Edna Karr Cougars

By Lee Brecheen

Head Coach: Brice Brown (9th year)

2022 Record: 8-4

Class & District: Class 5A (District 9)

2022 Playoffs: 1st Round Bye, Defeated Scotlandville 34-26 in 2nd Round, Lost to Catholic (Baton Rouge) 32-24 in Quarterfinals of DIvision I (Select) Playoffs

Edna Karr WR Rahji Dennis (Photo taken by Christian Causey/@madebychr1s)

Head coach Brice Brown in his eight years in the program he has played for six state titles, a remarkable feat for any coach. This will be his ninth year and I would be shocked if this team did not play for a state title in 2023. Coach Brown won four straight state titles from 2016-2019 and finished runner-up twice in 2015 and 2020. The Cougars have won six state football titles in the school’s history; the other 2 titles were in 1993 and 2012.

“Expectations never change,” Coach Brown said.We know what to expect. We have a young QB. Two new RB’s and a lot of players coming back who lettered in 2022.We have three Seniors coming back on the offensive Line.

Edna Karr OT Kriston Bell (Photo taken by Christian Causey/@madebychr1s)

The offense will not drop off at all speed wise or size wise. The skill talent coming back is as good as any program in the state again. The run game will have Dezemen Favorite (5-9, 175, 4.5 speed), RB Kentez Lewis (5-10, 185, 4.5 speed), RB Tyron Francis (6-1, 200) has everything you look for first year to play a lot,and RB Daejawn Smith power with speed 4.5. Karr’s wide receiver group has depth and speed once again and it is led by one of the fastest high school football players in the country in senior WR Rahji Dennis (6-0, 175, 4.3 speed). Dennis also runs for Karr’s track team and ran a 10.47 in the 100 meters. You also have WR/RB Bryant Sanchez (5-9, 160, 4.45 speed), WR Tyrone Wilson (5-10, 170, 4.5 speed) and WR Oliver Mitchell (6-1, 170, 4.5 speed) will rotate to get reps.

Edna Karr MLB Tah’J Butler (Photo taken by Fred Bailey/@shotzbyfredd)

After the departure of longtime quarterback AJ Samuel, the Cougars will rely on young John Johnson Johnson has a cannon arm and has the speed to run if needed. In his first ever start against L.B. Landry last Friday he went 10-for-17 for 100 yards and a touchdown in a 33-0 victory.

The Offensive Line has size again lead by leader senior Bernard Jones (5-8, 245), OG/OT Legend Williams (6-2, 270), OT Kriston Bell (6-5, 290) lost some weight looks great for 2023 and center Marlon Jones (6-0, 250) had a great fall and summer. TE/FB Brandon Richard (6-0, 205) will provide great blocking for this offense also.

Edna Karr DB Tre Brown (Photo taken by Fred Bailey/@shotzbyfred)

The defense lost a lot of talent but returns a lot of talent again. The front will be talented again lead by senior MLB Tah’J Butler (6-1, 220, 4.6 speed), senior DT Edward Volpi (6-3, 270), DE Lyric Hawkins (6-1, 210, 4.65 speed), MLB Fred Hart (5-11, 215) leader big time player,OLB/SS Chavez Morris (5-11, 180, 4.5 speed), DT Richard Anderson (6-3, 307) and DE/DT Corey Adams (6-5, 270) batted three balls in the spring game. The secondary usually is one of the best in Louisiana and again in 2023 will be one of the best. You have senior Tre Brown (5-10, 180), SS Tyrik Brigalia (6-0, 180, 4.45 speed), FS Aidan Hall (6-1, 170, 4.5 speed), lockdown All-District CB Levi Darensbourg (5-10, 175, 4.4 speed) who had six interceptions in 2022, CB Cody Morris (5-10, 165), CB Maurice Williams (5-9, 160, 4.5 speed) and other players will battle to get reps.

On special teams, kicker Jaden Hunter returns and has a strong leg. This kid also triple jumps for the Karr’s track team.

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