District 5 Class 5A

Written by Lee Brecheen

Denham Springs 

Jonathan Bravo (photo credit Lee Brecheen)

‍

‍

Head Coach: Brett Beard (5th year)

2023 Record: 3-7

2023 Playoffs: None

2024 Playoffs: Non-Select

Key Players graduated: FS Da’shawn McBryde (LSU), TE/FB Seth Bishop, CB Maison Vorise, Athlete Hudson Byers.

‍

Team Outlook: “The last two years we where trying to replace a ton of lineman we lost from 2021 and 2022. 2024 but now we have the depth and size again both sides to compete in Class 5A. The trenches will be the strength of our program. The Offense is ahead of the Defense going into the Summer fall for us,” said coach Beard. 

‍

The program has the luxury to have two big time QB’s in 2024. Both kids have started games and both kids can win games for this program in QB Jerry Horne (6-1, 195)SR, and Da’Sean Golmond. The skill talent will be WR Tylan Hayes (6-0, 190)SR 4.5 speed, WR Cadyn Lewis, WR Colton Lebouf (5-11, 180)SR, RB Slayde Daigle (5-10, 180)SR, RB Brenton Paul has power and speed, and TE/FB Peyton Puffer (6-0, 190) SR good blocker and hands. The Offensive Line is led by 2 way starter OT/DT Cy Martin (6-4, 290) SR, OL Jackson Martin (6-0, 285), OL Christian Ferguson (6-2, 265), and Max Arce (6-0, 245).

‍

The Defense though young has a  lot of players competing for starting spots. Starting off these are the leaders back DE Darrius Scott, LB Trenton Harrison (6-1, 235) SR Benches 400 pounds, FS Rancher Miller (6-0, 185) SR, CB Kaden Anderson (5-11, 185), LB Jacori Gross (6-2, 240), LB Cedric Polk, and CB Maur’Jay White. Special Teams returns a really good kicker in Jonathan Bravo (5-9, 225).

‍

‍

Dutchtown Griffins

‍

Head Coach: Guy Mistretta (7th year)

2023 Record: 11-2

2023 Playoffs: 1st Round beat South Lafourche HS, 2nd Round beat Chalmette HS, 3rd Round beat Central HS. Semifinals lost to Zachary HS.

‍

Key players graduated: DT/DE Diego Spears (ULL), LB Carter Hanberry (Southeastern), Kaden Mackey (Undecided), DT Zyan Tremont (East Mississippi JC) TE Dylan Dicharry, QB Ethan Aucoin, OC Chase Cangelosi, RB Gary Dukes, LB Brennan Baker, LB Blake Bowie, DB Jeremy Jackson

‍

Team Outlook: “The 2023 season was one of the best years for the program if not the best. First time in the Semifinals in program history. The team has to replace a special class of 14 total starters from the 2023 season. The Offense returns 5 starters and the Defense returns 3 starters. The good thing is the program has a lot of players back that lettered or have waited their turn to get experience in Class 5A football. We must develop the passing game with a new QB in Dylan Champagne (6-3)185 SR, but he has great potential. It will be important for leaders to step up on both sides of the football, as leadership was a huge strength in 2023," said coach Mistretta.

‍

The Offense will build around OT Christian Gautreau (6-2, 275)SR, OG Matthew Travis (5-11, 240)SR, OG Dawson Davis (6-0, 265)SR, WR Casey McCoy (5-10, 175) SR, RB Lekedrin Harvey (6-0, 190) SR, and QB Dylan Champagne. The new starters are Center Ayden Gueho (6-3, 265), OT Landon Hedden (6-1, 230), WR Eli Freeman, WR Rylan Mayeaux (5-8, 160) SR, TE Zach Dotter (6-2, 210) TE Brooks Bumstead will get reps, WR Martell Rogers, and mentioned above QB Champagne.

‍

The Defense returns DE Josh Lewis (6-5, 260) SR big time player 2 year starter, LB Mason Miles (5-10, 215) SR, and CB Laithon Riley (5-9, 170) SR. New starters are DT Tim Oluwade (6-1, 280) SR, DT Shawn Lovely (6-2, 250) SR, LB Chad Christy (5-10, 195), OLB Brandon Smith (6-2, 195), OLB Hyland Rentz (5-10, 195), CB Kobe Harris (5-10, 175), FS Thomas Pierce (5-11, 180), SS Corey Cotton (5-10, 170)SR. Special Teams you have Kicker Corbin Roussel (5-7, 165)SR, Punter Casey McCoy SR, and Returners are Lekedrin Harvey, Laithon Riley, and Andrew Fields.

‍

East Ascension Spartans

‍

Head Coach: Brock Matherne (1st Year) 

2023 Record: 3-7

2023 Playoffs: None

2024 Playoffs: Non-Select

‍

Key players Graduated: OG/DT Kelvin Gray (Nicholls State, DB Brennon Thompson (Northwestern State), Athlete Jacorey Mitchell (Millsaps), DE/OLB Joseph Hobdy (Hutchinson Kansas JC), LB ShaQuawn Isom (Papago College), DT Aiden Joseph, DB Lamar Bolden (Davidson), DE Camden Womack (Southeastern), DE/DT Nathan Allen (Southeastern) RB Taij Washington, DB Tanner Stanga.

‍

Team Outlook: “The mentality of the kids, they are hungry for winning. Talent is here to do major things. We need to do the little things right, but excited about our line and skill group in the program with a really strong Defensive Backfield in 2024,” said coach Matherne.

‍

There are 4 players competing for the QB job as the new starter going into the Summer. QB Alex Louguel, QB Caden Gautreaux, QB Hudson Browning, and QB Zalon Smith. The skill spots on Offense again are very talented lead by RB Jeremiah Wilson (6-1, 190), RB Jason Blackburn, RB Aaron Williams (5-9, 185)SR leader, WR Kemorian Brady (5-10, 165)SR, WR Justin Oubre (6-1, 165)SR, WR Darren McGee, and QB Zalon Smith can also play some WR for the team. The Offensive Line has been strong for a few years and will return big time players to lead a young line in OT Bryce Martinez (6-7, 310), OG/DT Kendrell Green (6-2, 300 SR sleeper prospect and OG Javon Matthews (6-2, 305). The Defense also lost a ton of experience but returns many new players with some experience combined to become a great Defense again in time lead by DE/TE Jahmere Smith (6-2, 220) SR, DT/DE Mervin Ragus (6-2, 230) SR, LB Zachary Jupiter (6-1, 230), SS/FS Deron McZeal (5-10, 180), CB/Safety Ernest Mitchell (5-10, 160), CB DeMarcus Grant (5-10, 180) one of the best newcomers to the team and District 4.5 speed ball hawk, CB/Safety Trenton Palmer (5-10, 155), and CB/Safety Jalen Landry (5-9, 185) SR. Special Teams the Punter & Kicker spot as of writing was up in the air going into the Summer.

‍

Live Oak Eagles

‍

Head Coach: Randell Legette (1st year) 

2023 Record: 3-6

2023 Playoffs: None

2024 Playoffs: Non-Select

‍

Key players graduated: DE Tyler Maher, FB Blake Rosenthal, OT James Sadler, FS/WR Jack Peterson, LB Bentz Borne.

‍

Team Outlook: “We have some young guys with a ton of Juniors who will play in 2024. We plan on playing some talented Freshman too. We have work to do but we are excited. We have to rebuild the Offensive Line with just 1 starter back,” said coach Legette. 

‍

I was able to see Live Oak live for practice in Spring and was impressed with the commitment of the players and pace of practice like a college practice. The Offense will be led by talented Athlete/QB Cayden Jones, who can run and throw it and is improving every day. The run game returns RB Dekohta Jones, a talented SO who has the ability to run for over 1,000 plays yards in 2024. The Offense also has skill players RB Brennan Ipimpson (5-10, 165) SR, gifted HB/TE Hayden Ray All District (6-4, 245) SR with great hands speed 4.65/40, TE/FB Ben Moyer (5-11, 215)SR, WR Landry Smart, WR Marcus Mack (5-10, 165)SR, and a 2nd QB in Kingston Johnson who can play some Wildcat when needed or WR. The Offensive Line lost a lot but returned two really good players in OT Garett Zachary (6-2, 290), and OG Tyler Kelly (6-0, 260) to build around. The Defense also young impressed me at DL for the team with great players like DE Gabe Harvey (6-4, 235) SR, and Jacob Cowart (6-3 225) both SR’s with length and big time motors to rush the passer or play the run. The rest of the Defense will be led by DT Billy Edmondston, tough kid, LB Wyatt Tynes (5-11, 220)SR, MLB Brennon Wilson (5-11, 225), SR, DT Gavin Trammell, OLB Lane Billings 4.65 speed, Safety Brody Welch (6-0, 175)SR, and CB Jace Griffin (5-10, 170) 2nd year starter. One of the best Kickers in the country and Louisiana returns for his 3rd year as a starter in Kicker/Punter Brek Schultz (5-9, 180) SR.

‍

St. Amant Gators

Head Coach: David Oliver

2023 Record: 10-2

2023 Playoffs: 1st Round beat Ouachita HS, 2nd Round lost to Mandeville HS

2024 Playoffs: Non-Select

‍

Key players Graduated: K/P/WR Easton Jarreau, RB Kyron Craft, Center Cooper Cheatwood, OG Seth Guedry, FS Layne Swanson, LB Thomas TJ Leonard, LB DJ Smith, DL Koen Rock, DB Robert Williams, DB Braxstyn Spight, WR Luke Raffray, LB Damon Smith, and LB Braxton Trabeau. 

‍

Team Outlook: “Great Season in 2023. Beat 4A State Champion week 4 Opelousas HS along with big wins over Kennedy, East Ascension, Ouachita HS 1st Round playoffs and beat Walker HS,” said coach Oliver. 

‍

The 2024 team will return alot of experience both sides of the football. “Our Freshman team went 9-1 in 2023, and our SR group is deep in numbers,” said coach Oliver. The Offense will return a experienced QB in Cooper Babin. Cooper got his 1st start his Freshman season where he started 5 games. Also started 7 games in 2023 because of a injury did not start the full season. Babin has a chance to be a very good QB just needs to stay healthy in 2024. The Offense also returns RB Tyree Williams who rotated in 2023 ran for 600 plus yards with power strong kid. The Offense also returns 2nd year player Timothy Johnson (5-11, 150) SR at both WR/RB. The rest of the skill players will be a large group WR Kaven Taylor tough kid 2nd year starter, WR Brody Kernan (6-0, 160) SR, All District WR Jermichael Millien had 8 Touchdowns in 2023 big playmaker for team, RB Conner Darr (6-0, 185) SR, RB/OLB Jordan Hickerson, RB Jaquan Gordon tough kid, and TE/FB Carson Sheets (6-0, 195) SR a very good blocker. The Offensive Line is very deep in numbers and returns OT Ethan Lebeau, OG Carter Babin (6-3, 270), Center Braydon Kling (5-9, 255) SR, OG Elijah Thornton (6-0, 235) SR, and OT Austin Baxter (6-3, 250). The Offensive Line also has three players that will rotate in get time in Center Chris Landry (6-0, 210) SR, OT Austin McNabb (6-2, 245) SR, and OC/OG Sam Palacios (5-11, 235) SR. The Defensive Line also deep will have DE Gavin Hebert (6-0, 215) SR, DE Gavin Carpenter (6-1, 220) SR, DT Jacoby Davis (6-3, 245), DT/DE Jeremy Whatley, DT Max Keller (5-11, 230), DT Brayden Zeller (5-11, 230) , DE/OLB/Eddie Delhaye (6-1, 195), DE/OLB Trevor Delhaye (6-1, 195) SR, and rotating in at DT Noah Jenkins (5-10, 235). The Linebacking group you will see as many as 5 players play OLB Anthony Salzarelo (5-9, 175) SR tough leader, OLB Ronald Guillory, MLB Wesley Dykes (5-11, 210) SR, MLB Carsen Vicknair (5-9, 170) SR and MLB Evan Williams (6-0, 200) SR. The Defensive Backfield returns experience and depth starting with 3 year starter Caleb Ricks (6-1, 170) SR shut down CB with the ability to play the run too. Theres also CB Jarad Brown (5-10, 150) SR sleeper, CB Cedric Jones Jr, CB Clarence Jackson, FS DJ Schonberg (6-2, 180) new starter with All District ability, SS MJ Dunn (5-10, 150), SS/OLB Easton Humphrey (5-9, 150) SR rotate in, SS Anden Millet (5-9, 145) rotate in, and SS Dak Kluka (5-9, 150) will also rotate in. Special Teams will have some new faces lead by Punter Brady Kernan leading candidate after Spring, Kicker Jace Fierro SR had a good Spring and Long Snapper will be Cooper Ladner (6-0, 195) also the backup TE/FB for the Offense where he will get playing time too. 

‍

Walker

‍

Head Coach: Chad Mahaffey (6th year)2023 Record: 10-3

2023 Playoffs: 1st Round beat Northshore HS and 2nd Round lost to Ruston HS.

2024 Playoffs: Non-Select

Key players Graduated: RB Clyde Mcclendon (Grambling), LB TJ Silvio, TE/WR Austin Workman, TE/DE Evan King, DE Kentrell Scott, LB Treyvion Thomas, WR Jamari Evans, DB Jaden Bardales.

‍

Team Outlook: “Lost a lot of WR’s, Offensive Line, Defensive Backs, and Linebacker’s so we are trying to get depth at those spots this Spring & Summer. We were for the 1st time in school history in the Quarterfinals in 2023. Last year we were more experienced on Defense going into the season so it's flipped we are more ahead on offense right now. ” We do have good depth on the Offensive Line going into the Summer," said coach Mahaffey.

‍

The Walker Wildcats return their QB Troy Sylve, who in his 1st year I thought did a great job at QB (6-3, 205)pounds now bigger and stronger dual threat and smooth in the pocket. The skill players to keep an eye on are WR Rashad Taylor, 2nd year starter (6-1, 185) SR, WR Carter Hebert, RB Jacob Mackey, and RB/WR Cayden Jones. The Offensive Line will be the heart of the team lead by OT Braeden Paetz (5-10, 230) SR 3 year starter, OL Reese Dodd (6-2, 270, ) SR 2nd year starter, OL Alex Hibbs lettered in 2023 (5-9, 210)SR, OL Caden Rushing (6-3, 280), OL Tony Fussino (6-1, 285)and TE Nile Allen (6-2, 200)SR. The Defense has a few spots to fill still but return these kids to lead to start off in DE/DT Dontae Flowers (5-11, 230) SR big time leader 3 year starter, DT Sam Plants (5-8, 225) SR lettered in 2023, DE/OLB Travon Dixon (6-1, 200) new starter, CB Jakyrin Johnson (5-11, 160) SR new starter, CB Zyon Russ (5-9, 155)SR, new starter, FS/SS Jonathan Musso (5-8, 160) lettered in 2023, and FS/SS Jeremiah Dorsey (5-9, 155)SR new starter. Special Teams will be starting TE/FB Nile Allen at both Kicker & Punter unless something changes in the Summer he will do both spots.

‍

Prairieville Hurricanes

‍

Head Coach: Mike Schmitt

2023 Record: None

2024 Playoffs: Non-Select. 

‍

Team Outlook: “We have only 11 seniors to start out our 1st year in 2024 as a new school. We will have around 70 Freshman players. There was no Spring Pratice because school did not have players yet. We like the numbers and have a chance to be a good young team for a new school. We are getting players from several schools. We will actually have a true JV team starting out in 2024,” said coach Schmitt. 

The school will have at least 1,300 students day one in 2024 in its first year. With it being a new school and all starting jobs where open and there was a limited time with player and coaches from May to June. This is what coach told me where players already standing out early and it could change some by July/August. The Offense QB’s competing are Charlie Green, and Skylar Kelly. The rest of the Offense TE/DE Brody Creel (6-1, 200), FB Brayden Duke was a starter for Ascension Christian since 2022 (5-10, 185) , WR Kale Daigle, RB Ivan Sanders (5-7, 180) , RB/OLB Chance Jackson, CB/WR JaMarion Meady, OT Jackson Creel (5-10, 220) , OL Evan Quibodeaux, OL/DL Brennan Shaules (5-11, 225) former starter for Ascension Christian HS, and OL Austin Gill (5-11, 215). Defensive Players impressed early on LB Josh Dunaway (5-9, 205) SR, DE/TE Daniel Williams, DT Gabriel Ford (5-11, 220), LB Eric Williams (5-10, 189), LB Mike Schmitt, FS Karsyn Taylor, CB Khywan Striggs, CB/WR Kylan Smith, CB/WR/RB Tahj Wallace, WR Parker Fiast, OLB/DB Swade Jackson, SS/OLB Stantyn Delapasse a captain, and several other players will be in the running for starting jobs by August/September.

‍

‍

‍