Haughton Linebacker Jake St. Andre Elevating Buccaneers To Become Championship Level Defense In 2020

by Jace LeJeune

The Haughton Buccaneers had an impressive season in 2019 advancing further than the team has ever made before in Class 5A by finishing with an 11-3 overall record and advancing to the Semifinals. While on their great playoff run, the Buccaneers defeated the likes of Ouachita, Comeaux, and Mandeville before losing to Destrehan falling short one game of the Class 5A State Championship. A big reason for the team's success has been the play of starting middle linebacker Jake St. Andre. In 2019, St. Andre had 145 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and five sacks. It was the best of both world for St. Andre as he not only had himself a great season, but the team had one of its best seasons in program history as well.

"It was an awesome run for us," St. Andre said. "I believe it was the first time we went that far in Class 5A. It was a great experience, but it was something that we expected all along."

The Buccaneers have the talent and coaching, but there are some key pieces that need to be replaced in order to continue Coach Jason Brotherton and the team's winning ways.

"We definitely lost a lot of key playmakers," St. Andre said. "That's for sure. I think a lot of the responsibility will fall upon the defense as we return a lot of returning starters on that side of the football. We need to carry the load until the young starters on offense find their rhythm."

The saying goes defense wins championships, and it is always great to have your star leader at linebacker returning, especially when that player in 84 tackles away from becoming the program's all-time leading tackling leader. For the 6-2, 220 pound tackling machine, it takes more than size and speed to make tackles.

"I would say my ability to read a play is my biggest strength," St. Andre said. "My thought is to get downfield and make the tackle."

Going north and south is what St. Andre does well in getting to the ball carrier and a lot of teams saw that in St. Andre.

"I hold offers from Stetson University, Northeastern State, and Arkansas Tech," St. Andre said. "Some of the schools have been showing interests have been Lamar, UL, Air Force, and Southern Miss."

Before the pandemic, St. Andre was gathering some attention and even took some visits.

"We got to visit Southern Miss, Air Force, and UL," St. Andre said. "I would say my UL has been my favorite visit so far. It was a pretty surreal experience."

What has been an unusual experience is what St. Andre and the rest of the Buccaneers football team is going through right now during the Coronavirus pandemic. However, the team is hoping that they will get the chance to show their skills while adjusting to new forms of practice.

"We should play this season," St. Andre said. "A lot of kids are looking forward to that because they have a chance to play at the next level. If you take that away from them, then, they won't get that chance."

For St. Andre, he does have offers, but this season could bring the opportunity for even bigger schools to recognize players like St. Andre.

"It doesn't matter where I want to play," St. Andre said. "I just want to play."

Jake St. Andre is a football player with a high football I.Q. that wants to show off his abilities for the upcoming season and if he is given a chance, he will make sure to capitalize on the opportunity to impress even more football programs.

Click the link below to check out Jake St. Andre's junior highlights:

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10316114/5dedb20ed2263c0df8a9eedf

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Jace is from Addis, LA but resides in Port Allen, LA. Jace attends Southeastern Louisiana University and is majoring in Communications. This is Jace’s fourth year as Associate Editor at Louisiana Football Magazine. He is also a graduate from Catholic High School in baton-rouge where he was the editor of the school newspaper the “Bearly Published.” While at CHS, Jace also announced their football, basketball, and baseball games for the Bruin Broadcast Network which is the Catholic High’s streaming website for their events. On weekends, Jace is the PA announcer for his middle school football games. At home, Jace enjoys time with his family and friends. Besides being a huge football fan, Jace is also an avid NHRA drag racing fan.