Willow Lions

By Lee Brecheen

Head Coach: JJ Smith (6th year)

2022 Record: 4-5

Class & District: Class 4A (District 9)

The Willow School, formerly known as Lusher Charter High School, has been one of the best stories to come out of the new-orleans area. Willow went from canceling its season because of a small roster to now having a 3-2 record. The Lions battled 2022 state semifinalist St. Martin’s Episcopal to the brink in a 24-21 loss.

Willow School OL Enzo Marion (Photo taken by Mary Evans)

“We have more depth and a bigger senior class in 2023,” Willow head coach J.J. Smith. “Last season we only had five seniors. This season, we have 16.”

The offense has a capable quarterback in QB Jacob Guichet who has a really good arm. Going into Friday night’s game against St. Martin’s Episcopal, Guichet has thrown for 702 yards and seven touchdowns.

At the skill positions, the top players are MLB/OLB Rogan Schenck (6-2, 220, Sr.) who is a strong kid with quickness, LB/FS Zachary Breaux (6-1, 190, Sr.) who is arguably the best defensive player on the team and WR Alex Lupin (5-9, 150) who is a big-time playmaker for the program. The Lions also have SS/OLB/WR Chris Boudy (5-7, 165, Sr.), CB/WR Cyrus Buckels (5-10, 165), LB Justin Smith, second-year starter SS/OLB Jack Trotter (5-11, 170, Sr.) who is a team captain, RB Darrell Franklin, WR Xavier Ramsey and CB Tyrell Johnson 5-11 155.

In the trenches, the Lions have DT/OG Audwin Jackson (6-3, 297, Sr.) who is a four-year starter and a leader, All-District TE/DE Graham Williams (6-3, 195, Sr.), OT/OG Enzo Marino (6-6, 305, Sr.), center Henry Roquemore 6-1 215 SR,5-8 155 legit fast 4.5, OG/OT Nathan Johnson (6-2, 255, Sr.).

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