Ascension Catholic Bulldogs

By Lee Brecheen

Head Coach: Chris Sanders (2nd year)

Class and Division: Class 1A (Division 8)

2022 Record: 11-3, District Champions, Division IV (Select) State Semifinalists

2022 Playoffs: Defeated Lincoln Preparatory School 49-6 in 1st Round, Defeated Riverside Academy 38-31 in 2nd Round, Defeated Opelousas Catholic 28-12 in Quarterfinals, Lost to Ouachita Christian 42-14 in Division IV (Select) Semifinals

Ascension Catholic RB/DB DeMarcus Gant

Ascension Catholic has been on a roll in the last six years with great seasons: 11-3 in (2022), (2021) 10-3, (2020) 7-1,(2019) 10-1, (2018) 12-2, and (2017) 11-3. The program won three state titles in its history with the Bulldogs winning in 1941, 1973 and 1992. This team will be one of the biggest in Class 1A in the trenches statewide. The Bulldogs’ starting line on both sides average close to 250 to 260 pounds in 2023. Although they lost a lot of running backs, the Bulldogs still return a few that will rotate in and out for the season in 2023. The program also returns close to 80 players.

“We have to replace a lot of production,” said Ascension Catholic head coach Chris Sanders. “We lost a big senior class of 12 starters from the 2022 season. We also lost three wide receivers, both starting running backs and a few other key three-year starters on offense & defense.”

The offense will have a new QB taking over in senior Jake Landry, who knows the system and will also play some DB for the team. Landry is also a natural leader. The offense will have a large group of running backs that will rotate all year. The running backs include Chad Elzy (5-7, 180), who has power with quickness, RB/DB DeMarcus Gant (5-9, 170), who is a really good athlete, RB/DE Josh Barber (5-9, 210) who also has power and Gavin Gregoire (5-9, 170), who led the team in yards per carry in 2022 and has power for his size. RB/DB Trevin Simon and freshman RB/DB Jacob Julien will also be in the mix as well.

Ascension Catholic will have a big offensive line led by senior Travis Cedotal (6-2, 275), who is a three-year starter and moves well in the trenches, OL/DL Aiden Payne (6-0, 295), senior OL/DL Kingston Cayette (6-2, 270), OL/DE Austin Payne, OL/DE Josh Barner (6-1, 200), and senior OL/DL Freddie Geason (6-3, 280). The Bulldogs also have OL/DL Vaughn Blanchard (6-1, 240) and TE/DE Chris Anthens as well.

They will also return talented DE/TE Jamaris Breaux 6-3 225 who has good hands, and senior LB/TE Thomas Nizzo (5-9, 210), who is one of the team leaders on Ascension Catholic. They will also have several young talented players battling for a chance to play at the skill spots at defensive back in 2023.

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