After Losing Two LSU Signees, the Ferriday Trojans Continue to Show the Talent is Still There to Compete for Championships

by Jace LeJeune

Ferriday senior OLB Bryan Washington (Property of LAFM)

There may be some people that are riding off the Ferriday High School Trojans in 2018 especially since they have to replace two players that went on to sign with the LSU Tigers in Dantrieze Scott and Dare Rosenthal. Even with the success the team had in 2017 winning 11 games and coming a game short of the 2A state championship game, a lot of fans did not think the team could have the same type of success due to losing those two once in a lifetime type of players. On paper, it may seem that way, but there is still a lot of talent along the starting 11 on both sides of the football. Defensively, the Trojans are still strong as ever led by their star linebacker Larry Scott (6-1, 215). Ferriday Head Coach Stanley Smith, who led the team to the Class 2A semifinals in his first year as the head man, cannot say enough about what it means to have a veteran player like Scott lead your defensive unit.

"Larry Scott is a DI linebacker," Smith said. "He has all the intangibles and understands the game. Not only that, but he is a great leader on the field for us."

Another person that has seen Scott play in person is Louisiana Football Magazine's own recruiting expert Lee Brecheen, who is really high on the All-District linebacker after putting him on our 2nd Team All-North Louisiana team.

"I agree with Coach Smith," Brecheen said. "He is a DI player that can play outside or inside linebacker. I can really see him at the I-AA level. If he gets with the right I-AA school, he can really be a superstar. If he does go DI, I also believe that he can be a great player for a Southern Miss or a Louisiana Tech."

Scott, who had 84 tackles and 12 tackles for loss in 2017, is still waiting on his first official visit, but has currently taken unofficial visits at Louisiana Tech, TCU, Tulane, and LSU. Scott may be the leader of the defense, but overall, this is a linebacking unit that has not taken a step back and maybe even a step forward. Senior outside linebacker Bryan Washington (5-11, 185) is another linebacker that is flying under the radar as we speak.

"Bryan is a linebacker for us, but we kind of move him around everywhere," Smith said. "He has played the mike, will, and sam linebacking positions for us so he understands those positions and what is required of them. Each linebacker position has a different characteristic and he plays each of them well. He can run and is great in coverage. Right now, Bryan has no offers as of right now as last year was really his first year of getting playing time, but as the season moves along and we get in the playoffs, there will be a lot more eyes on him."

Ferriday senior OG/DT Nicholas Davis (Property of LAFM)

One of those eyes is Brecheen and he sees a lot of potential already in Washington.

"Bryan Washington is a I-AA player," Brecheen said. "If he was a little taller, he would probably be DI. Still, I love his game and his toughness. He would definitely be a great fit at that level as a strong safety."

In the secondary, senior safety Dionntae Dishta (5-11, 160) is the player that controls the backhalf of the defense. Not a lot of players get behind him and if they do, they do not usually get too far thanks to his great speed.

"Dionntae Dishta is very underrated for Ferriday," Brecheen said. "He plays free safety and is super fast. A lot of in-state schools look for defensive backs that are 5-11, have long arms, and great speed. Dishta has all of those qualities. He is one of the state's biggest sleepers when it comes to corner prospects because I believe he will play that position at the next level. If any of the in-state schools pick him up, he can be a great fit whether it is Louisiana Tech, Grambling, Southeastern, McNeese, Nicholls, Northwestern State or anybody else."

Offensively, the Trojans have some speed at the skill positions as well. Coach Smith tries different ways to get the ball to his playmakers and what he means by playmakers, he means senior wide receiver Jamien Green (6-2, 160).

"Jamien Green is a track guy," Smith said. "He runs on the 4x100 and 4x200 meter relay teams. He can take the top off of defenses and runs great routes. Jamien also plays a big role on special teams especially in the return game. I believe he has a couple of kick return for touchdowns this year alone. He can really fly."

Speed is great and all, but what wins games is the play on the line of scrimmage. That is how the Trojans won games last year thanks to the play of Rosenthal and Scott, but this year, it is the duo of two way players Henry Thomas (6-2, 255) and Nicholas Davis that are taking more of that role this season.

"Henry Thomas plays on both sides for us," Smith said. "On the defensive line, he plays nose for us. Henry knows how to use his hands, has a great motor, and does a good job of running after the ball carrier. In fact, he has made a lot of plays like Bryan and Larry on the front seven. He is a great leader and is our guy on the front four."

Like teammate Larry Scott, Brecheen also put Nicholas Davis on our 2nd Team All-North Louisiana Team before the season.

"I watched Nicholas Davis play and he is a DI player," Brecheen said. "He is built like a SEC lineman. At 6-4, 290 pounds, he can really move for his size. I think he can be a DI defensive tackle, but he does have to play both ways for the Trojans, which can be tiring as the games go along."

Overall, considering what the team lost last year, the Trojans are in excellent shape with plenty of talent in the starting lineup to make another run at their district and also for the Class 2A title.

Hey football fans. Like our recruiting interviews, stories, and other content on our website? Click on our website daily to view articles on recruits, coaches, and so much more at our website: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/. Also, we have exciting news that for the second straight year, we will have our North and South LA issues and both are now out! Both issues will continue to cover all the Louisiana s as well as all the high schools in state, but there will be 16 pages that will focus on North Louisiana as well as South Louisiana. For more information, please check the following link to where you can find the magazine in a store near you. Also, below are the two covers as well as where you can order both magazines on our website.

Stores Link: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/news/c48-recruiting/2018-louisiana-football-magazine-north-and-south-editions-now-available-in-stores-near-you/

North Cover: South Cover:

North Link: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/product/la-football-magazine-2018-annual-preview-north-edition/

South Link: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/product/la-football-magazine-2018-annual-preview-south-edition/