The Arcadia Hornets are Ready to Make Their First Sting of the Season Tonight

by Jace LeJeune

Arcadia senior ATH Rozerrick Abney is one of a couple of skill position players that can play wherever Coach Carr needs him to play. (Property of LAFM)

It was a successful season for the Arcadia High School Hornets in 2017 winning seven games. It may be a sign of bigger things to come for Head Coach Dimitri Carr and the rest of the team as according to Louisiana Football Magazine's recruiting expert Lee Brecheen, this team may be even more talented this season especially with these upcoming senior skill players such as athlete Rozerrick Abney, WR/CB Keyshawn Young, and Jawayne Pearson among others.

"Rozerrick Abney plays defensive back for the team, but could be a slot wide receiver in and can play either strong safety or free safety in too with 4.59/40 speed," Brecheen said.

"Keyshawn Young is a slot wide receiver and cornerback prospect for ," Brecheen said. "He would be a steal at the D-II level at 5-10, 165 pounds in size with 4.48/40 speed."

"Jawayne Pearson is a sleeper safety for the school," Brecheen said. "Pearson has both size at 6-1, 175 pounds and 4.48/40 speed. He will only get bigger in ."

However, the team relies heavily on their star player Corey "CJ" Russell. Brecheen is really high on Russell as he selected him to be on the cover of our North Louisiana Magazine preview issue and also on our first team All-North Louisiana team.

"I think Corey "CJ" Russell is the biggest sleeper running back in North Louisiana that I have seen play in a game," Brecheen said. "The kid has the IT factor. Russell has vision, speed, toughness and moves with hips in the open field to be great at 5-11, 187 pounds. He is the best running back I have seen from the program in my 20 plus years watching the team."

For Russell, it was refreshing to be recognized as one of the best at his position in the state.

"Being on the magazine was a blessing for me once again because of all the hard work I have put in," Russell said. "It is great to know that somebody is watching me."

For Russell, despite becoming a program great earning All-State honors two years, winning District MVPs the last two seasons, and rushing for an incredible 6,000 yards and 70 touchdowns, there has not been too much attention in comparison to some of the other big time running backs in Louisiana like Tyrion Davis (Southern Lab), John Emery (Destrehan), and others, but the in-state schools have recognized what type of player he really is.

"My top schools are LSU, Louisiana Tech, Grambling, ULM, and Baylor, but I have received offers from Mississippi , McNeese State, and Nicholls State University."

Russell knows that his breakaway speed and elusiveness are his biggest strengths, but is hoping that he can improve on other areas in order for the Hornets to have a good season.

"This offseason, I worked on my footwork the most," Russell said. "I have to become a shifty player. I also have to be a leader in order to have the younger players look up to me so I can give them advice to be a better player."

Usually, a 7-3 season is something that a team would be ecstatic about having, but for the Hornets, they do not dwell on the previous season unless if the previous season ends in the Superdome.

"Last season, it was a rebuilding process," Russell said. "We wanted to win a state championship, but we fell short so we had it in our head for this year to get there."

So far, the season did not start quite as quickly as the Hornets would have liked already losing their first two games to Ouachita Christian High School and Red River High School. Still, the team remains optimistic that the first win is coming up really soon maybe even tonight against the 1-1 Cedar Creek High School Cougars.

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/