Football 2012 - TownNewsbloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/livingstonparish... · 2012-08-26 · Football Guide, August 23, 2012 5 PhOTO By mUSEmEChE PhOTOgrAPhy The 2012 Denham

2 Football Guide, August 23, 2012

I Contents___2 Denham Springs gears up for a run at a fifth straight playoff season.

8 Walker expects bigger things in the second season of head Coach Dwayne Severio.

16 Springfield expects to build on its 2011 playoff season with a run at a district title and beyond.

13 Toughness was the name of the game back in the 1960s when every ball player had to endure “the pit.”

11 Live Oak has a new coach and a young team, but believes it can compete now.

14 Albany relies on senior quarterback Louis Sansovich in its tough 3A league.

18 The Saints are full of hope as they embark on what will surely be one of the strangest seasons in NFL history.

20 LSU deals begins at home with high hopes once again of winning the SEC and reaching the BCS championship game.

Football 2012

Pictured on the cover is action from the Pre-season scrim-mage between Live oak and aLbany. on this PLay, Live oak's kyLe adams (15) takes off for 26-yard touchdown after catch-

ing a screen Pass from quarterback brady morris. Live oak's wesLey fuLLer bLocks out aLbany's aLex vaLLo. the Photo is by david normand.

credits:articLes — sam muffoLetto, Jim sPringcover — PauL hatton

aLbany, denham sPrings, Live oak, sPringfieLd, waLker Photos — david normand additionaL Photos submitted

DAvID NOrmAND | ThE NEWS

The 2012 Denham Springs High Yellow Jacket coaching staff group photo from picture day includes (front row, from left) A. J. Hebert, Jason Wilkins, Eddie Pleasant, Mitch Covington, Dru Nettles, Trase Satcher, Justin Wax, David Bourque and Robert Graves. Standing are Gary Burnett, Josh Neal, Josh Martin, Kade Keowen, Joey Chustz, Mark Carroll, Rusty Bar-rilleaux, Lyn Ducote and Bob Ingalls.

DenHAM sPRInGs – In his seventh year as head coach of the Yellow Jackets, Dru Nettles is not only itching for his program to win a playoff game, but for them to take what has now been four years of consistency to an even greater level of success.

“We’d like our furthest trip this season to be to New Orleans (championship game),” said Nettles. “But the first thing we’re going talk about is getting through the season, compet-ing for the district championship and putting ourselves in position to once again make the playoffs.”

DSHS not only set a school football record by making its fourth straight playoff appearance last season, the Yellow Jackets also shared

Jacket seniors ready to pound into playoffs P

Denham aims for district, dome

DenHAM Page 4

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Football Guide, August 23, 2012 3


the district title in the always tough District 4-5A.

Yet for the second time in three years, a first-round playoff trip to north Louisiana ended the Jackets’ season at 7-4. Denham Springs has yet to host a playoff game under Nettles’ tenure, sandwiching a pair of losing trips to Ruston with a first-round loss in New Orleans and a shorter losing trip to Baton Rouge in a bi-district setback to Catholic High.

“I feel if the guys continue to push hard and make a run at going deep, we’ll be where we want to be at the end of the season,” said Nettles. “We’ve made the playoffs with seven

wins and got into the playoffs with a mid-20’s power-point ranking. But we can be in the top 16 where we can host that first playoff game.

“I feel like we scheduled some re-ally good and quality programs in the non-district that will prepare us for district and beyond,” said Nettles. “If things go well, we get a break or two and some things go our way, we’ll be successful this season.”

Injuries played havoc on Denham’s season a year ago, especially with the loss of standout tailback Kaleb Blanchard for the better part of the year.

Tough schedule chosen to prepare Denham for playoffs

Miller Gautreaux BentonAyres GuillotBracy

McKey MatherneSpear Dugas McClendonDugas

From 2

DenHAM Page 6


The 2012 Denham Springs High football team are (front row, from left) Jason Wilkins, Josh Neal, Trase Satcher, Justin Wax, Kade Keowen, Joey Chustz, Dru Nettles, Mark Carroll, Rusty Barrilleaux, Josh Martin, Lyn Ducote, Mitch Covington, David Bourque and Robert Graves. Second row are Eddie Pleasant, A. J. Hebert, Carlton Taylor, Joell Kimble, Joseph Westbrook, Alex Payne, Lane Foster, Joel Murtes, Clayton Comeaux, Dustin Levert, George White and David McKey, Gary Burnett and Bob Ingalls. Third row are Matt Glover, Tony Henriquez, Austin Robichaux, Hunter Hodges, Anthony Bracy, Tanner Cloutre, Justin Martin, Jabaris Thompson, Jonathen Russo, Bryon Bujol, Jacob Duplantis, James Holladay, Kyandre Brooks, D.J. Robinson and Darrell Washington. Fourth row are Blake Farlow, David Wale, Kade McKee, Garrett Osborne, Garrett Matherne, Jesse Wall, Conner Chatelain, Logan Landry, Nick Kozak, Cody Prest, Ronnie Watkins, Keaton Atwell, Tra Pinion, Nolan Satcher and Andrew Ayres. Fifth row are Brian Benton, Bryce Dugas, Devin Dugas, Matt Erwin, Cody Brown, Wes Brown, Trevon Dickson, Hunter Holmes, Kip Hernandez, Dylan Cambre, Hunter Langlois, Jay Sabol, Brandon Geautreaux, Barclay Miller and Kyler Camp-bell. Top row are Ty Miller, Dimitri Garner, Zach Taylor, Kaleb Blanchard, Brody Guillot, Travis Hasselbeck, Kyle Thames, Tevin Lawson, Jon Henderson, Zach Borne, Tyler Curtis, Jake Williams, Drew McClendon, Sterling Suggs, Mac Sceroler and Cole Spear.


PhOTO By mUSEmEChE PhOTOgrAPhy

The 2012 Denham Springs High School Yellow Jackets JV team are (front row, from left) Desmond Hall, Josh Baker, Jonathan Ingalls, Myles Johnson, Zach Alimia, BJ Arm-strong, Bryce Chandler and Jacob Faust. Second row are Ashton Martin, Beau Grasse, Jalen Nicholas, Jason Musgrove, Brennan Foster, Cody Collins,Ray Walding, Chris Roddy, Anthoney Deluca, Colby Hayman, Luke Duplantis and Isiah Shoemake. Third row are John Henry, Vaughn Brasseaux, Seth Jacobs, Jeremy Lindberg, Brennan Mire, Chase Albin, Tanner Magee, Jonah Overland, Elton Knight, Dominique Jackson, Brett Ahlf and William Campbell. Top row are Eli Cawthon, Matthew Evans, Grant Griffin, Chance Haydel, Tyler O'Donoghue,Bailey Waldrop, Jake Barber, Christian Cuellar, Taylor White, Bailey Holstein, Zach Mayo, Corey Higginbotham, Ross Olinde and Justin Irby.


Blanchard is healthy heading into this season, but Nettles is confident he’ll be part of an excellent cast with an array of offensive talent that gained an abundance of experience last year.

“Kaleb is a talented back, but we also have three other guys with experience at that position,” said Nettles. “We’re a two-back team and we feel like we can run the football. But we also feel like we have some talented receivers who can catch the football.”

The Jackets exited the spring with three quarter-backs vying to fill the shoes of departing first-team All-Parish sigal-caller Kyle Cedotal. They include senior Zach Borne (6-2, 190), who is also a standout wide receiver, junior Brandon Gautreaux (6-0, 165) and sophomore Matt Erwin (5-11, 170).

Along with Borne, senior tight end Zach Taylor (6-1, 190) and senior returning starter Sterling Suggs (6-3, 215 TE-WR) should be impact players for the Yellow Jackets in their passing game.

But true to so many Denham Springs teams in the past, the core of the Yellow Jackets’ offense lies on the ground, beginning with the senior Blanchard (6-1, 210), along with senior returning tailback Justin Martin (5-9, 185) and the speedy and shifty returning junior back Anthony Bracy (5-8, 185).

Bracy, a first-team All-Parish selection a year ago, rushed for 737 yards (4.8 avg.) and 10 touchdowns and also caught 10 passes for 78 yards.

Up front on the line, the Jack-ets return four starters in senior guards Tevin Lawson (6-4, 270), an LSU commitment, who was also moved to the defensive side of the ball last season, along with senior guard Hunter Holmes (5-11, 265).

Seniors Kip Hernandez (6-0, 250) and Travis Hasselbeck (6-1, 295) are the returning tackles, while junior Dylan Cambre (6-0, 275) has taken over the center duties and sopho-more Jon Henderson (6-6, 340) is expected to step in and put in qual-ity time on the line as well.

“Our offensive line is the anchor to this team,” said Nettles. “We’re led by a two-year all-district player in Hunter Holmes. Our offensive line surge will be a big key to the success of our season.”

Senior David McKey is back as the Yellow Jack-ets’ place-kicker, while Sterling Suggs returns to handle the punting chores.

Denham Springs’ 4-2-5 formation defense returns eight starters, spearheaded by Lawson on the front

line.Joining the All-Parish first-teamer and future

Tiger up front is returning starter Barclay Miller (6-1, 230), while senior Brody Guillot (6-2, 235) rounds out the guys in the trenches.

The Jackets return senior Drew McClendon (6-1, 205) at end.

Denham has multiple weapons running and passingFrom 4

DenHAM Page 7

Holmes BlanchardWilliams Hernandez

Erwin

Martin

Suggs Lawson Hasselback Borne


Denham features depth

Denham returns all three starting line-backers from a year ago, seniors Devin Dugas (6-0, 220), Brian Benton (5-11, 205 and Jake Williams (6-1, 195).

In the secondary, the Yellow Jackets have returnees Andrew Ayres (5-11, 170) and Bryce Dugas (5-11, 170), both seniors, along with ju-nior Garrett Osborne (5-11, 190) and two-way player Justin Martin.

“You’re always going to have ups and downs during a season, but I feel like we have the foundation and experience to handle that,” said Nettles. “We have the senior leadership to handle that and the opportunity to have a good season.

“We do have a new quarterback, but we have a seasoned line, great running back depth and defense with an abundance of re-turning starters,” said Nettles. “It’s one of the older groups we’ve ever had.”

DSHS remains in District 4-5A along with two other parish teams, Walker and Live Oak, archrival and co-district champions Central, as well as Zachary and Scotlandville.

From 6

District 4-5ADenHAM sPRInGs

Aug. 31 BroadmoorSept. 7 WoodlawnSept. 14 at CatholicSept. 21 RummelSept. 28 at East AscensionOct. 5 Scotlandville*Oct. 11 Live Oak*Oct. 18 at Central*Oct. 26 Walker*Nov. 2 at Zachary*

*District game

Senior running back Kaleb Blanchard hopes to return this season to record-setting form.


WALKeR – The Wildcats may have a headline player, but for second-year head coach DeWayne Severio, the suc-cess of this season just may lie in the small print.

“Our big focus this year has been attention to detail,” said Severio. “That will either get us in the playoffs or keep us from going to the playoffs. We have to take it every drill, every play and every practice with that attention to details.”

The last time Walker was in the playoffs was back when the Wildcats were in Class 4A and Severio was the

defensive coordinator.One player that will draw constant

close attention from oponents is senior

tailback Carlton Perkins, who rushed for 1,807 yards (8.1 avg.) and 24

touchdowns last season, while pulling in another 15 receptions for 181 yards (12.1 avg.) and one touch-

down.“He’s (Per-

Second-year coach sees strides in

program P Brown Perkins MooreSmith YucesoyImme

Thomas GrahamJohnson Driver YoungHardison

Maturing Walker ready to compete


The 2012 Walker High School Wildcat football team are (front row, from left) Nathan Borget, ATC; Jason Kimbal, Erik Peterson, James Roberts, Donnie Goodson, Gary Coates, Dwayne Severio, Walker High head coach; Terry Peters, Randy Sandifer, Aaron Clark, Daniel Desselle, John Compton, Tim Ard and Erika Chauser, ATC. Second row are Jordan Lefebvre, Derek Leger, Tyler Hunt, Antonio, Lee, Garrett Madere, Saadio Ellis, Kenny Thomas, Daniel El Hamev, Chase Corley, Casey Childers, Derek Bartholomew, Seth Jones, Jordan Folks, Colby Sterling, Zach Miller, Sage Brumley and Austin McMorris, manager. Third row are Kody Howell, Garrett, Cotton, Tristen Jenkins, Slade Madden, Dalton Yucesoy, Tyrico Felder, Brett Usey, Austen Lemoine, Justin Miller, Joey Herandez, Lloyd Bennett, Tyler Lockhart, Seth Blevins, Ladrain Talbert, Tyler Guilliot, Sam Woods and Mandon Clarke. Fourth row are Thomas Byers, William Oubre, Justin Perry, Joley Garner, Pierre Gant, Brennen Andeerson, Josh Gibbons, Steven Henry, Norman Barnett, Preston Chaney, Austin Drury, Wyatt Wales, Garrett Jones, Taylor Brown, Shedrick Terrell, D'Antonio Daigre and Randy Alphonso. Fifth row are Hunter Chaney, Carlton Perkins, Jeffrey Johnson, Adam McGraw, Walker Bishop, Shea Meliet, Taylor Sharp, Laryy Garlaski, Brice Brown, Tate Sibley, Christian Norton, Joshua Love, Rendell Stovall, Colton Romito, Labrodrick Young, Trevor Miller and Gabriel Lagos. Top are Taylor Bowden, Tyler Rosado, Matthew Graham, Benjamin Murray-West, Jeremy Harvey, Josh Stovall, Mark Finch, James Swetledge, Austin Smith, Shane Carpenter, Caleb McCarter, Samuel Montgomery, Tylor Miller, Jacob Arnold, Ben Imme, Kyle Nevels, James Hardison, Greg Cotten and Christian Moore.

WALKeR Page 9

Lagos Cotten

MontgomeryChaney


kins) a dynamic running back,” said Severio. “But he’s also good with his hands as a receiver. He will also be called on to play on both sides of the ball as a sec-ondary player on defense.”

Perkins was the Livingston Parish “Most Valuable Player” last year.

“We have speed, but it’s going to come down to executing,” said Severio. “Our quarterback (Tyler Lockhart) started 10 games for us last year, while our receivers are skilled and capable of making big plays.”

The junior Lockhart (5-9, 170) spearheads the one-back set for the Wildcats, while Perkins is backed up at the tailback slot by junior Labrokeric Young (6-1, 190).

Senior Sam Montgomery (6-3, 175) is a starting returnee at split end, while a trio of juniors

join him in that position, Brice Brown (6-1, 165), Tyler Hunt (5-7, 160) and Kenny Thomas (5-8, 150).

Walker’s offensive front is led by three returning start-ers from a year ago, including junior Wyatt Wales (5-11, 245) at center. Other returnees are senior guard Ben Imme (6-0, 255) and junior tackle Shane Carpenter (6-6, 260).

Rounding out the offensive line is senior guard Trevor Miller (6-0, 255) and a pair of junior tackles, Jeffrey Johnson (5-11, 260) or Jacob Arnold (6-4, 260).

“Even though we don’t techni-cally have a lot of returning starters, we do return a lot of lettermen on both sides of the ball,” said Severio.

“Defensively, we have five returning starters, along with a

Walker looks for diversity beyond MVP PerkinsFrom 8


The 2012 Walker High School Wildcat coaching staff are (front row, from left) Terry Peters, Gary Coates, Dwayne Severio, Daniel Deselle, and Aaron Clark. Standing are James Roberts, Jason Kim-bal, Tim Ard, John Compton, Erik Peterson and Donnie Goodson.

WALKeR Page 10


lot of players who played a good bit last season,’ said Severio. “We’ve got some quality people on our defense coming back.

“We’re going to have a mul-tiple-40 look on defense,” said Severio. “We’re two-deep and have three battling every day for inside positions, while we have a number as well battling at the linebackers spots, where we lost three starters from last year.”

The defensive front has three returning starters in Tyler Ro-sado and Austin Smith at ends and Taylor Bowden at tackle. Gabe Lagos and Christian Moore will also see action at tackle.

The linebacking corps con-sists of senior Dalton Yousey (5-10, 175), junior Labrderick Young (6-1, 190), Talor Brown (6-0, 190) and sophomore Gar-rett Jones (5-11, 190), while

the Wildcat secondary will be spearheaded by Perkins and re-turning junior corner Matthew Graham (6-0, 165). The remain-ing defensive backs are seniors Tate Sibley (5-11, 170), Preston Chaney (5-7, 150) , Kody Howell (5-8, 170) and Jordan Folks (5-6,

175).C.J. Johnson will handle the

punting chores, while soccer players Steven Henry and Mark Finch are vying for the placekicking duties.

“Our coachers and players have worked extremely hard

in the off-season,” said Severio. ‘We had a great spring and summer in the weight room.

“We’re just trying to continue to change the culture here and get the players to buy-into what we’re doing,” said Severio. “So far, everything is really going

well. We’re moving in the right direction.”

Walker, which is coming off a 3-7 season a year ago, remain in District 4-5A, along with Denham Springs, Live Oak, Central, Zachary and Scot-landville.

Walker develops more depth, battles for playing timeFrom 9

Bowden Brown MillerCarpenter Sibley

Rosado Felder WalesHunt Lockhart

District 4-5AWALKeR

Aug. 31 at St. MichaelSept. 7 BroadmoorSept. 14 East AscensionSept. 21 RiverdaleSept. 28 West St. MaryOct. 5 at Live Oak*Oct. 12 Central*Oct. 19 at Zachary*Oct. 26 at Denham Springs*Nov. 2 Scotlandville**Ditrict game


WAtson – Barry “Tut” Musemeche takes over the reins at Live Oak this season, and the last thing he’s look-ing for is excuses.

“I feel like we’re good enough to compete now,” said Musemeche. “It would be easy for me to say that it’s going to take three, four or five years.

But try selling a senior on a three-year plan.

“You don’t give yourself or your staff a pass,” said Musemeche. “If you’re good enough to win now, you win now. Period. There is no excuse for it being a first year.

“We should compete better,” said Musemeche. “We have some talent. I’ve never coached a defense before that’s as fast as the one we have. But we need to play like it.

“The kids have worked strength-wise and they’ve worked speed-wise,”

1st year coach expects immediate

results P Brock Wheeler KellyWilliams GerageZachary

Williams WebbLockhart Price GuidryRicard

New-look Live Oak lurking

LIVe oAK Page 19


The 2012 Live Oak High Eagles football team (front row, front row) are Colt Olinde, Dustin Kimble, Joshua Stafford, Christian Kesler, Mitchell Stelly, Jacob White, Devan Ben-nett, Clay Chauvin, Kirk Allen and Zack Shepherd. Second row are Luke Andrepont, Jordan Alford, Blaze Kinchen, Jarred Forest, Brandon Chenevert, Brandt Wheeler, Johnathan Guidry, Garrett Lee, Matthew Arnold, Gage Lockhart, Justin Webb, Austin Zachary, Jules laird and Tyler McCleary. Third row are Connor Mason, Justin Arnold, Dan Ricard, Brady Morris, Kenneth Nickles, Nick Zewe, Curtis Davies, Dylan Hutchinson, Austin Barber, Austin Page, Tristan Penton, Dakota Lang, Patrick Rafeedie, Cody Boniol and Erik Troxclair. Fourth row are Chris Kelly, Michael Claverie, Jarrett Williams, Lance Andre, Dustin Hutchinson, Kyle Adams, Sheldon Rogers, Wesley Fuller, Ryan Wood, Nick Simoneaux, Chan-dler LeGrange, Cody Gauthier, Beau Bergeron and Antonio Williams . Top row are Nick McDowell, Cody McDuffie, Kade Freeman, Chris Mury, Colby Freneaux, Ryan Kimball, Con-nor Gerage, Collin Jones, Blake Brock, Jordan Hebert, Jesse Price, Chris McInnis, Luke Dahlbere, Brendon Charbonnett, Hunter Hutchinson and Wesley Howard.



By Jim spring Special to the News

“Lads, you’re not to miss practice unless your par-ents died or you died.”

— Coach Frank LeahyNotre Dame University

A rugged era of football ended in the early 1960s when broken

noses became passé with the introduction of the cage face mask. Prior to that a single plastic bar protected the hand-some good looks of high school players nationwide. Depend-ing on whether a boy valued his electric smile more than the natural contour of his shapely nose, he could adjust the angle of the bar to protect one or the other, but every kid had to make a choice. That was just part of the game.

Some players exercised a certain illogic by deciding to split the difference, failing to appreciate that a well placed forearm delivered to either target could cause the loss of a girlfriend overnight. Not that anyone would envy a broken nose, still there was a level of respect afforded to those so blessed. In sweaty locker rooms throughout the south, it was a badge of honor to regale the less fortunate with heroic tales of how you were awarded your first broken nose.

In those days every high school could boast of its own crucible of courage, where adolescent boys with acne emerged on the other side as young gladiators. Word

spread from town to town about these gut-check drills, probably conceived by bored coaches during P.E. class. It was a matter of team pride that yours evoked the most fear and awe. One neigh-boring school installed an overhead cage system about four feet above the ground, attached to thick metal poles, that forced offensive line-men to keep a low profile while blocking. According to legend, the turf soon became littered with the inert bodies of wounded players left uncon-scious by misguided collisions with the metal poles.

Lacking the resources to erect such an elaborate structure, our coaches contributed to the mystique of the crucible by implement-ing a simple but menac-ing tradition. In a ritual designed to test the team’s testosterone level, the Yellow Jackets ended practice every Wednesday at “the pit.” During springtime the pit

was an innocent landmark filled with sawdust, situ-ated behind the scoreboard at the far end zone where pole vaulters practiced their lore. Just ten feet from the pit was a wooded area made impenetrable by a thicket of saw-tooth briars that stood shoulder high.

In our fertile imaginations, by the time two-a-day prac-tices began in mid-August, this otherwise benign set-ting had morphed into a hell hole where broken limbs and busted kneecaps were com-monplace, where blood flowed with abandon and empty caskets were poised beside the briar patch to accept the remains of martyred warriors found wanting. You see, the pit was the dreaded site where we were schooled in the fine art of head-on tackling.

As an underclassman the dread was twofold, rooted in the risk of self-humiliation and in the palpable fear of seniors whose necks bulged as

they bellowed the words “fresh meat” at us, smugly secure in their bigger, faster, more muscular bodies that were three or four years more mature than our own. If you were a freshman with pimples and skinny legs, by fifth pe-riod on Wednesday you were busy plotting how to avoid the certain massacre awaiting that afternoon.

This basic football drill, when cloaked in the aura of the sawdust pit, produced the most injuries and prompted the most boys to quit the team. Yet, it was a rite of pas-sage through which players acquired machismo, a neces-sary evil that assured ner-vous underclassmen that they too would develop a “love for contact” by staying the course through this baptism of fire.

I recall as a freshman stand-ing in line on one side of the pit, staring across the sawdust at the opposing line, franti-cally counting to determine who I would be facing, hop-

ing it would not be my older brother who was one of the team studs. By the time my senior year arrived, I remem-ber counting again but only to switch places in line if my op-ponent was a younger kid. As that great American football player, Sir Winston Churchill, once said, “When you must kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite.” Indeed, there was room for civility in football as well.

Thus was the Spartan cli-mate in which many southern boys prepared themselves for gridiron glory.

During a recent visit to the site where the sawdust pit once steeled our courage, my thoughts were flooded with memories so vivid I could almost hear the crack of Rid-dell shoulder pads rocketing against one another and the swoosh of air rushing from some teenage boy’s chest. Then I recalled the signifi-cance of the briar patch.

It wasn’t guaranteed to happen every Wednesday, but when it did, what a thing of beauty! Our coaches lived for the perfect tackle, since it was the embodiment of their coaching skill on display before their very eyes. The perfect tackle required explo-sive leg thrust by the tackler, striking the opponent in the mid-section with such force that his body draped over the tackler’s right shoulder. With the tackler’s hands locked be-hind the opponent’s knees, the sheer velocity of the collision propelled them straight into … the saw-tooth briars.

With every eye on these heroic figures, a thunderous roar would erupt from both players and coaches, taken aback by what they had just witnessed. Unlike an aver-age tackle, by definition the perfect tackle always ended

When young men tested

their manhood in ‘the pit’ P

Don’t throw me in that briar patch

Former Denham Springs High School star Jim Spring, pictured above as a fresh-man, writes about his expe-riences at gridiron practice when protective equipment was not quite as advanced as today. He went on to letter for three years at Tulane Uni-versity. Now a retired Army colonel, he is a writer who is active in promoting Denham Springs High School Athlet-ics. He is presently secretary of the Denham Springs High School Athletic Association and president of the local chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

BRIAR PAtCH Page 17


ALBAnY – Despite losing a big chunk of its upfront players, Albany is hoping to rebuild around the core nucleus of its offense, senior quarter-back Louis Sansovich.

The three-year starter threw for 1,403 yards (88 of 210) last season, but the first-team all-district and second-team all-parish signal-caller also rushed for 1,184 yards on 180 keepers.

“He’s a phenomenal player,” said head Coach Brad Ficklin. “But also a great kid, an outstanding leader. Everything you’d want in a player.

He makes us tick, not only with his talent, but with his leadership.”

“What people don’t realize is, even though Sansovich had nearly 1,200 yards on the ground last year, we had three running backs that ac-counted for over 1,800 more yards on the ground.

“We’d like to run the football 70 percent of the time,” said Ficklin. “If we can do that, we probably have the lead and will have success.

“But we have to use all the guys on offense,” said Ficklin. “If we can play with consistency, we’ll be okay.

“But most importantly, we’ve got to make third-down conversions,” said Ficklin. “We had a problem last year with not making those third downs and exiting the field too soon, too often.”

Running options behind the 6-foot Sansovich will included a trio senior tailbacks in Branson Nicolosi (5-9, 160), Dalton Roach (6-0, 175) and An-thony Love (6-0, 150).

Both Nicolosi and Roach were second-team all-district selections in 2011.

“Brandon’s a great back with speed and moves,” said Ficklin. “But we also a freshman in Randy Ingram, as well as Bryce Wells and Tyler Smith,

who both have that breakaway speed.”

The offensive line will be anchored by senior center Dakota Arnold (5-

Albany hopes ride on senior QB Hornets plan to feature stable of

running backs too P Lavergne Lavergne CallahanNicolosi LemmonsArnold

Murphy SmithSansovich House BroadwayHill

ALBAnY Page 15


10, 260), a second-team all-district player a year ago, senior guard Kain Lemons (5-8, 255), junior second-team all-district guard Dennis Lavergne (5-10, 265), and a pair of sophomore tackles, Roger Murphy (5-11, 2050 and Zachary Dennis (6-0, 280).

“We’re a lot stronger and we play better togeth-er,” said Ficklin. “They understand if we’re going to doing something up front, it’s going to take them doing it.”

Also a major part in Albany’s spread offense will be junior returning split end Tanner House (5-10, 155) and junior tight end Elijah Callahan (6-1, 185).

Junior Kyle Thompson is expected to handle the punting chores for the Hornets.

Defensively, the Hornets will be in a 3-4 package, with a bit more experience than the offense with seven returning starters.

Upfront will be senior two-way player Arnold at tackle, while the bookends will be two more two-way players in Lavernge and Lemons.

Callahan, Roach, Kyle Thompson (5-10, 170) and sophomore Tyler Smith (5-10, 170) will handle the linebacking positions, while the secondary will consist of some offensive playmakers, House (DB), Nicolosi (free safety) and Sansovich (corner).

Freshman Randy Ingram is also expected to make some noise for the Hornets at cornerback.

Albany is coming off a 5-5 campaign in 2011, although the Hornets did not make the playoffs.

The Hornets remain in District 8-3A, along with Amite, Independence, Loranger, Jewel Sumner and Bogalusa.

“Of course, we have to avoid injuries,” said Fick-lin, who enters his sixth season at the helm of the Hornets. “The injury bug cannot bite us. I have a bunch of great kids. A very hard-working team. If they continue to grow as a team, get experience and add to our depth, we’ll have a good season.”

Albany defense returns seven starters


The 2012 Albany High School Hornets football team are (front row, from left) Dathan Kinchen, Brian Dickerson, Thomas Broadway, Anthony Love, Rodrick Pool, Justin Thomp-son, Luke Callahan, Thomas Aguirre,Tanner House, Blake Anthony and Louis Sansovich. Second row are Chris Longmire, Ryan Hughes, Elijah Callahan, Hunter McKinley, Dylan Kinchen, Randy Ingram, Bryce Wells, Branson Nicolosi and Bryaus Ott. Third row are Tyler Smith, Zach Gonzales, Cody Miller, Connor Sullivan, Kyle Thompson, Dustin Swindle, Vic Tailla, Daniel Johnson, Dennis Lavergne, Austin Kinchen and Verone Brown. Fourth row are Dustin Stine, Austin Craig, Lewis Watkins, Roger Murphy, Johnathon Weedman, Trey Arnone and Jordan Blades. Fifth row are Kolby Hill, Kyle Robinson, Bryant Wright, Dakota Arnold, Zach O'Brien, Zachary Dennis, Adolfo Lopez, Kain Lemons and Nathan Corkern. Top row are Brad Ficklin, Albany High head football coach; Dustin Lavernge, Alex Vallo, Dylan Palmer and Nathan Callahan, manager. Not pictured are Dalton Roach, Steven Fontenot and Justin Cuccia.

From 14

ALBAnY sCHeDULe Page 20


sPRInGFIeLD – The Bulldogs came into their own midway into last season and head coach Ryan Serpas is hoping his team can carry their momentum over into even more of a success this coming season.

Even though Springfield squeaked into the playoffs in 2011 during what was a rebuilding year, the Bulldogs graduated just five players off that squad and are even hun-grier this year.

“They put high expectations on themselves,” said Serpas, who is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Bulldogs, with two of those first three teams making the playoffs. “They really understand what’s at stake. They want to im-prove on their mistakes from a year

ago and have a great season, which will hopefully carry on into the playoffs.

“But that will take the kids working together and not losing focus,” said Serpas. “You can’t overlook any opportu-nities or that can come back and bite you. You have to get better and improve every game. If you can do that, you have a shot at winning the district champion-ship and getting into the playoffs.”

With Serpas turning the offense over to former Albany assistant coach Mike Janis, the “flexbone” attack is led by senior quarterback Shaquille Smith, who took over the reins of the offense midway into the season last year.

“Smith took over in Week 4 last year and is a natural playmaker,” said Serpas of his quarterback. “He did a great job of running the option and making our offense go.

He made a lot of plays last year and we’re expecting that out of him once again.”

Lining up behind Smith will be junior running back Ghermaine Ashton, senior Thomas Armstrong and senior Kimanae Claiborne, all returning starters from a year ago. “He’s (Ashton) a hard-nosed runner, a power guy with strong legs,” said Serpas of last year’s first-team All-

Parish player. “I’m really looking for him to have a break-out season. “We also have Armstrong, Clai-borne and Tanner Wild, along with Josh Tyler rotating in.

“All the running backs have com-plementary skills to each other,” said Serpas. “We ran the wishbone last year, but we may mix it up a little more this season.”

Heading up the receiving corps are returning starter split end ju-nior Chuckie Vickes and returning junior tight end Bryant Manchack.

Another first-team All-Parish player from a year ago, senior Wade Wheat, anchors the offensive line at center, flanked by three returning starters, sophomore guard Chris Carter and junior guard Travis Tillman and junior tackle Campbell Palmer (6-5, 300).

Newcomer Dale Smith has emerged as another starter on the offensive front.

“We’re anchored up front by Wade Wheat at center, who’s not only a three-year starter and a great player, but a smart kid as well with a 28 ACT score,” said Serpas. “We moved Chris Carter from guard to tackle, while Campbell Palmer returns with a huge presence at 6-foot-5, 330 pounds. Dale Smith is a new starter for us, but a tough kid, who has worked extremely hard in the weight room over the summer.”

Defensively, Springfield will line up in a 50, with four of the five in

Bulldogs seek to build on 2011

playoff momentum P Schneider AshtonCarter Vickes

WildSmith ArmstrongLove

High hopes for Springfield


The 2012 Springfield High Bulldog coaching staff is (from left) Keith Patterson, David Dragg, Guy Henderlick, Ryan Serpas, Mike Janis, Russell Loper and Chris Blanchard. Not pictured is Austin Thomas.

Taylor Hernandez

Wheat Clark

Manchack

sPRInGFIeLD Page 18

Claiborne



The 2012 Springfield High Bulldogs football team are (front row, from left) Bryant Manchack, Thomas Armstrong, Chuckie Vickes, Zack Clark, Brandon Jackson, Dylan Wilson, Mark Patterson, Milan Love, Matt Gregoire, and Darrien Schneider. Second row are Josh Vicks, Josh Taylor, Keenan Austin, Lamorris Reed, Tanner Wild, Tristan Hayes, Cody Egle, Keith Hernandez, Ghermaine Ashton, and Dale Smith. Third row are JoJo Carter, David Cambre, Evan Shearer, Jeffery Christy, Scott Watts, Jude Miller, Travis Tillman, Jeramie Ross, Micheal Jackson, Dustin Hano and Jon avon Roberts. Fourth row are Shelby Billiot, team manager; Campbell Palmer, Chris Carter, Wade Wheat, Torran Lail-heugue, Josh Childers and Robert Williams. Top row are coaches Guy Henderlick, Ryan Serpas, Springfield High head football coach; Keith Patterson, Chris Blanchard, David Dragg, Mike Janis and Russell Loper. Not pictured are Austin Thomas, coach; Kimanae Claiborne, Shaquille Smith and Joseph Kemp.

in the briar patch. Underclassmen marveled at the ferocity of the hit and whispered among themselves that one day they too would make the perfect tackle. In what appeared to be an uncharacteristic act of benevolence, the coaches would then dismiss practice on a high note, understanding the psychology of the moment. All the way to the dressing room, the two gladiators reveled in their fifteen minutes of fame.

There is no longer a depression in the earth where the sawdust pit once challenged an era of Yellow Jackets to show their grit, and over time the briar patch has given way to the landscaper’s shovel. The echoes of our coaches’ exuberant voices have fallen silent now. Yet, any veteran of the pit who wore purple and gold from 1955 to 1963 could lead you to this hallowed ground. It is seared in their minds. This was the place where they began their journey into manhood.

Perfect tackle always winds up in the briar patchFrom 13

At left is the team photo for Denham Springs High School from the 1958 season. Note the single bar facemasks that required players to choose by the way they were adjusted whether to protect the nose or the teeth.


the trenches returning starters.They included ends Armstrong and

Smith, along with Chris Carter at one tackle and Michael Jackson at an-other. The only newcomer to defensive front is tackle Jeramie Ross. Wheat is also expected to see action at tackle.

Wild, who transferred midway in the season last year from Albany, will return to one of the linebacking spots, along with another returning starter in Keith Hernandez.

The Bulldog secondary has three-fourths of its returning starters in Josh Taylor, Joseph Kemp and Clai-borne.

Junior Zack Clark rounds out the starting secondary, but sophomore Milan Love is expected to see a lot of action at safety, while junior Darrien Schneider should get into the rotation

as well. “This is probably the deepest team

I’ve had since taking over as head coach,” said Serpas. “This will enable us to give the respective starters on offense and defense a breather, instead of relying heavily on two-way start-ers.”

Springfield is coming off a 5-6 cam-paign in 2011 after making the play-offs following a surge in district play and 5-5 finish overall in the regular season. The Bulldogs lost to Episcopal in the first round of the playoffs.

Serpas’ effort earned him Livingston Parish “Coach of the Year” honors.

The Bulldogs remain a member of District 8-2A along with St. Thomas Aquinas, Pope John Paul II, North-lake Christian, St. Helena Central and Pine.

springfield expects physical strength to be strong point

From 16District 8-2AsPRInGFIeLD

Aug. 31 at Mt. HermonSept. 7 AlbanySept. 14 DeLa SalleSept. 21 at Live OakSept. 28 Grace KingOct. 4 Pope John Paul*Oct. 12 at St. Helena Central*Oct. 18 Pine*Oct. 26 at Northlake Christian*Nov. 2 at St. Thomas Aquinas*

*District game

Saints 2012 ScheduleSunday, Sept. 9 Washington Redskins Noon FOX

Sunday, Sept. 16 at Carolina Panthers Noon FOX

Sunday, Sept. 23 Kansas City Chiefs Noon CBS

Sunday, Sept. 30 at Green Bay Packers Noon FOX

Sunday, Oct. 7 San Diego Chargers 7:20 p.m. NBC

WEEK 6 BYE

Sunday, Oct. 21 at Tampa Bay Bucaneers Noon FOX

Sunday, Oct. 28 at Denver Broncos 7:20 p.m. NBC

Monday, Nov. 5 Philadelphia Eagles 7:30 p.m. ESPN

Sunday, Nov. 11 Atlanta Falcons Noon FOX

Sunday, Nov. 18 at Oakland Raiders 3:05 p.m. FOX

Sunday, Nov. 25 San Francisco 49ers 3:25 p.m. FOX

Thursday, Nov. 29 at Atlanta Falcons 7:20 p.m. NFL Network

Sunday, Dec. 9 at New York Giants 3:25 p.m. FOX

Sunday, Dec. 16 Tampa Bay Bucaneers Noon FOX

Sunday, Dec. 23 at Dallas Cowboys Noon ESPN

Sunday, Dec. 30 Carolina Panthers Noon FOX


said Musemeche. “We’re a lot closer physically than we are mentally. They’re great kids, I love them, but they have to be in more competitive situations, something they haven’t been in enough.”

Live Oak returns only 10 total start-ers from a year ago and just three on offense.

The Eagles will go with sophomore quarterback Michael Claverie (6-1-185), who Musemeche is already very high on.

“We decided on Michael (Claverie) in the spring, so he could get all the reps and the experience with 7-on-7 ball in the summer,” said Muse-meche. “And he’s done a really good job. We’re going to ask more and more of him as the season goes.”

The “Spread-T” formation will also have two returning starters as receiv-ers, senior Wesley Howard (6-0, 192), who can play both in the backfield or in a wide-out slot, along with junior Wesley Fuller (5-10, 173). Senior tight end is Jordan Hebert (6-2-196).

Live Oak also returns senior run-ning back Austin Zachary (5-8, 170), while junior back Chris Kelley (5-10, 235) has the size and force to make some holes on his own. Kelly also has a strong foot and will do the place-kicking for the Eagles.

Senior Jordan Hebert (6-3, 196) lines up at tight end.

“It’s similar to wildcat,” said Musemeche. “I’ve never had like 13 skill people at one time, so you have to maximize what you have. My best teams in the past, we threw the ball 16 to 17 times, which is a lot in high school football.

“We’ll probably throw it a little bit more than my norm, but not overly more than some of my best teams with a good quarterback,” said Muse-meche. “I believe in running a spread with a tight end. I think it’s more difficult to defend.

“My running backs are receiv-ers,” said Musemeche. “I believe in a 20-touch guy, then a 15-touch guy and a 10-touch guy. It’s not about the plays, but who’s your threat. Who’s your 20-guy, your 15-guy and your 10-guy. It’s about where are you going to maximize you ability to be a factor in the game.”

All the guys in the offensive trenches however, are new to start-

ing roles, seniors Jessie Price (6-1, 250) and Luke Andrepont (5-9, 205) and juniors Conner Gerage (6-2, 255) and Chris Zewe and sophomore Chandler Legrange.

“I think the offensive line, more than any positions on the field, dictates the pace of the game more than any position group can,” said Musemeche. “Even if you don’t score touchdowns every time, you can to make first downs to slow down momentum by the other team. We feel good about our line. We’re getting better. The style of offense they ran in the past, they didn’t put their hand in the dirt. But this year, we’ll be putting our hands down and stepping forward.

“We’re going to be multiple on defense,” said Musemeche. “We run four-man front, a five-man front and a three-man front. We’re going to be making checks, not just in the sec-ondary, but upfront.

Two of the three defensive linemen are returning starters in seniors Blake Brock (6-2, 205) and Ryan Kimball (6-1, 200), while fellow senior Trent Lee (5-9, 170) rounds out the front.

A pair of linebackers also have starting experience in seniors Jona-than Guidry (5-9, 205) and Brandt

Wheeler (5-8, 190). Senior Bryan Wood (5-11, 180) completes the line-backing corps.

In the secondary, seniors Blaze Kinchen (5-7, 165) and Jarrett Wil-liams (5-11, 165) are returning starters at the corners, while junior Gage Lockwood (5-9, 162) returns at safety. Junior Justin Webb (5-10, 165) completes the secondary at the other safety position.

“We’re going to change things from what they’ve done here in the past, but not from what I’ve done in the past,” said Musemeche. “We’re going to be multiple enough. We’re going to run a lot of spread, a wing-T combi-nation. I’ve been intrigued by the combination of those ever since I’ve been an assistant coach.

“Whether you win or lose, you have to be in a competitive situation all the time,” said Musemeche, who comes to LOHS after a successful tenure at St. John’s of Plaquemine. “We need to get ourselves in those situations. You have to enjoy a close game late. If

you’re a winner, you’re going to thrive in those situations. You have to be competitive in the fourth quarter.”

Live Oak is coming off back-to-back 2-8 sea-sons under former head

coach David Dykes, who returned to Central as an

assistant coach.“I don’t believe in over-achieving,”

said Musemeche. “You can’t over-achieve. What over-achieving is in my opinion is being able to maximize your abilities every time, consis-tently. That’s something some people can’t do. And that’s what we need to do.”

District 4-5ALIVe oAK

Aug. 31 LivoniaSept. 7 at RedemptoristSept. 13 at BroadmoorSept. 21 SpringfieldSept. 28 University LabOct. 5 Walker*Oct. 11 at Denham Springs*Oct. 19 at Scotlandville*Oct. 26 Zachary*Nov. 2 at Central**District game

Live oak returns 10 starters, 3 on offenseFrom 11

Wood FullerKimballClaverie

DAvID NOrmAND |

ThE NEWS

The 2012 Live Oak High Eagles football coach-ing staff are (front row, from left) Eric France, Robbie Mahfouz, Tut Musemeche, Vincent Argrave and Greg Briggs. Standing are Ray Thomas, Thomas Broady, Chris Collier, Lafayette Duhe, Brent Baker, Blayne Westmo-reland and Robert Glueck.

Howard


LSU 2012 Schedule

Saturday, Sept. 1 North Texas 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 8 Washington 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 15 Idaho 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22 at Auburn TBA

Saturday, Sept. 29 Towson TBA

Saturday, Oct. 6 at (23) Florida TBA

Saturday, Oct. 13 (9) South Carolina TBA

Saturday, Oct. 20 at Texas A&M TBA

Saturday, Nov. 3 (2) Alabama 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 10 Mississippi State TBA

Saturday, Nov. 17 Mississippi TBA

Friday, Nov. 23 at (10) Arkansas 2:30 p.m.

District 8-3A

ALBAnY

Aug. 31 at EpiscopalSept. 7 at SpringfieldSept. 14 PineSept. 20 at EllenderSept. 28 St. Helena CentralOct. 5 Loranger*Oct. 12 Independence*Oct. 19 at Jewel Sumner*Oct. 26 at Bogalusa*Nov. 2 at Amite*

*District game

Documents

Football 2012 - TownNewsbloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/livingstonparish... · 2012-08-26 · Football Guide, August 23, 2012 5 PhOTO By mUSEmEChE PhOTOgrAPhy The 2012 Denham