake somebody has to make up for it,” Crouch added. Crouch described the linebackers as being an experienced group of big hitters with heart. Senior backer Ryan Robinson (5-7, 185), a team captain, was in on 62 tackles with 37 solo stops. He returned an interception for a touchdown. Scobel said he looks for big things from his secondary. Senior Otis Jacobs is a four-year starter, and Denizel Ladner has started since his sophomore year. Jacobs will also see some time at running back to give Phillip Bickham a breather. Scobel said he would find situations for Bickham on defense to utilize his outstanding athleticism. Scobel is looking for a solid season from senior starting defensive end Jeremiah Sasso (510, 200), who he described as a
fearless competitor and great leader. Sasso recorded 27 tackles with 17 unassisted stops along with four sacks last year. “We have some heavy boys in the middle. Our defensive unit relates to coach Scobel, and he is always there for us. He helps put us in good situations, and I like playing in his defensive scheme,” Sasso said. Junior Devin Perez (5-11, 217) is the other starting defensive end. Offensively, the Lions return six starters, including Mr. Excitement, senior running back Phillip Bickham (6-0, 172), who brings his elusiveness back into the fold with his 4.41 speed. He carried the ball 188 times for a team-high 978 yards with six TDs last year. SEE LIONS, PAGE 8
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 7
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt. Cl.
No.
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt. Cl.
No.
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt. Cl.
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 27 30 31
Dexter Thompson Skyler Lott Chuckie Humphries Otha Peters Joc Dennis Ryan Robinson Ridge Buisson Geron Moore Spencer Graham Zack Thompson Denizel Ladner Colin Mansfield John McDowell David Mizell Tyler Scott Otis Jacobs Brett Krysan Bryce Laird Brandon Dwight Deonte Casnave Jarius Bickham Phillip Bickham Alvenio Culpepper Curtis Hall Jace Markey Zach Lehmann
WR C WR LB RB/WR LB WR C K QB/LB S K QB TE/FB QB S/RB TE QB/S WR RB RB/C RB/S C S LB S
5-8 5-11 6-4 6-1 5-7 5-7 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-3 5-10 5-7 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-10
160 179 179 203 175 185 170 166 185 220 172 195 165 222 175 175 190 165 140 200 175 172 180 169 190 169
32 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 56 57 58 59 60
Charles Silas Jacob Powell Cameron Ashley Jarret Keen Michael Babin Matthew Anders Brandon Alford Lincoln White Kyle Crouch Tyler Chavis Perrin Brown Robert Memleb Bradley Bellanger Jeremiah Sasso Blake Camardelle James Smith Eric Crouch Jared Stewart Latrell Peterson Anthony Ankrum Kyle Bordelon Jerry Addison Jordan Fernandez Kyle Fairburn Justin Thompson Caleb Willie
S S RB/LB LB TE S TE/LB LB LB DE S LB DE DE LB LB DE LB LB RB LB DE LB OL DE OL
5-10 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-1 5-9 6-0 5-11 5-9 6-3 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-8 5-9 5-7 6-1 6-2 5-9 6-4
155 165 187 215 165 175 195 169 208 185 163 195 181 200 175 190 172 160 204 178 189 186 165 270 163 296
61 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 71 72 73 75 76 77 78 79 82 83 84 86 88 89 90 91 92
Byron Sharp Reed Woessner Brandon Sullivan Andrew Benoit Ryan Mathies Doug Williams Andre Cousin William Bertrand Joe Graves Kevin Broussard Jacob Salcedo Kyle Smith William Bailey DJ Appe Haiston Varnado Joseph Ohler Daniel Thompson Andrew Denenea Ryan Froust Braden Grinnell Rick Jones Devin Perez Zack Brown Cody Wehner Daniel LaRocca
OL N OL OL OL DT N OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR TE DE DE DE DE
5-9 5-11 5-8 6-2 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-3 6-0 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-4 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-0
216 269 216 234 228 194 259 205 281 221 201 246 215 259 259 249 170 145 156 164 165 217 160 191 216
Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. So.
2009 CHS Schedule Date
Opponent
Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6
Covington Jamboree at St. Amant Franklinton at Denham Springs *Slidell *at Ponchatoula *Fontainebleau *at Hammond *Northshore *at St. Paul’s *at Mandeville
Home games in Bold *District games
So. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So.
So. Jr. So. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr. So.
2009 LIONS
No.
PAGE 8 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
PHILLIP BICKHAM
KYLE CROUCH
DAVID MIZELL
JEREMIAH SASSO
CHS: Coach says team headed in right direction » FROM PAGE 6
Bickham referred to himself as a slasher with good vision.. ”I’m ready to go out there and play my role running through the holes my offensive line makes,” he said. “I’ve always been counted on to be a playmaker.” The senior said he is looking forward to running behind starting fullback David “Tank” Mizell. Bickham, just like his younger brother, junior wide receiver Jarius, is a two-sport athlete, both being key members on the Lions’ basketball squad. Jarius Bickham caught 21 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown last year. Senior signal caller Tyler Scott (5-11, 175) returns to guide the Lions. He completed 82-of-164 attempts for 952 yards with seven TDs and three picks. Scobel said Mizell (6-2, 225), a three-sport athlete, will be utilized in numerous ways at fullback and will play some tight end
and wide receiver. “I expect Tank to be one of our main ingredients on offense. He will be a key in our coordinator’s game plan,” Scobel added. Mizell broke his left wrist late in last year’s jamboree, while playing quarterback. He played some defensive end later in the year. He wants to make big contributions to the Lions’ offense. “I plan on playing a little bit everywhere and do whatever I can do to help the team win. I see myself as being used more as a fullback as a lead blocker. I’m looking forward to carrying the ball in short yardage situations,” Mizell said. Mizell said being a former backup quarterback helps him to understand the pass routes and other parts of the offense. Scobel said the Lions have depth on the offensive line, with seven or eight guys who can play if someone goes down.
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 9
Tale of the Tape Founded: 1994
Head Coach: Mike Materne
2008 Record: 4-5
Home: Dawg Pound
Fontainebleau Bulldogs
Dawgs returning to power football on offense By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News Long-time Fontainebleau assistant coach Mike Materne, in his 13th year at the school, will call the shots for the Bulldogs during the 2009 season, his first as a head coach. The Dawgs finished last season with a 4-5 mark under Gregg Hudson. Materne, who has 31 years of coaching experience, said he is looking forward to getting the season under way. “Our players have been working extremely hard this summer, to include having a good camp. They have done a good job picking up everything on offense and defense the coaches are teaching them,” Materne said. Materne said the opening of Lakeshore High School has hurt his roster and depth chart. “The number of freshmen players we lost to the new school is a total guess, but I know we lost 15 sophomores. We normally have about 60 freshmen who come out, and we have only about 30,” Materne added. The first-year head coach said the team went through a tremendous conditioning and weight lifting program at Pelican Athletic
Club during the summer. The Bulldogs return just three senior offensive starters, including quarterback Addison Melancon, running back Perrin Sims and Evan Luke. The Dawgs’ offense will forego the Wing-T offense, which was run for the past two seasons, and return to a power running game spearheaded by Sims (5-8, 175 pounds) at tailback, who rushed for 489 yards on 123 carries. Materne said Sims has a good bit of speed (4.5) and would carry the load. “I’m hoping to lead the team in rushing yards this year,” said Sims. “I just want to take it game by game and help lead my team to the playoffs. We made the playoffs two years ago, but we only made it to the first round. “We are going back to being a power running team. We will go straight at the defense. Once I see the hole, I think I have the speed to hit it and be gone.” Sims said he and Melancon have a strong relationship, which he thinks will help the team throughout the season. Materne said he feels he has good depth in the backfield with two juniors, Chris Fisher (6-0, 200) at fullback and Rashad
Boatner (5-7, 175) joining Sims. Materne said he is going back to a tight end-based offense, running things out of a multitude of sets. “Looking at Addison through the spring and summer, he has matured. He’s throwing the ball well and is a vocal kid. He is a team leader and a hard worker. He’s a fun, enthusiastic player to be around,” Materne said. Melancon, who completed 54of-128 passes (42 percent) for 741 yards with five TDs, said he’s excited to get the season started. “I got my feet wet as a sophomore in the second half of the year and had all last year. I think I stepped in as a sophomore and became a leader. Stepping into a new offensive system, I have to hold everyone together by being that leader.” The QB said the team had an awesome camp at Pearl River Community College. “That’s the first time we have had a camp in three years. We bonded at camp. It helped give me a chance to know how to control my guys,” said the senior signal caller. “I can’t wait to play in our new offense. It’s power football. We have good coaching and every-
body is hyped up. We have a new attitude and I think we’re ready.” Melancon said the Bulldogs have some young receivers, but it is all about trust. Junior wide receiver Gerard Bell is back and Melancon referred to him as a playmaker, who can take it all the way. Senior Ryan Bernard (6-2, 205) gets the nod at tight end. Senior James Cousin, a two-sport athlete (baseball), who transferred from Pope John Paul II, will start at wide receiver and will see time at linebacker. Materne said he feels his club can be very competitive this year if they are able to stay healthy. “We don’t have a lot of depth. Unfortunately on defense, we don’t have much depth being just one deep in most positions. If we get hurt, we could have problems,” Materne said. Materne said he has a decent sized offensive line with Luke (62, 240) the anchor at left tackle. Junior left guard Shawne Cayette (6-2, 265), junior center Justin Hansen (6-0, 215), senior right guard Thomas Dericks (5-11, 230) played some last year and junior right tackle Josh Edwards (6-3, 240), who benches over 400 pounds, rounds out the Dawgs’ o-
line. Eight defensive starters return for the Bulldogs with linebacker/defensive end Justin Church (6-5, 220) one of the leaders. Church played defensive end last year. Church said he wants to be the best leader of the team he can be. “We are excited about getting the season underway. Our team has gotten bigger, faster and stronger. I feel we have improved a lot from last year. We have come closer as a team and bring a lot of unity to each other,” Church said. “I want to see what I can do lining up at linebacker. I feel like I’m a pretty good pass rusher and try to be aggressive,” Church added. Church said he is also working out at tight end getting some reps so he looks to contribute there as well. Church said he and his teammates are excited about playing for coach Materne. “He’s a great guy to play for. He knows the defense and has a tremendous work ethic. I think he’s one of the best coaches around,” Church said. Church said the Bulldogs’ lineSEE DAWGS, PAGE 10
PAGE 10 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
JUSTIN CHURCH
ADDISON MELANCON
KRIS RICE
PERRIN SIMS
DAWGS: Defense to run a 3-4 » FROM PAGE 8
backers are a strong group and have lots of experience. Senior starters Kris Rice (6-0, 215), the Bulldogs’ leading tackler last year, Thomas Babin (5-11, 210) and Will Ward (6-0, 195) are back to give a strong look at linebacker. Senior linebacker Stephen Brown will also see playing time. The defensive secondary returns pretty much intact with seniors Greg Albers (6-0, 195) at strong safety, cornerback Jeremy Fos (6-0, 170), free safety Spencer Ragas (6-1, 165)and cornerback Stuart Marino (5-7, 165). Returning senior starting defensive tackle Scott Korte (6-3, 240) will be counted on to stop the run along with junior defensive tackle Phillip Heisser (6-0, 275) and junior nose guard Pat White (5-9, 295). FHS switches from a 4-3 defense to a new 3-4 look this season. Former long-time Covington High head coach Allie Smith, who was inducted into the Louisiana High School Athletic
Association Hall of Fame earlier this year, replaces Scott Hildebrand as the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator. “Allie will be calling the shots, of course with some input from me. I’ll still be coaching the defensive line. We’ll have four coaches on defense and four coaches on offense, which will help me be able to have more hands-on with the offense,” Materne said. Former Covington High assistant coach and defensive coordinator Chris Blocker is coaching the defensive backs. Coach Clark Hershey will take over as the offensive coordinator and handle the offensive line. Materne said it would be a joint effort when it comes to the FHS coaching staff. “Everybody here has an equal amount of input. It is just that I will have to make the final decision. Having been a long-time assistant, I know it isn’t any fun when nobody wants to listen to you,” the first-year head coach said.
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 11
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt. Cl.
No.
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt. Cl.
No.
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt. Cl.
1 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 21 22 24 26 27 28 30
Hunter Starring Cody Melancon Gerard Bell Darius Hill Perrin Sims Greg Atkinson Brandon Black Connor Smith Addison Melancon Shane Ryan Stuart Marino Bobby Tyson James Kinter Jalean Brooks Randy Sherman Javier Santana Jeremy Fos Will Ward Ryan Brooks James Cousin Tanner Brignac Greg Albers Stephen Brown
K DB WR/DB WR RB K QB QB QB QB DB RB WR/DB WR DB DB DB/QB LB RB LB/WR RB/LB DB DB
5-6 5-9 5-7 5-7 5-8 5-11 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-7 5-9 5-10 5-7 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-7 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-2
140 145 160 138 175 150 160 155 160 155 165 165 145 140 165 160 170 195 160 200 170 195 195
31 32 33 34 36 37 39 40 41 41 44 45 46 47 51 53 54 57 58 60 62 63 64
Spencer Ragas Rashad Boatner Vincent Williams Franco Centanni Chris Fisher Kris Rice Blair Butler Patrick Doyle Dylan Malbrough Aaron Parr Thomas Babin Joshua Kinler Dustin Morse Pierce Comeaux Garrett Meyer Justin Walker Tyson Lawson Peyton Hanby Ryan Estrade Justin Hanson Gunnar Anderson Jeffrey Martin Benjamin Gourgues
DB/WR RB/LB RB LB RB/LB LB/RB WR DB DB TE LB/RB LB RB DL DE OL OL DL DB OL OL OL OL/LB
6-1 5-7 5-10 5-7 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-8 5-11 5-9 5-4 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-8 6-2 5-6 6-0 5-8 5-11 5-8
165 175 185 160 200 215 145 155 170 150 210 190 145 210 180 160 260 195 155 215 240 185 190
68 69 71 72 73 74 75 77 80 81 83 84 85 86 87 89 90 93 95 95 98 99
Evan Luke Josh Edwards Chris Panarello Gary Lamonte Shawne Cayette Dillon Kugelmann Thomas Dericks Zachary Leonard Ryan Benard Joe Gomez Devin Snow Jordan Bourgeois Dominic Pizzitolo Jacob Simpson Dustin Johnson Justin Church Ross Blair Phillip Heisser Joseph Butcher Zach Harper Pat White Scott Korte
OL/DL OL/DL DL OL OL/DL OL OL OL TE/LB WR TE WR LB/TE OL WR LB/TE DL DL DE DE DL/OL DE
6-2 6-3 5-9 5-6 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-2 5-9 5-9 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-5 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-2 5-9 6-3
240 240 180 240 265 335 230 290 205 145 180 185 195 190 145 220 210 275 215 215 295 240
Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.
2009 FHS Schedule Date
Opponent
Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6
FHS Jamboree at Biloxi High Archbishop Shaw Rummel *at Hammond *Northshore *at Covington *Mandeville *at Slidell *Ponchatoula *St. Paul’s
Home games in Bold *District games
Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.
Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.
2009 DAWGS
No.
PAGE 12 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
Tale of the Tape Founded: 1920
Head Coach: Guy LeCompte
2008 Record: 9-2
Home: Sydney Theriot Stadium
Mandeville Skippers
Skippers looking to regroup after graduating 28 By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News Head coach Guy LeCompte enters his fourth season steering the course for the Mandeville Skippers. LeCompte is 25-10 at the Skippers’ helm. MHS, the defending district champs, finished 9-2 last season following a regional round playoff loss to Higgins. LeCompte hopes his club can stay healthy and young players can step up this year. “The boys have been working hard throughout the summer. You hope you can draw the positives from their hard work. We were in the same situation last year at this time because we had lost 27 seniors. This year we graduated 28 seniors,” LeCompte said. The Skippers were invited to the Hoover, Ala., 7-on-7 tourna-
ment during the summer. “We got to see some great teams from throughout the country along with some tremendous coaching. That exposure should reap some benefits for us,” LeCompte said. Offensively, the Skippers need a consistent season from senior quarterback John Wenzel (6-3, 197), who missed most of last season with a separated shoulder. Wenzel completed 36-of-64 passes for 531 yards with four TDs with two interceptions before being injured. LeCompte described Wenzel as a winner and a tremendous student (4.0 with a 33 on his ACT) and said he’s confident in Wenzel’s ability to get the job done. Wenzel also played lacrosse and previously pitched for the Skippers before giving up baseball as a junior to concentrate on
football. “I enjoyed lacrosse, and it helped keep me in shape. Playing baseball didn’t allow me to participate in spring football, so I made the decision to give it up,” Wenzel added. Wenzel said he looks forward to hooking up with senior Chris Houlemard. “Chris has very reliable hands. He’s a good target and is very quick,” he said. Houlemard (5-8, 157) with 4.4 speed, caught 10 passes for 270 yards with four TDs last year. LeCompte described Houlemard as a very athletic player. “His athleticism showed this summer going against very talented teams. He stood out in my eyes. What we want is consistency,” LeCompte said. Houlemard looks to do his part.
“Our receivers are always out there doing extra work to try to reach perfection. I think all the extra work will pay off,” Houlemard said. “Getting a pass from John (Wenzel) is always something special because he puts the ball right there. After a catch, I’m just trying to get up field, and get into the end zone.” Houlemard said the Skippers graduated talented receivers, but he feels they have a lot of good players to step in. Houlemard also saw some time under center last season. “I may be at quarterback in some goal line situations. Wherever coach needs me is where I will line up. I see my role as being a playmaker,” Houlemard said. Wenzel said he would also count on juniors Elijah Levee´ and Trev Whitten. Levee´ broke
bones in his foot last year, but he still pulled down 34 passes for 419 yards. He had a long recovery time following a couple of surgeries. LeCompte said if anybody can come back from an injury like that and not miss a beat, it’s Levee’ a former two-time state wrestling champion. Sophomore running back Daniel Demelo (5-9, 165) is also a weapon, Wenzel said. The offensive line has senior left tackle Matt Dombrowski (6-3, 237) returning as a three-year starter. Dombrowski will also handle the kicking chores. He clicked on 9-of-13 field goals with a long of 48 yards, while knocking through 19-of-22 PATs. LeCompte said he is big on some of his offensive linemen. SEE SKIPPERS, PAGE 15
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 13
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
No.
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
No.
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26
Elijah Leveé Josh Glass Sylvester Martin Darrell Adams Lance Lopez Sean Zemke Mason David Marc Zemke Jordon Lacaze Chris Houlemard Matt Bergeron Carter Knight Charles Reece Brandon Comer Brandon White Taylor Foreman Jonathan Baham John Wenzel Ian Mayronne Jabarrey Stuart Chris Knight Matt Duris Charles Jones Daniel Demelo Derek Brown
WR QB WR DL WR WR WR WR WR WR QB DB WR QB DB RB DB QB DB DB DB DB RB RB LB
5-9 5-11 5-6 6-1 5-7 6-6 5-8 5-9 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-9 6-2 6-1 5-9 5-8 6-0 6-3 5-8 5-10 5-8 6-2 5-10 5-9 6-0
158 130 136 210 122 193 141 176 136 157 154 179 175 163 146 157 157 197 140 151 145 154 170 165 177
Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Sr.
27 28 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 47 49 50 54 55 58 61 62 63
Ron Williams Rory Cuiellette Rache’ Diaz Zachary Ferger Wesley LaBorde Brian Devillier Austin Roy Richard Ford Jerry Peterson Zach Dugas Xavier Marcus Zack Armantrout Zach Belou Sam McGivern Brian Kinch Joe Qualls Marcel Rosenberg Brendon Dugas Sam Ingalls Derek LeCompte Billy Brooks Ryan Niedermair Tyler Thompson Jonathan Ringo Cole McHugh
RB WR RB LB RB DL LB DB DB DB DB DB LB LB LB DL LB LB OL OL LB OL OL OL OL
5-9 6-0 5-8 6-0 5-7 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-11 5-8 5-9 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-4 5-7 5-10 5-7 5-9 5-11 5-10 6-3 5-10 5-11 6-0
193 187 223 223 162 186 176 178 175 144 141 177 163 196 217 226 192 163 220 162 196 231 218 216 188
Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So.
65 66 68 69 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 80 81 84 85 86 88 92 93 94 95 97 99
Brandon Webre John Dombrowsi Christian Dragna Jeffrey Smith Ethan Blouin Matt Dombrowski Caleb Williams Robbie Arroyo Greg Siener Giovanni Aviles Hunter Townsend Malcolm Warner Zak Kromer Trev Whitten Garrett Dinicola Colby Lacombe Tyler Spotts Stuart Cranner Everett Ellefsen Forrest Holt Charles Lyle Chris Falcon David Keyes
OL OL OL OL DL OL DL OL OL OL OL LB WR WR WR WR WR DL DL DL DL DL DL
5-11 6-5 6-1 5-8 6-1 6-4 6-2 5-10 6-4 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-11 6-2 6-1 5-4 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-10
290 244 288 233 210 237 213 282 246 277 212 183 134 162 157 142 137 240 220 194 208 245 271
Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Jr.
2009 MHS Schedule Date
Opponent
Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6
Covington Jamboree John Curtis Archbishop Rummel West Jefferson *St. Paul’s *at Slidell *Ponchatoula *at Fontainebleau *Hammond *at Northshore *Covington
Home games in Bold *District games
2009 SKIPPERS
No.
PAGE 14 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 15
SKIPPERS: Worked hard this summer » FROM PAGE 12
“Juniors Greg Siener, Ryan Niedermair and center Christian Dragna have some experience. One of the stronger kids on the team is Giovani Aviles (5-10, 277), who has been working hard all summer, “ LeCompte said. The Skippers will base out of a 3-5-3 defense with senior defensive end Everett Ellefsen (6-3, 220) returning with the most experience. Ellefsen was in on 33 tackles, including 14 solo stops. He had three plays for losses, recovered a fumble and batted down two passes. LeCompte said the Skippers would rely on Ellefsen’s play. “I have high hopes for Everett. He is a capable player. The big challenge defensively is that we lost all 11 starters from last year,” LeCompte added. Ellefsen said the key for the Skippers’ defense will be to continue working hard. “We have to keep the mentality
that we have had lots of good defenses in the past few years and we have to fill their shoes,” Ellefsen said. “As part of the ‘Iron Gate,’ I just want to make sure nothing gets through. We can’t just call ourselves the ‘Iron Gate.’ We have to live up to that by earning that title,” Ellefsen added. LeCompte described starting senior nose guard Joe Qualls (5-7, 226) as the team’s strongest player . LeCompte said he is optimistic about the season and thinks if they stay healthy they have the potential to be a good ball club despite their youth. He feels he has an excellent, hard working coaching staff. “Defensively, coach Craig Jones is one of the best coaches I have been around. He doesn’t leave any stone unturned. He’s going to find a way to put the players in the right position. The defensive staff has been together since I have been here. Those
guys work great together and I think the world of them,” he said. The Skippers’ defense has always had solid linebackers. Senior linebacker Billy Brooks (510, 196) will be counted on to solidify the ranks. He recorded 16 tackles. Transfer senior middle linebacker Zach Ferger (6-0, 223) joins the Skippers’ from Jesuit. LeCompte said when Mandeville defeated the Blue Jays 31-21 in the 2007 bi-district round playoffs Ferger stood out as a sophomore. Ferger said it’s been an easy transition due to the Mandeville staff remembering him from the playoff. “I’ve always lived in the area and wanted to attend Mandeville since my freshman year. I finally made the transition after getting hurt last year,” Ferger said. He tore his left ACL in the third game last season. “I’d say I’m a 110 percent. I’m actually faster than before and the knee feels great,” Ferger added.
EVERETT ELLEFSEN
ZACH FERGER
CHRIS HOULEMARD
JOHN WENZEL
PAGE 16 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 17
PAGE 18 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 19
Tale of the Tape Founded: 1981
Head Coach: Michael Bourg Jr.
2008 Record: 8-2
Home: Northshore Stadium
Northshore Panthers
Northshore wants to better a good 2008 season By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News The Northshore Panthers had a good year in 2008, but are looking to top that in the 2009 campaign. Last season, Northshore went 8-2 overall and 5-2 in district, tying St. Paul’s for second place behind Mandeville. The Panthers made it the playoffs and lost to St. Thomas More 34-12, but in March, Northshore was credited with the win when it was found out that St. Thomas More used an ineligible player. Mike Bourg enters his fourth year at the helm of the Panthers with a 20-10-career record. He likes the way his team is looking so far. “I think we have an opportunity to be pretty decent on both sides of the ball,” Bourg said. “I
think we’ve got a lot of questions offensively up front. Skill wise, we probably have a chance to be better than we were last year.” Up front, Northshore is trying to replace Chris Faulk, who was a U.S. Army All-American player and Parade All-American player last season. He was also a firstteam all-state and first-team alldistrict lineman. He is playing for the LSU Tigers this season. Also, Northshore is replacing secondteam all-district player Chandler Emery. Despite the question marks, senior guard Michael Reichel (5-foot-8, 190) is the lone new starter to the group. The returning starters include senior tackle Brandon Taylor (6-0, 225), senior guard John Rigney (6-4, 290), senior center Marvin Abney (6-3, 225) and junior tackle Chaz Cavignac (6-2, 250). Senior Jervious Epherson, who returns to the starting lineup
for the third season, leads the backfield. Epherson possesses a great arm and a lot of speed. He showed a lot of promise his sophomore year, but suffered a seasonending injury in the third game. Last season, he stayed healthy and threw for 2,000 yards, while running for 792 out of the Panthers’ spread offense. Epherson’s efforts were rewarded when he was named the all-district athlete. Epherson said he feels better than he’s ever felt. He talked about what it took to get back last year. “Working hard to get back at it, focusing on everything I had to do and drop steps. Just little things like that. Little small things helped me out,” Epherson said. Bourg said Epherson is a playmaker and an intelligent quarterback.
“One thing I’ve always said about Jervious is he’s a quarterback. He’s not just an athlete back there.” Bourg said. “He controls the game. He knows how to read. He makes mistakes, but he makes good decisions. He stays composed back there. I think he’s the front-runner to be the best quarterback in our district and if he has a season we think he’s gonna have, we should have pretty good success. It’s just a matter of if he can have enough time to throw, if we can run the ball and will his receivers come through for him. I think they will.” The receiving corps should be big and fast. Senior Adam Chopin (6-1, 167) is the only returning starter to the group that features three players six feet or taller. The newcomers to the starting lineup include seniors Chase Compton (6-2, 197) and Trevor Harrison (6-0, 177). Bourg said
several players are competing for the fourth spot, including Geoffery Adams, Chris Harpster, Calvin Livas and Jerome Walker. Bourg said Chopin runs the 40yard dash in 4.4 seconds and Harrison is sub 4.4. In the backfield, Bourg is excited about his running backs, feeling like he has three good ones in juniors Patrick Johnson, Denzel Acker along with sophomore Jared Faciane. Bourg said Faciane has a bright future. “Jared Faciane is not a big tall kid (5-4, 148), but stocky, a very muscular strong kid, can fly, can run, got great vision and a tough kid,” Bourg said. “I think he potentially could be better than we had last year and Channing (Wise) had a good year. He’s got SEE NORTHSHORE, PAGE 22
PAGE 20 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 21
Name
Pos. Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
No.
Name
Pos. Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
No.
Name
Pos. Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24
Renan Vappie Quinn Harris Chase Compton Calvin Livas Denzel Acker Sammy Crifasi Ryan Abney Keith Sanchez Jake DiCarlo Tyler Hoffritz Jerome Walker Jervious Epherson Nicholas Souhlas Tilton England Steven Gaines Eric Verzwyvelt Mitchell Cossé Geoffery Adams Dwayne Joseph Austin Jones Trevor Harrison Adam Chopin Tim Eckerle Patrick Johnson Aaron Guidry Jacob Newton Zac Brown Quin Johnson
DB WR WR WR RB DB WR LB WR DB WR QB WR DB QB WR WR WR DB DL WR WR DB RB WR WR DB DB
145 111 197 170 145 175 161 179 125 152 167 180 152 148 140 180 145 190 170 185 177 167 162 156 137 150 170 170
Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr.
25 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 42 43 44 44 45 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59
Jared Faciane David Ewing Brock Billiot Nick Ledet Alex Rabalais Erick Miller Andrew Duong James Johnson Kody Randazzo Josh Dakin Tyler Maidlow Alex Black Sal Battaglia Taylor Eads Hank Badon Nick Parker Eugene Young Robert Hattier Brandon Taylor Lawrence Hamilton Chase Evans Codey Miller Chaz Cavignac James Winther Michael Reichel Josh Harrison Devin Busby Eric Fabre
RB WR DB DB DL DB DB LB DB DB LB LB LB LB LB
5-4 5-6 5-6 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-8 5-8 5-4 6-0 5-9 5-6 5-6 6-0 5-11
148 130 128 140 193 169 123 201 122 152 168 185 156 213 168
So. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. So. Sr. So.
LB LB DL DL OL OL OL LB OL LB LB OL
5-9 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-5 6-0 6-3 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-9 5-11
175 176 225 200 163 203 258 193 190 182 183 180
Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr.
60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 73 74 76 77 78 79 80 82 83 84 86 88 91 92 93 94
Jacob Baroni Everette Vince Chad Tournillon Evan Joffrion Evan Groomer Brett Bosenberg Marvin Abney Steven Guercia Justin Fernandez Christian Flucke Jonathan Rigney Rory Lambert Tim McGrath Taylor Valette Jordan Spitzley Desmond Newbold Ben Murchison Maurice Gaudet Jamal Collins Daniel Flot Elijah Jarreau Kameron Broussaurd Tre’Von Dixon Christopher Harpster Xavier Coleman Delshawn Hogan Terangi Phifer Mason McGee
OL DL OL OL OL DL OL DL OL OL OL OL DL OL DL OL RB OL WR K WR WR WR WR DL DL DL DL
185 242 191 226 194 174 220 175 198 187 290 183 176 221 202 243 149 285 112 162 140 160 146 150 185 200 261 225
So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr.
5-9 5-3 6-2 5-9 5-8 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-5 5-11 5-6 5-10 5-11 5-6 5-8 5-11 5-9 6-2 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-6 5-5 5-8 5-11 5-9
2009 NHS Schedule Date
Opponent
Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Home games in Bold *District games
Slidell Jamboree Salmen Brother Martin at Pearl River *Ponchatoula *at Fontainebleau *Hammond *at St. Paul’s *at Covington *Mandeville *at Slidell
5-8 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-4 6-3 5-9 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-1 5-3 5-6 6-1 5-6 5-11 5-8 6-0 5-9 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-3
2009 PANTHERS
No.
PAGE 22 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
NORTHSHORE: Key skill players back » FROM PAGE 19
ADAM CHOPIN
TAYLOR EADS
JERVIOUS EPHERSON
MASON MCGEE
good hands. He brings a lot to the table and he’s battling for a starting position with Patrick Johnson and Denzel Acker.” Bourg said Johnson and Acker are hard runners and fast. Defensively, Northshore bases out of a 4-3. Bourg feels that they could be as good this year as they were last year. Last season, the Panthers gave up an average of 16.1 points per game. “We moved some people around. We’ve got better team speed this year than we did last year,” Bourg said. “We did lose some good players, but it’s a tribute to these coaches. I think we’ve got the kids in the right spots and I think we got them ready over the summer to be faster and stronger.” Senior linebacker Taylor Eads moves from the middle to the strong side this season. He was a second-team all-district player and is the returning leading tackler. Last season he made 50 stops. Eads has a lot of confidence in
the linebacking group. “We’ve got Alex Black in the middle and Keith Sanchez on the weak side. So we’ll have a little inexperience, but I think once we start our first couple games, we’re going to be real good. It’s just going to take some time. Coach (Chad) Gainey is a great coach, so he’s going to step us up to be real good. I think we’ll be decent this year.” The linemen include seniors Mason McGee, (6-3, 225) and Lawrence Hamilton (5-9, 200) along with juniors Brandon Taylor (6-0, 225) and Terangi Phifer (5-10, 261). “This upcoming year looks real promising for our team. We have a real strong defense. We have a chance to be real good on offense, but I think overall we’ll have a real good year,” McGee said. The backs include senior corner Tilton England and junior Renan Vappie. Senior Dewayne Joseph, a first-team all-district player at corner back last year, moves to free safety, while senior Quin Johnson starts at strong
safety. Joseph said he likes both positions and will get to roam a little more at free safety. Kicker Daniel Flot will handle all of the kicking duties except punting, which Eads will take care of. Northshore fans will have the opportunity to see their team without having to travel far the first month of the season. NHS begins with two home games, opening with Class 4A semifinalist Salmen on Sept. 4 and then they host Brother Martin a week later. Sept. 18 is a road game against Pearl River before Ponchatoula comes to town for homecoming for the district opener Sept. 25. Northshore has three road games in October beginning with Fontainebleau on Oct. 1. Hammond comes in on Oct. 9, followed by a two game road trip against St. Paul’s and Covington respectively. Oct. 30 is a home game against Mandeville and the Panthers wrap up the regular season at Slidell on Nov. 6.
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 23
PAGE 24 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 25
Tale of the Tape Founded: 1911
Head Coach: Ken Sears
2008 Record: 9-3
Home: Hunter Stadium
St. Paul’s Wolves
Wolves hope for consistent offense, stingy D By Mike Pervel St. Tammany News St. Paul’s, one of the consistent powers in St. Tammany Parish football, enter the 2009 season wanting to improve on last year’s 9-3 mark and second-place district finish at 5-2. The Wolves advanced to the regional round, falling to Thibodaux, 25-22. Wolves’ head coach Ken Sears is in his 11th season as head coach and 20th season in coaching. “We have a few pieces of the puzzle to put together on offense. We had a good spring and summer along with a strong camp at Nicholls State,” Sears said. “Offensively, I still think we have some things to work out heading into the season. We’ll find out during those pre-district games where to fit the pieces of the puzzle.” Sears said it’s always a tough, competitive district. Junior quarterback Alec Duncan (6-2, 185) returns to call the signals. He completed 76-of-154 attempts (49.4 percent) for 1,297 yards with nine TDs and just two interceptions. He also totaled
four rushing touchdowns. Sears said he likes having Duncan under center with the experience he gained last year. “Alec brings poise and confidence to our attack,” he said. Duncan said he is anxious to lead the Wolves to victory. “I can’t wait until the district season starts, and I hope we can make a good run. I am making quicker decisions with the ball,” Duncan said. Duncan likes his offensive line. “We are pretty big up front on the o-line and it is agile,” he said. Duncan said he would look for his two consistent returning junior running backs, Mikhail Washington and Stephon Smith, out of the backfield. “They are lightening quick. They are brilliant when they get the ball, and both will play a huge role in our passing game,“ Duncan added. Washington, who has 4.6 speed, sparked the Wolves’ rushing attack in 2008 with 716 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. He tallied seven TDs and caught 11 balls for 198 yards and two scores. “The front line should do real-
ly well this year, and our passing should open up the running game,” Washington said. “We are looking for a tremendous year from Alec (Duncan). He has the experience, and we look for him to make good decisions,” Washington added. “I just need to run hard and look to make big plays. I’m not the biggest dude in the world (5-8, 160), but I can hold my man out long enough to get the job done blocking. I’ll just do whatever I’m asked to in order to help the team.” Smith rushed for 530 yards, gaining six yards per rush, and led the club with nine rushing touchdowns. He was the second leading receiver with 20 receptions, totaling 305 yards with three TDs. He averaged 15.3 yards per catch. The Wolves have a new fullback in sophomore Joseph Long. Duncan said he would also utilize his senior tight end Will Gensler. “Will has size and good hands, so I will be looking to him. He’ll be out in the flat on the drag routes,” Duncan said.
Duncan said he feels earning the starting job last year and gaining valuable experience helps, and he thinks the Wolves’ offense has the capability of being explosive. The Wolves backup quarterbacks are sophomore Reed Wilson (5-11, 155) and Duncan’s younger brother Patrick (5-10, 145), a sophomore. Sears said his club is again looking for big things from senior defensive end Houston Bates, a verbal commitment to LSU. Bates (6-3, 235) led the Wolves with 40 tackles and 10 sacks last season. He caused two fumbles, and both were returned for scores. “Houston is a lead-by-example kind of guy. He is as relentless in the weight room as he is on the field. He just gives it his all,” said the head coach. Sears said he feels good about the Wolves’ defense. “I’m confident about our defensive unit going into the season,” Sears said. The Wolves present a formidable opponent with Bates and his teammates. Bates said simply put the
Wolves will have a strong defense. “I plan on leading them to victory. I’m looking forward to a great year for our defense. We have the same game plan as we did last year with Mickey (Johnson) and I rushing the passer,” Bates said. “We plan on tag teaming the offensive line. and we have some other guys stepping up. It’s my job to get to the quarterback. “My first step gives me my jump. We’re young on defense, but we will be feisty. We all like to get after the ball regardless of who the opponent is.” Bates said the Wolves’ defensive legacy is to play an attack type defense, flying to the ball. “If our defense is able to force turnovers, we should win. There are no individuals, it will take a team effort,” Bates added. St. Paul’s coach Lee Pierre, a member of the Wolves’ staff for 11 years, is entering his third season as the defensive coordinator. “We are very glad to have SEE WOLVES, PAGE 26
PAGE 26 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
ST. PAUL’S: QB has a year of experience » FROM PAGE 25
ALEC DUNCAN
MICKEY JOHNSON
WILL GENSLER
MIKHAIL WASHINGTON
Houston (Bates) back, and we are looking for great things from him. He has worked really hard during the off-season building up his strength. He is a dedicated, hard working player,” Pierre said. In addition to Bates, the Wolves return junior starting defensive tackle Mickey Johnson (6-2, 295), who is coming off a solid sophomore season helping anchor the Wolves’ defensive front making he and Bates a formidable one-two punch. The duo will continue to create matchup problems for opposing offensive linemen. Johnson registered 22 tackles including two sacks and six stops for losses. “I think it is a win-win situation for us with Houston (Bates) and I. If they double team me, he gets free and if they try to double team him I work free,” Johnson said. “It all comes down to work ethic and who is going to put in the extra work. I’ve been empha-
sizing trying to improve my hand and footwork to have more quickness,” Johnson added. Johnson said he must be quick off the snap. “I’m pretty strong in the legs and I believe I have the ability to delivery a strong enough punch to get through.” Johnson said the Wolves’ defense takes pride in playing physical football. “Coach (Lee) Pierre pushes our conditioning. He is a really good coach. I like the strategies he uses with his stunts and defensive play calling,” said the junior tackle. Pierre said it is a luxury having Johnson in the fold. “Mickey is a solid kid, who has developed a great understanding of the game. His first step off the ball is extremely fast,” Pierre said. “If you focus too much on one of them (Johnson or Bates) the other will kill you. If the offensive lines pay too much attention to them then we feel our other players will be able to make some noise,” Pierre added.
The Wolves moved Matt Johnson from defensive back to a defensive end, which provides quickness at the other end to complement Bates’ speed. “Matt got bigger and stronger, which allowed us to make the switch,” Pierre added. Pierre said they would be rotating Jimmy Brown, Zach Jennings and Greg Morales opposite Johnson at tackle. Pierre said he has a virtual new group of linebackers, but says it is a strong and intelligent group. The defensive coordinator said going into the spring the secondary was an area if concern. Pierre said the secondary turned out really good led by juniors Steven Smith and John Gremillion. Senior Julien Lamothe will play both ways this season at defensive back and running back. Pierre said Lamothe has picked up the defense really well. Parker Galloway should be the strong safety and Jeff Gahn along with freshman Jay Washington will line up at free safety.
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 27
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
No. Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
No. Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
RB RB RB/QB LB/FB SE QB DB RB/DB QB SE LB QB FB/RB QB RB/DB RB DB DB P/K SE DB RB/FB RB/DB TE/P/K DB LB DB RB RB DE/LB FB FB/RB
5-8 5-11 5-7 5-10 5-11 6-2 5-9 6-0 5-11 5-6 5-11 5-10 5-6 5-10 5-6 5-11 5-7 5-7 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-11 5-5 6-1 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-4 5-8 6-1 5-8 5-7
160 170 135 160 170 185 150 150 155 125 200 155 160 145 135 175 155 150 160 175 155 185 120 195 150 165 155 135 160 180 175 160
Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. So.
33 34 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66
LB/RB DB FB/LB DB DB SE DB RB DB FB/RB LB LB DB RB/DB LB DB LB C/OG LB LB C C/OG DE C OG OG OT OG OG OG OG C
5-5 5-9 5-4 5-7 5-7 5-10 5-8 5-5 5-6 5-5 5-9 5-7 5-10 5-9 5-7 5-6 5-9 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-7 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-7 5-11 6-0 5-10 5-6 6-0 5-5
130 135 130 140 160 160 150 120 145 145 160 175 135 150 145 125 150 280 200 175 165 205 170 210 225 215 200 185 235 170 230 200
Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So. So. So. So. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr. So. So. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 99
OT OG DT DT OT OG DT OG/OT OT DT OT OT OT SE TE/DE SE TE/SE TE TE/P/K DT TE/SE SE TE DE/LB DE/DT LB DE DT DE LB DT
6-2 5-11 5-9 6-5 6-0 5-8 5-8 6-2 5-11 5-11 5-8 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-1 5-7 6-1 6-0 6-3 5-9 5-11 5-8 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-0 5-7 6-2
230 165 200 220 210 200 210 250 205 230 250 225 250 140 170 130 150 170 200 235 185 125 165 170 170 200 235 250 140 125 295
Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr.
Mikhail Washington Stephon Smith Adam Alonzo Keaton Moore Ed Duplessis Alec Duncan John Gremillion Jay Washington Reed Wilson Sean Harrison Tyler Tourelle Thaddeus Kazunas Jordan Alex Smith Patrick Duncan Kris Brumfield Markell Powell Dane Stubbs Parker Galloway Jake Saltalamacchia Jermaine Sams Jeff Gahn Joseph Long Justin Ellzey Will Gensler Stephen Smith Chris Dill Tyler Tamboli Trey LeBlanc Trevor Warner Matt Johnson Joseph Bradford Justin Reyes
Wesley Tate David Stechmann David Englehardt Sean Lozes Chris Reyes Josh Burris Nick Chaney Ariean Loo-Hernandez Matt Stumpff Cole Landry Mitchell Blaise Steven Richard Hudson Dudley Julien Lamothe Brandon Darce Christian Berry Brandon Delahoussaye Lewis Melton Jeff Pearce Dee Koepp Jacob Macheca Grant Hodgins Mason Cole Alexander Otero Shane Burkholder Gabe Emerson Bret Due Alex Stallard Justin Kinchen Casey Spinelli Christian Voelkel Kyle Cuntz
2009 SPS Schedule Date
Opponent
Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6
CHS Jamboree Karr Central of Baton Rouge W.L. Cohen *at Mandeville *Hammond *at Slidell *Northshore *at Ponchatoula *Covington *at Fontainebleau
Home games in Bold *District games
Daniel Cousins Brandon Charitat Jimmy Brown Brennan Walters Sam Welty Colin Cunningham Zack Mangrum Casey D’Angelo Matthew Landry Austin Loper Corey Lang Stephen LeBlanc Paul Jaquillard Andy Short Ryan Malone David Fleming Gray Westervelt Morgan Bourne Johnny Williams Zack Jennings Andrew Madary Christopher Becnel Trevor Hartmann Christian Kessenich Patrick West Max Morse Houston Bates Greg Morales Reid Francis Peter Stegeman Mickey Johnson
2009 WOLVES
No. Name
PAGE 28 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 29
Tale of the Tape Founded: 1908
Head Coach: Artie Liuzza
2008 Record: 5-5
Home: L.V. McGinty Stadium
Slidell Tigers
Young Tigers ready for season to begin By Chris Kinkaid St. Tammany News The Slidell Tigers enter 2009 lacking experience, but are hungry to make another run at the playoffs. Slidell has just six returning starters, three on offense and three on defense. Tigers’ coach Artie Liuzza enters his third season at the helm with a 10-11-career record. He has guided Slidell to the playoffs in both seasons. Last year, SHS went 5-5 and concluded the 2008 campaign in the bi-district round with a 24-20 loss to Mandeville. Liuzza has been at the school for 27 years. He spent most of his career as the offensive coordinator. Liuzza said the players are working hard and had a good
summer program. He said he’s looking for improvement throughout the season. “We like the kids and I’m hoping that with each game, the experience that we’ll get in each game, we will improve as the season progresses,” Liuzza said. Offensively, Slidell runs a spread offense. The group’s three offensive starters include a trio of seniors in wide receiver Armand Williams, center Alex Hill and running back Jaron Wiggins. Senior Randal Meyer, who also plays on the Tigers’ baseball team, will be the team’s quarterback this season after sitting out last year to concentrate on baseball. He replaces Blake Forbis, who graduated last year. Liuzza said Meyer is a real good athlete.
“In spring, he came up and he’s a good enough athlete to earn a position,” Liuzza said. “I think he will get better each game.” Liuzza said Meyer did a good job of picking up the offense again. He added that Meyer also played well in the spring game. “That was his first real chance at varsity competition,” Liuzza said. “He had his moments. He threw a couple balls that were really good and we made good catches on a couple. But early, that’s going to happen. He is aware, he’s a good athlete, and he pitches in baseball, so he’s got a good arm. I feel pretty good about it.” One of Meyer’s weapons will be Williams, a first-team all-district player last year and all-district honorable mention his sophomore season. He said the offense
got better when Meyer decided to come back. “Me and Randal have been friends since my sophomore year,” Williams said. “He quit last year because he’s a baseball guy. Since he’s come back, I’ve got a lot more confidence in the offense. I think this year’s offensive line and our receiving corps is twice as good as last year.” Williams also said he and Meyer have developed a good rapport with each other. “We’ve been staying after practice to get the feel with each other,” he said. Williams added that he scheduled dates outside of practice with the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers so everybody knows where everybody is and to help get better chemistry.
The rest of the starting-receiving corps includes seniors Derrick Comeaux and Zack Johnson along with junior Jonathan Miles. The offensive line is big. Hill (6-foot-4, 308), a first-team alldistrict player last season and honorable mention the season before, will be the leader of the men protecting Meyer. Hill said he’s got confidence in the rest of the line. “I’m the only returning starter, but we’re going to be good,” Hill said. “We’re big and we have good chemistry.” The left side of the line includes seniors. The left tackle is Darrell Narcisse (6-5, 281), while Pope John Paul II transfer Michael Felder (6-2, 260) is the left SEE SLIDELL, PAGE 31
PAGE 30 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
No.
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
No.
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wgt.
Cl.
3 4 5 7 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 35 37
Morgan Williams Damarius King Justin Penton Armand Williams Randal Meyer Bradley Myers Brian Smyre Chris Burch Justin Agar Michael Norman Jasper Cook Darion Causey Kevin Hebert Anthony Thomas Josiah Mullen Antonio Marshall Jonathan Miles Errol Legier Josh Campbell Brent Carroll David Ryans Grayling Johnson Trey Peters Jaron Wiggins Chris Barnes Nick Glover Kenyon Adams Leonard Hankton
DB WR K WR QB QB DB WR DB WR QB DB DB LB DB RB RB WR DB LB DB WR LB RB K/P LB LB DB
5-10 5-9 5-11 6-2 6-0 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-9 6-3 5-8 5-10 5-8 6-2 5-9 6-1 6-2 5-6 5-9 5-7 5-4 6-2 5-10 5-6 6-2 5-7 6-0 5-10
152 145 152 185 160 172 173 146 155 190 153 168 142 183 134 172 197 143 147 153 133 163 203 142 179 231 235 156
Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr.
39 41 42 43 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 68 69
Devon Kennedy Brandon Nilsson Jeremiah Maat Ethan Martin Troy Malter Todd Davis Tyler Weir Josh Ohler Adam Mitchell Chris Devine Denzel Dawson Dewitt Peters Ian Sones Mason Reese Jared Ponce Mancil Barrois Michael Chatman George Ray Brad Manuel Garrett McQueen Erik Bonilla Kerry West Chris Headrick Rodrick Culberson Brett Caye James Devereux Darrell Narcisse Logan Lewis
LB LB LB P/K DL LB LB LB LB DL LB LB OL LB LB LB DB OL DL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL LB
5-11 5-11 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-8 5-11 5-9 5-5 5-10 5-8 5-6 5-9 5-8 5-9 6-5 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-10 6-1 5-9 6-5 5-9
174 234 161 146 190 197 215 214 178 193 147 192 186 159 246 153 159 288 205 186 206 318 277 236 216 280 281 182
Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr.
70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 88 90 91 92 93 95 96
Cameron Jones Garret Tranchina Authur Wortmann Alex Hill Brett Kincade Tyler McShan Kevin Brown Michael Felder D.J. Berns Jason Hunington C.J. Hampton Zack Clark Brandon Baham Derrick Comeaux Robert Hebert Donaldson James Jonathan Populis Blake Theisen Joseph Costa Brett Page Brandon McCaskill Gavin Thoussaint Alfred Halton Matt Guidry
OL DL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR DL DL DL DL DL DL
6-3 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-0 5-6 5-8 6-3 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-5 6-2 5-10 5-7 5-6 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-10
312 201 236 308 190 166 246 276 266 260 163 160 167 155 165 155 156 125 206 232 234 202 259 176
Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr. So.
(Note: In some cases, the roster does not match the jersey numbers players are wearing in the team photo.)
2009 TIGERS
No.
2009 Slidell Schedule Date
Opponent
Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6
Slidell Jamboree Holy Cross at Salmen John Ehret *at Covington *Mandeville *St. Paul’s *at Ponchatoula *Fontainebleau *at Hammond *Northshore
Home games in Bold *District games
FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 | PAGE 31
SLIDELL: Want to make another playoff run » FROM PAGE 29
ALEX HILL
MICHAEL NORMAN
JARON WIGGINS
ARMAND WILLIAMS
guard. The right side is both juniors in guard James Devereux (59, 280) and tackle George Ray (65, 288). Defensively, the Tigers run multiple sets and returns three starters and like the offense, all seniors. Weak side linebacker Todd Davis, lineman Alfred Halton and back Michael Norman return to the unit. The defense was responsible for a pair of shutouts last season, 35-0 over Covington and 33-0 over Hammond. The newcomers to the defensive backs are seniors Morgan Williams and Bryan Smyre along with sophomore Darion Causey. The linebackers include seniors Devin Kennedy and Brandon Nilsson, while juniors Adam Mitchell and Nick Glover are in the group. The linemen are seniors Bradley Manuel, Anthony Thomas, Garrett Tranchina and Brandon McCaskill.
The kickers are both seniors. Justin Penton replaces Steven Mullet at punter, while Chris Barnes handles the place kicking duties. Slidell opens the regular season on Sept. 4 by hosting Holy Cross in a battle of Tigers before traveling to Salmen to take on the Spartans, Class 4A state semifinalists last season. SHS then
hosts John Ehret before beginning district play at Covington on Sept. 25. Oct. 1 is the Tigers’ district home opener and then they host St. Paul’s. Oct. 16 is a road game against Ponchatoula and then Fontainebleau pays a visit to L.V. McGinty Stadium on Oct. 23. The Tigers head to Hammond on Oct. 30 before closing out the regular season on Nov. 6.
PAGE 32 | FOOTBALL 2009 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009