Catholic of New Iberia Panthers

By Lee Brecheen

Head Coach: Matt Desormeaux (1st year)

2022 Record: 4-7

Class & District: Class 2A (District 8)

2022 Playoffs: Lost to Lake Charles Prep 26-7 in 1st Round of Division III (Select) Playoffs

Catholic of New Iberia OT/DE Willliam Minvielle

First-year Catholic of New Iberia head coach Matt Desormeaux is an alum of Catholic of New Iberia HS. Desormeaux played football for UL Ragin Cajuns. Before he came over to Catholic of New Iberia was thehead coach of Ascension Episcopal from 2016-2021 leading the Blue Gators to a state title appearance in 2016. He left after the 2021 season to become the assistant principal of Catholic of New Iberia. His brother, Michael Desormeaux, is the head coach for UL-Lafayette. His dad, Bill Desormeaux, was a long-time high school coach.

“We are working hard getting in shape for the season mentally & physically,” Desormeaux said. “If you're ready, you have a good chance to have a good season.”

The Offense has a chance to be good with several players back with experience over the last 2 years. The run game will go thru big guy Javon Brown (6-0, 240) who is strong as any RB in Louisiana, senior RB/LB Denym Mason (5-10, 190) who is another power back with speed and senior FB/DE/OLB Devin Mouton (5-11, 215).

The lineman most of them will start both sides of the football led by senior OG/DT James Jones (6-1, 235), OT William Minvielle (6-4, 225), OL/DL Drew Desormeaux 6-0 265, senior C/DT Holden Leblanc (5-10, 225), OT Roan Judice (6-4, 245), senior DE/TE Gerard Schenk (5-10, 205), DE/TE Connor Segra (5-10, 190) and DE Javn Brown.

The quarterback spot is in good hands with Luke Landry being a leader on this team and having a big arm. You also have QB/SS Jake Wyman who has a strong arm. Wyman also is the starting strong safety for the team. The top skill players back are WR/CB Tristian Lewis (4.5 speed), WR/SS Chris Green (4.6 speed) and WR/CB Laiden Mitchell (4.5 speed) who is a tough kid with good hands. The Panthers also have four great linebackers in Devin Mouton, Denym Mason, senior Thomas Beaulieu (5-11, 190) and Bennett Woodring (6-0, 195).

The special teams will be strong with second-year starter back in kicker Bennett Boudreaux has a very good leg for the program. The punting is wide open at the moment going into fall.