St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 3 Another Form of Normalcy Returns Friday Night with Prep Football Kickoff

THE ST. TAMMANY SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 prepprepFarmer footballfootball 20202020 IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS DISTRICT PREDICTIONS TEAM SCHEDULES

MAGIC Fontainebleau running back Iverson Celestine MAN a special talent

• ALBANY 2 F F Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l

F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 3 Another form of normalcy returns Friday night with prep football kickoff

Time is a funny, fickle thing. Normally, the old adage of the older we get, the faster time moves is true. That cannot be said for 2020. It seems as if the past six months have gone by as slow as they might for a 10th grader staring at a clock a few minutes into the start of JIM chemistry class. DERRY At times, days have seemed like weeks and weeks like months. It’s no different for this half-century-old sportswriter. To go with it, my internal clock is broken. Most of my Julys the past 30 years, I am working on the annual football preview section. The first or second week of August, FILE PHOTO it’s basically wrapped up. By OK, so the stands won’t look like this Friday night because of social distancing, but hey, football is here and there will be fans present. the middle of the month, I am And we can all be thankful for that! going to scrimmages and then it’s jamboree week. should be doing today. lowing those seniors who Maybe, just maybe, one or dium. (Well, maybe that is a The first Friday night in “What week of the season have worked their tails off two of our schools will — for bit of an exaggeration.) September, I get to the stadi- would this have been?” to get that chance to finish the first time — be preparing Point is, when Friday night um around 5:15 and soak it all “How many yards would their prep careers. We offer Christmas week for a visit to is over and we go back to our in, watching parents and fans Iverson Celestine have by thanks for the perseverance the Mercedes-Benz Super- seemingly never-ending con- fill up the place as teenagers now?” of coaches and adminis- dome and a state champion- cerns over the coronavirus, with smiles from ear to ear “Would Lakeshore’s reg- trators who made sure this ship game. when we can visit our elderly in pads and uniforms break ular-season winning streak could happen. We offer I have never before looked family members in nursing through their respective ban- have been extended to 34 thanks to the Louisiana High as forward to sitting in an homes, how our kids are do- ners and play a real football with victories over rival Fon- School Athletic Association uncomfortable chair for four ing in school, the upcoming game for the first time in al- tainebleau and South Plaque- for being patient and being so or five hours in a press box election and so on, all will most nine or 10 months. mines? Oh yeah, we lost the thorough in figuring out pro- with my knees locked up seem right with the world for But in one of the cruelest Lakeshore-Fontainebleau tocols and procedures to keep against a wall. I can’t wait at least a little while. and most unusual years of game.” everyone safe. to go through all the stories Yes, my friends, football is any of our lifetimes, every- On Friday, some normalcy And we offer thanks that and scores until 3 a.m. the here. Even if our biological thing is off. The only thing returns, and the only thing this Thanksgiving, most following Saturday morning. clocks say it should have a local prep football fan has we can do is clasp our hands of our St. Tammany Parish I am even excited about the started weeks ago. been able to do thus far when together, look to the skies and football teams will still be prospect of again climbing looking at a calendar is to say, “Thank you.” practicing and gearing up for the seemingly endless steps Contact Jim Derry at jderry@ stare and think about what we We offer thanks for al- a first-round playoff game. to the top of Jack Salter Sta- sttammanyfarmer.net.

INSIDE Cover story ...... 3 Covington ...... 6 Northshore ...... 12 Schedule ...... 35 Fontainebleau ...... 8 Pearl River ...... 24 6-5A predictions ...... 16 Hannan ...... 28 Pope John Paul II ...... 36 9-4A predictions ...... 16 Lakeshore ...... 22 Salmen ...... 26 8-3A predictions ...... 17 Mandeville ...... 10 Slidell ...... 14 9-2A predictions ...... 17 Northlake Christian...... 30 St. Paul’s ...... 18 F F 4 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l

THE ST. TAMMANY FARMER www.sttammanyfarmer.net [email protected]

Editor: Andrew Canulette, [email protected] Magic Sports editor: Jim Derry, [email protected] Advertising: Brenda Willis, [email protected] Subscriptions: [email protected] Man The St. Tammany Farmer is published weekly by: Fontainebleau’s The St. Tammany Farmer, Inc. 321 North New Hampshire Street Iverson Celestine special Covington, LA 70433 Phone: (985) 892-2323 on the field and off BY JIM DERRY five children. Instead, his best friend Jumal Fax: (985) 892-2325 Staff writer suggested, “Why don’t you name him Iverson Jumal?” Right there, “on the spot,” it was de- On the cover: Photo by Scott Threlkheld, Third down and 29 yards to go from the cided. Fontainebleau 22. Trailing Mandeville 9-7 There’s just something about the baby, Fontainebleau’s Iverson Celestine early in the second half, Bulldogs coach Chris especially in a large family. And while Ivan Blocker decides to play it safe by handing off Celestine tries not to admit it, he hints Iverson to All-Metro junior running back Iverson Ce- might have received a little more attention lestine to put his defense in the best position than his three older boys and two daughters. possible for the ensuing Skippers possession. That also means the youngest would have to Queue the “Magic Man.” grow up a little tougher. It didn’t take long to Celestine takes about five steps to his left, see that wouldn’t be a problem. and with four blue jerseys surrounding him, “It is funny now, but it wasn’t funny then. he quickly reverses field and tries to run He was riding someone else’s bike, and the around them. Now 12 yards behind the line of chain was messed up; it was slipping,” Ivan scrimmage, No. 8 turns around once again and said. “Man, some kind of way he goes over heads toward his own goal line. the handlebars, and busts his face all the way With eight defenders in the backfield closing up. I’m talking about he chipped his tooth and in, disaster seems inevitable. everything. He escapes one tackle and when he finally “We take him to the dentist and get the tooth available for any school is facing forward, his body now at the 1-yard fixed, and the very next week he is out in the line, Celestine puts the ball in his left hand. yard catching a football. He catches the ball About to be blasted by two Skippers for what and runs dead into a mailbox and chips the would be a 21-yard loss and a fourth-and-50 other tooth. Now he was very young and his scenario and with his left foot 6 inches in front feet weren’t as spectacular as they are now, of the goal line, he heaves a Hail Mary toward but he didn’t care. If the ball is in the air, he’s the middle of the field. trying to catch it. With nearly all the Skippers in the backfield “I was so mad at that boy. He chipped the chasing Celestine, there’s Kobe Barnes stand- same tooth later on playing a rec basketball ing nearly all alone. He snags it and strolls game. But I always have to give him credit, past his opponent’s goal line. Seventy-eight when he plays for you, he is going to give you yards. Touchdown. 14-9, Fontainebleau. everything he’s got.” In the matter of 3 seconds, Blocker ex- claims, “What in the world are we doing here? A Wave of dreams No!” And then, “Oh! Oh, yeah!” A year from now, it will be Tulane who gets everything Iverson Celestine has. He commit- ‘A.I.’ didn’t fit. Neither did ‘Magic.’ ted to Coach Willie Fritz and the Green Wave Ivan Celestine has been asked “at least a mil- in the summer, choosing the top academic lion times” if his sixth child was named after school from his many offers to prepare him- basketball great Allen Iverson. self for the future. “I love A.I., but no,” he said. “My favorite However, he hopes his preparations are for players were Magic (Johnson) and Kobe (Bry- his time after a stint in the NFL. ant).” “I do want to play football beyond college, 842 N. Collins Blvd., Covington, La. It would have made for a great fit on the but I also know I can use football for a free 985.892.2317 aforementioned play had “Magic” made the education to set myself up for the future,” Ce- �� miracle toss to Kobe, but the initials didn’t fit lestine said. “Football is not going to be there the “IJC,” as it did for Ivan and his previous forever. The average career for a running F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 5

FILE PHOTO Fontainebleau’s Iverson Celestine has nearly 4,000 rushing yards in three seasons. back in the NFL is 3½ years, so I am going to Tulane Growing together and knowing one another as what you say to me really matters. You really hurt to get the best education I possibly can get and to they do has served each of them well. my feelings.’ And I am like, ‘Whatever.’ He is so accomplish every dream I have ever imagined.” “We have been playing together since eighth good-hearted. He would give you the shirt off his Why doubt him? As a freshman, Celestine wasn’t grade, and even played together on the varsity as back. He opens doors and carries book sacks for expected to play an integral role in the Bulldogs of- freshmen,” said senior quarterback Josh Bailey. handicapped kids at the school. … I’m not trying to fense. That changed quickly. “He is an incredible athlete, and he has helped me hype him up just because he is mine, but he is such He became the metro area’s seventh-leading rush- become successful. It has been a great experience. a special kid.” er in 2017, going for 1,053 yards and seven touch- He is a funny guy and is laid back, and it has always After a trying time for every prep football se- downs and behind names like Pooka Williams and been like that since junior high. nior, wondering if there would even be that one Devin Brumfield. For an encore as a sophomore, he “I respect him as an athlete and as a person. He is last chance to take the field, the kid who grew was second in the regular season with nearly 1,500 going to do some great things.” up on — of all places — Success Street in Abita yards on the ground and 17 scores. Springs can now focus on the task at hand: To make In all, Celestine has nearly 4,000 rushing yards in Homebody at heart a little magic one last time in red and black. three seasons. While anyone who has seen a Fontainebleau foot- “All the way up until the (LHSAA) announced we “I had an idea he could play right away. It was a ball game the past 3 years knows Celestine is mag- would have a season, I didn’t know if we would get possibility,” Blocker said. “When a player comes ical with the ball in his hands, what many might to play,” Iverson Celestine said. “That wasn’t my in as a freshman like that, and has all the tangibles know is how special he is off it. biggest issue. What I cared about is that the people you are looking for, you worry about the mindset A simple kid with an infectious smile, he doesn’t I love would be OK. If I had to sacrifice my senior and whether he can handle all that at a high level spend time playing video games and he doesn’t football season to keep the ones I love safe, that’s mentally. Physically, I didn’t think he would have a really go to parties or do all that much outside the what I was going to do. challenge. house or gym. “It would have been tough because everyone “We spent some time in practice working on those Part of that is because his parents would rather knows how much I love football, but there’s noth- kinds of things, but we didn’t know what that would him be at home. Part of it is because he actually ing that comes above my family. Now that we are look like on Friday nights when the lights came on. loves being at home with mom and dad. playing, I expect to improve in every aspect of Sure enough, he took the bull by the horns and ran “He might kill me for saying this, but he is a very the game. I am going to become a better blocker, a with it. He is a special kid, and his personality is sensitive kid,” Ivan Celestine said. “He’s loving, better student of the game. I had two fumbles last even bigger than his play. He’s awesome.” he’s caring, he’s emotional. He wears his heart on season, and that needs to be zero. His teammates see the same thing. Part of what his sleeve. If someone rubs him the wrong way or “I need to be better, and I need to make my team has worked is the fact there are several seniors on whatever, he really gets offended. That is especial- better.” this team that indeed have seen a plethora of play- ly true if I get on him the wrong way or get on his ing time since they arrived at Fontainebleau. Some behind. Contact Jim Derry at jderry@sttammanyfarmer. even played together at Fontainebleau Junior High. “He will get frustrated or upset and say, ‘Daddy, net. F F 6 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l covington Greg Salter: ‘This is the only thing I have ever wanted to do’ BY JIM DERRY Staff writer

It might be hard to believe, but Greg Salter is tied for third with Slidell coach Larry Favre in tenure among District 6-5A coaches as they enter their eighth season, behind the dean, Ken Sears of St. Paul’s, who is entering season No. 22, and the legend, Hank Tierney of Ponchatoula, going into season 10 with the Wave and No. 35 overall. That experience has paid dividends, especially as of late, as even in off years, Covington almost always is a factor in the league race and a threat in the playoffs. But who is Greg Salter? Mostly, he’s a family man who is outnumbered in his home alongside his wife and three daughters. How much time do you get to spend with your family? FILE PHOTOS That is very important to me, so I make it a point Covington running back Quintez Laurant runs one in while getting some blocking from fullback Cade Rogers to – I can’t put a number on it – but as much time as I can, considering the task at hand here at the school. during the regular-season finale against Mandeville at Jack Salter Stadium in 2019. I make sure I am home for dinner every night, and I make sure I am up in the morning and able to bring the girls to school so we have that time. I do miss out on a good bit, but luckily they stay busy Could it be a transition season? — all three of them are obsessed with dance. They do BY JIM DERRY Covington ä See SALTER, page 46 Staff writer quarterback Blake Sharp It seems as if every other sea- is entering son, Covington has been faced with the challenge of replacing a his second highly talented senior class. It’s season as another even year, and another the Lions’ prospect of a potential rebuilding starter. season. Sure, no one wants to hear that — coaches certainly don’t, but there’s no way to escape it for a team that is returning just six starters. The good news is one of those returning starters is quarterback Blake Sharp. The experience he gained with a run to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs should prove invaluable, and while he has a big offensive line in front who averaged nearly 5 yards per done with this team as of late has of him, the newcomers will have carry with 797 yards total and six to make one believe the Lions will to ﬁgure things out quickly in this touchdowns. always be close enough to find COACHES CORNER shortened season. Biggest question is how does ways to win. All five projected starters are coach Greg Salter replace a play- Safety Ian Goodly, who was third GREG SALTER taller than 6 feet, and three of maker like Chandler Washington or a on the team in tackles last season AGE: 42 (“Old enough to have to think about it.”) them are 270 pounds or more. Lo- defensive threat like linebacker (84) is back to lead the secondary. WIFE: Colette gan Potter (6-5, 275), Jacques Pendergast Edgerrin Cooper, who has a chance Covington usually has a physical CHILDREN (3 DAUGHTERS): Dakota (14), twins Cheyenne (6-0, 270), Gavin Hanson (6-0, 265), Wil- to start in the SEC this season at linebacking corps, and Cade Rogers liam Stermer (6-2, 250) and Melvin Bates Texas A&M? The short answer is: moves over from fullback to play and Savannah (12) (6-4, 290) will help block for Sharp you don’t. there. Up front, Alex Sharp, who re- HIGH SCHOOL: Covington, Class of 1996 and pave the way for returning That being said, the job defen- turned from injury last season, junior running back Quintez Laurant, sive coordinator Glenn Salter has will have to be a key run stopper. F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 7 COVINGTON LIONS 2020 INFORMATION guys get their feet wet and gain their COACH: Greg Salter (eighth season, 48-35) confidence.” 2019 RESULTS: 7-5 overall, 5-2 district — Greg Salter (tied for second place), 23rd seed in Class DERRY’S DIME 5A playoffs; defeated 10th-seeded Sam It might not have been the turnaround Houston, 42-28, in first round; lost to Covington fans were hoping for, but 2019 seventh-seeded Destrehan, 17-7, in second was certainly a season which could be round. deemed “back on track.” After the first PROJECTED STARTERS losing regular season and missing the * indicates returning starter playoffs for the first time in the Salter era OFFENSE (2 RETURNING STARTERS): in 2018, the Lions restored the roar, and QB *Blake Sharp, senior; RB *Quintez nearly got past mighty Destrehan — the Laurant, junior; FB Brayden Haar, junior; eventual state runner-up in Class 5A — in OR Reece Poillion, junior; WR Justin the second round before running out of Chapman, freshman; WR DeKengie James, FILE PHOTO steam. sophomore; TE Dequaries Peterson, Covington coach Greg Salter and players celebrate after the host Lions beat St. Although the team was senior heavy senior; OL Logan Potter, junior; OL Jacques Paul’s 38-7 to end the Wolves’ 32-game district winning streak in 2013. last season, and lose all but a handful of Pendergast, senior; OL Gavin Hanson, starters, including one of the state’s top senior; OL William Stermer, senior; OL SPECIAL TEAMS: K *Roger Ponce, senior; few positions that are open, but they have overall players in Cooper, there’s no reason Melvin Bates, senior. P TBA; RET TBA; LS TBA. been fighting for them without pads on. to think the Lions won’t at least be a big DEFENSE (4 RETURNING STARTERS): TOUGHEST GAMES: at Slidell (Nov. 13); at Everything we are basing our lineups on factor in the 6-5A race. They almost always DL *Alex Sharp, senior; DL Travers Benoit, Mandeville (Nov. 27). and basing our schemes on is based on are. junior; DL Kyle McCain, senior; LB *Cade COACH SPEAK: “I think any coach will potential. We all know potential is just The difference between a 3-5 regular Rogers, senior; LB Kort Bushnell, junior; LB tell you that you just want to see progress. something on paper, and you would like to season and 5-3 will be whether they can Tucker Overmeier, senior; OR Lane Rosser, I think it is going to be difficult early for see those guys compete at full speed. figure out how to win close games with senior; LB Bryce Blackwell, sophomore; S teams like us that did graduate a lot of “So I think those first couple games are an inexperienced squad. I’m not betting Landon Bourque, senior; OR *Wyatt Rainey, starters and a lot of experience. Teams like going to be very telling. We’re going to have against them. senior; S *Ian Goodly, junior; DB Trayvon us definitely could have benefitted from to lean on those guys who did have the Some might consider it a surprise if this Nelson, senior; OR Tristan Guillory, junior; those scrimmages and from the jamborees. experience to be able to compete on Friday group sneaks in the playoffs, but I won’t. DB Avery Verret, senior. “We have guys who are fighting for a nights, especially until these inexperienced

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# ! ' ## F F 8 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l fontainebleau

Chris Blocker: Football ‘is so much more’ than Friday nights

BY JIM DERRY vacation. I guess it has been 3 or 4 Staff writer years now. We haven’t found the time to do that. Isn’t that terrible? If it seems like a long time since What’s the last vacation y’all went on? Fontainebleau was a regular at the It would have been to Gulf Shores bottom of District 6-5A, then that’s (Ala.). Mason went off to Faulkner, because Chris Blocker has been and he was doing a football thing around for a while. there. We were running in between Since taking over a team that lost Mandeville and Faulkner, trying to 43 games in six seasons in January catch as many games as we can, and 2015, the Bulldogs have been to the watch it on the internet when he was playoffs three times, and four of on the road. And my daughter has their seven losses last fall were by been so involved in their athletics – a touchdown or we have all been so busy, we kind of less. Winning let it go. two of those We promised ourselves that once would have this season is over and this COVID put them in the mess is done, we have plans to go. postseason. We were thinking about a cruise this What Blocker summer, but of course that went out has been able the window after a week of planning to do is to be- that back in January. So I think it’s gin to change still on the agenda. the mindset on FILE PHOTO What was quarantine time like for you and the Highway 59. Fontainebleau coach Chris Blocker and his son, Mason, just before Mason’s family and the 4 or 5 months of uncertainty? Whether they senior season of 2015 It was pretty scary. You get used win or not, his to a routine, and then the unknown team unques- comes out of nowhere and blows up tionably ex- ment with my wife that she and the what he was thinking about where right in your face. The first week or pects to win family were going to be a part of this. we were going or maybe what we two of it was OK. You know, “Nice lit- COACHES each time they I needed them to be a part of this, and needed to do. He helped me create a tle break. OK, this is awesome.” And CORNER take the field, I thought this would be the best way relationship with the boys who were then it just kept dragging out. And and they have for this to work. on the team, and he showed me a lit- the unknown was terrible. CHRIS BLOCKER attitude after I also relayed that message to the tle insight to how they think or what You are in this bubble, and you’re AGE: 52 they do so. Last coaches we had on staff that’s what they were thinking. asking questions, and nobody has the WIFE: Tammy season after a we were going to do. They are more I am able to use that into today. answers. It was a pretty big struggle. 0-2 start – losing than welcome to have their families It has been a big part of our family Coaching wise, what do you think you have CHILDREN: Mason (22), to 4A semifinal- join in if they want; some do and since Day 1. It was always natural learned most in the 5-plus years of being a head Whitney (18), Beaux (died ist Lakeshore some don’t. They take on roles help- to talk football with us. My son, my coach? Kids you coached in the beginning have of a heart defect at 1 week by seven points ing out, whether it’s with the booster wife, my daughter, it’s constant. The now graduated from college. old, would have been 25) and 4A sec- club or running errands or telling me film work I do at home – they get into Yeah, thanks for reminding me. HIGH SCHOOL: Riverdale, ond-round team how to coach. (Chuckles.) it and always give me their two cents, Ha. Look, playing football is not just Franklinton by Tammy has been involved, and of course. It’s all we know. about Friday nights; it’s so much Class of 1987 six, the Bull- from time to time you may see her What was it like watching Mason in college? more than that. The fraternity you dogs shocked running around here. Coach (Travis) He just finished up at Faulkner are a part of and the discipline you Walker, 54-34. Hunt has his children running around College (in Alabama), last season learn from that, and of course get- The coach likes to deflect all the the office, and the other coaches of- was his senior season, and he is set ting to know the coaches, the athletes praise onto his players and assis- ten have their family members in, to graduate this fall in occupational and wanting more for the players tants, but they’re such a cohesive and we brought that philosophy in to therapy. It was awesome. It was re- involved to be successful in any of unit, and that comes from the atti- help our kids understand this is what ally the first time since little league I their endeavors as they grow older. tude from the top man. it’s all about: family. And we are one was able to see him as a parent again. That’s the thing: I look forward to It was a long road for Blocker to get family. What’s it like having an empty nest? seeing them graduate and get a diplo- where he is, from his playing days at You were in an interesting situation a few Well, they are out of the house, but ma and find a career. I love watching Nicholls State and Southeastern Lou- years ago with when you got the head coaching they’re still there. They never really them go on to college, whether they isiana to working as an assistant for job and your son, Mason, was your quarterback. leave. (Laughs.) My wife does strug- are playing or not. It’s just about more than a decade at Covington and What was it like coaching him and then watch- gle with it a bit more than I do. I wor- them being successful down the then six seasons at Fontainebleau being him after he left? ry, and I try to call them as much as road. fore taking over for Mike Materne. It wasn’t quite as hard as I thought I can. They are enjoying their time Also, with the family atmosphere Who is Chris Blocker, and how did it would be having him as part of a away, but they always seem to find we create, they tend to come back a he travel that road? team I was coaching. Granted, my as- their way back home for something. lot more often. That’s really cool, and Being a football coach isn’t always conducive sistant coaches were awesome work- Having them come back home – the that means a lot to me. to being able to spend time with family. How do ing with him, and I let them do just expectations are there. “Where’s the I know there are a lot of special moments in you find time to do that? that. I let those guys take the lead. I meal?” “How much money can I get your career. Can you pick out one or two that Being in it for as long as I have now, stepped back and let them coach him from you?” And that’s good; I expect stand out? I understand it can be very tough. as if they were coaching anyone else. that. I enjoy it, of course. The first year of coming in and re- Having the opportunity to take over The neat thing was being able to Do y’all still get to go on vacations together? vamping things here – changing ev- a program and lead it, that was first come home and be a family again, but You know it’s funny you ask that, erything we could to create a differ- and foremost on my mind. From the also being able to have that extended because Tammy and I were doing moment I started, I had an agree- conversation about his thoughts and real well forcing ourselves to go on ä See BLOCKER, page 40 F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 9 Special senior class could be driving force

BY JIM DERRY Autry was second) with 1,585 yards. Staff writer Celestine and Bailey will be learning under new offensive coordinator Pat Lambert, There are probably dozens of players who made a trip to the Division III state and coaches who are tired of hearing this, championship in 2013 as Hannan’s head but now that we’re sure there will be foot- coach, and it will be highly interesting to ball, there’s little question the fate of the see how quickly the Bulldogs can adapt to 2020 season for Fonatinebleau begins and different version of the spread. If they get ends with how successful senior running it right off the bat, there’s no telling how back Iverson Celestine can be. good they can be. Rated among the Top 50 running back There are two returning starters on the recruits in the nation by several media offensive line, but four of the five have outlets, Celestine is looking to “rebound” extensive playing time. Senior Jon Chau- of sorts from a season in which he rushed verie anchors the line and has been playing for less than 1,000 rushing yards for the since his sophomore season. “He leads first time in his three years as a starter. that group for sure,” Blocker said. That stat is misleading a bit, however, as There is some inexperience at wideout he did finish with 990 yards and 12 touch- other than junior Kobe Barnes. “He’s proba- downs and he missed one game due to bly our go-to guy at this point, and (junior) an injury, and had more than 1,400 total Ryan Seifried has come along,” Blocker said. yards and 18 scores when you include his “He was the backup quarterback last 19 catches. year, and we moved him out there. He And don’t be misguided, sixth-year runs amazing routes, and I am curious to coach Chris Blocker has plenty of talent to go see how he does out on the field.” with Celestine. Senior quarterback Josh On defense, the unquestioned leader is Bailey is back from a season where he was senior middle linebacker Colin Gagnon. He 10th in the metro area in passing yards made the play of the season on defense FILE PHOTO and third in St. Tammany Parish (Man- Fontainebleau’s Josh Bailey slips a Slidell tackle during the second half at Slidell deville’s DeVon Tott was first and Slidell’s John ä See FORCE, page 47 High School on Nov. 1, 2019. Corkern AirConditioning, Heating&Electric Celebrating45Years in Business St.Tammany&WashingtonParishes Serving St.Tammanyfor Over 45 Years•1973-2017 Stickwithyourlocal team.Call CorkernA/C and Heatingfor all your AirConditioningneeds KEVIN CORKERN 985-892-8915 CLASS OF ‘87 1-888-Rheem Team www.corkern.rheemteam.net F F 10 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l mandeville Hutch Gonzales: ‘I will always credit my coaching career to Allie Smith’

The big break, and especially the four or ﬁve months before we were able to get back into football was depressing at times and stressful, but it was nice to be able to spend that much time with family and being home. My wife works for parish gov- ernment, so they were working from home as well. We spent a lot of that time at home together and with the kids, and we did all kinds of fun things. I got to coach my son in baseball and watch my daughter do gymnastics. Obvi- ously, we were locked in the house for a long time, so we are having another baby (laughs), but it was really nice to spend some quality time with them even if it was COACHES just in the yard. CORNER How tough is it balancing being a dad and being a coach? I know your son gets to be out there with you a HUTCH GONZALES lot on game days and that’s special. It’s really nice being the head coach AGE: 37 and being able to bring your kids around. WIFE: Ashley We try to keep pretty family friendly, CHILDREN: Samantha regardless, around here. We love having (10), Max (8) and one the coaches’ kids around and meeting the on the way (players). I think it is important for players FILE PHOTO to see us as dads, so we deﬁnitely try to HIGH SCHOOL: New Orleans VooDoo receiver Hutch Gonzales runs a reception in the first quarter against the Tampa Covington, Class of Bay Storm’s Erick McIntosh at New Orleans Arena on March 11, 2011. ä See GONZALES, page 42 2001

MANDEVILLE SKIPPERS 2020 INFORMATION Levi, senior; DL *Seth Pagart, senior; DL as sophomores. Think about DeVon Tott favorite with the two-time defending district COACH: Hutch Gonzales (third season at Daniel Melton, senior; LB *John O’Connor, starting as a sophomore, guys like John champion Tigers.) Mandeville, 12-10; fourth season overall, senior; LB *Tyson Carter, senior; LB *John O’Connor and Ethan Yodanza and Seth No coach really wants to be labeled 19-15) Patterson, junior; LB/DB *Ethan Yodanza, Pagart. Now they’re seniors, and a lot of favorite, as no coach wants some dumb 2019 RESULTS: 9-4 overall, 5-2 district senior; DB *Roman Davis, senior; DB Brice those guys are not just returning starters sports writer putting bulletin-board material (tied for second place), 19th seed in Class Taylor, Sr; DB *Gabe Hughes, senior but three-year returning starters. in an opposing team’s locker room. But 5A playoffs; defeated 14th-seeded Barbe, SPECIAL TEAMS: K/P *Caden Costa, “It has been a major blessing, and our 38-14, in first round; defeated third-seeded senior; RET *Landon Ibieta, junior; LS classes will only continue to grow from here. there’s no getting around the fact this Alexandria, 13-12, in second round; lost *Oden Pierce, senior We have 50 on the freshman team, and we senior class is the most talented and most to 11th-seeded Haughton, 34-14, in TOUGHEST GAMES: vs. Slidell (Oct. 16); have to try and keep those guys together. experienced in St. Tammany. quarterfinals. vs. Ponchatoula (Oct. 23); at Fontainebleau We explain to them it is a war of attrition, They handed Slidell the only blemish on PROJECTED STARTERS (Oct. 30). but if we can keep 35 or 40 guys together their league schedule and were 2 yards * indicates returning starter COACH SPEAK: “We have been blessed and have that many seniors every year, I’ll away from beating Fontainebleau last OFFENSE (8 RETURNING STARTERS): QB because when I got here, I walked into a take having to buy the new jerseys every season, which would have made them co- *DeVon Tott, senior; RB Douglas McGowan, program with a large, talented sophomore year and having to give them away. Thirty- champs. This season, one has to expect junior; WR *Landon Ibieta, junior; WR class. The guys who were freshmen when five seniors each year to lead a program? they’ll find a way to win both the ones Logan Thibodeaux, senior; WR *Caden Josh (Buelle) had his interim year had so At that point, it becomes their team, and I they’re supposed to win and eke out the Costa, senior; WR Devin Steele, junior; TE/ much promise. We have 30 seniors. They will take it.” close ones. WR *Gabe Hughes, senior; OL *Mackey had 27 sophomores that year, and we have — Hutch Gonzales Maillho, senior; OL *Ryan Ebrahim, senior; added three kids since then. They have all DERRY’S DIME If the Skippers get rolling and finish 7-1 OL Jake Scheurmann, junior; OL *Ben progressed so well through the weight and It has been a few years since Mandeville or even 8-0 and get a top-five seed, there’s Latiolais, senior; OL *Colby Blanchard, conditioning program and through the JV was in this type of position to where they no reason to think they couldn’t make a senior ranks and then varsity. not only are in position to be the class of legitimate run in Class 5A. Yes, as in a state DEFENSE (9 RETURNING STARTERS): “Because of where we were as a team, the parish, but – with no offense to Slidell championship contender. Go bold, or go DL *Oden Pierce, senior; DL *Daylen they have all had an opportunity to play – quite possibly the favorite. (Or at least co- home, right? F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 11 BARKER’S CORNER BACKSCHS LIONS

GO TEAM!

HAVE AWINNING FILE PHOTO Mandeville’s Caden Costa is not only a starting wide receiver, but one of the top recruits at kicker in SEASON!!! the Southeast. ServiceMeat Complete Retail MeatShop Skippers loaded with Deli •Meat •Grocery•Produce Bruceand Ruth Pellegrin Barker’sCorner Hours: 79083Hwy.40 experience, talent Mon.thruFriday Covington,LA. 70435 9am- 7pm BY JIM DERRY who is a realistic threat from season. Sat.9am -5pm (985)893-7202 Staff writer anywhere inside 50 yards. Oh, Beyond all those positives, and the Ole Miss commit also Mandeville returns four of five There is no more experienced starts at wide receiver. starters on the offensive line, team in St. Tammany Parish Even more impactful for including mammoth Mackey Maill- than the Mandeville Skippers. Mandeville is quarterback DeV- ho (6-8, 350), who committed to GOOD LUCK Considering the fact they made on Tott, who in essence is seeing Louisiana-Lafayette. it to the 5A quarterfinals last a fourth year of playing time Not much different can be season, that would leave one to after transferring as a starter said about the defensive side believe the Skippers should be from Northlake Christian after of the football, as there are just pretty good. his freshman year. His progres- two new starters on the unit And one would be correct. sion throughout the 2019 cam- (DL Daniel Melton and DB Brice Although they lose big-time paign was clear, and that will Taylor). ! players in wide receiver Will play a huge role this year. The two leaders there are $% Sheppard (now at Vanderbilt) and He’ll likely often look for linebacker John O’Connor and de- #" running back Zahn Diaz (Missis- Landon Ibieta, who surprised fensive lineman Seth Pagart, who sippi College), they return 16 many as a sophomore in becom- will make things tough on op- starters, including Gabe Hughes, ing an impactful receiver. New posing quarterbacks and run- who will play on both sides of in the backfield to replace Diaz ning backs. Seniors Oden Pierce the ball. Coach Hutch Gonzales will be junior Douglas McGowan, and Daylen Levi also is back up 2020 also has one of the nation’s top who saw some time in 2019, but front to create havoc. Pierce recruits at kicker in Caden Costa, will be the full-time rusher this doubles as the long snapper. F F 12 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l northshore Josh Buelle: ‘Going 0-10, you have to learn from it, right?’

BY JIM DERRY COACHES CORNER Staff writer IJOSH BUELLE While on the periphery, it might seem AGE: 32 as a few super tough years for a young WIFE: Taylor football coach in Northshore’s Josh Buelle. But he’s doing what he loves to CHILDREN: “Hope for them soon, but none do, and after a stint as an assistant and currently” interim head coach at Mandeville, he HIGH SCHOOL: Slidell, Class of 2006 is set for his second year with the Pan- thers and has them heading in the right direction. Saying he’s ready to take the next 2005 and 2020. You were a senior on the step in his football career and make a ﬁeld in 2005 and dealt with a lot of things winner out of his young men is obvious, as a player then you are dealing with as but there’s much more to the native of a coach now. Does that cross your mind, Slidell, even though he is a self-pro- and does it help you deal with what claimed “simple guy.” we’re going through? Buelle takes an extra sense of pride in It’s funny you say that because we lost his community, and there is much more four games that season due to the hur- to know about him. ricane. Ever since then, I knew when I I know there isn’t a lot of time outside of football became a head coach, I never told the right now, but when you do have time, what do you kids there were 10 guaranteed games. and your wife like to do? STAFF PHOTO BY JIM DERRY, You hear coaches say a lot, “We’re only We’re kind of homebodies. We like just Northshore coach Josh Buelle is set for his second season at the helm of the guaranteed 10 games.” I have never said hanging out with each other. I like to Panthers. that to any team I have coached. cook, and I like to smoke stuff like bris- I can relate to these kids and what ket, pulled pork. Any reason to be on my I’m a mountains guy. One day when we When I was a senior, (former Slidell they have gone through recently, be- patio, I put something in the smoked and retire, I would love to just live in a cabin assistants) George Herdliska and Mike cause I had sort of a similar-type deal hopefully am able to watch some college in Tennessee and just relax. Wills, who are both now administrators happen. We were able to play a short- football soon. That’s a pretty good day My wife is a beach person, so if we in the St. Tammany school system, they ened season, but the spring players last for me. leave Louisiana, she might be talking both came there my senior year and year played just a few games, and then We have a boat, so we like to go out, me into going to Gulf Shores (Ala.) or asked me what I wanted to do when I got they were done. And my heart just goes but really just hanging out with my wife Destin (Fla.) or something like that. older. At that time, I wanted to be like an out to them. and family. I am a pretty simple guy. That’s her ideal scenario, but for me, I athletic trainer or something. I knew I Look at what’s going on in southwest How much time do you get to do that kind of stuff would love to live somewhere in Tennes- wanted to be around sports in some ca- Louisiana with Hurricane Laura. Those during football season? see or North Carolina and wake up in the pacity. Sports have been my whole life. kids have to deal with that and the Well, zero is a good answer for that. mountains every day. That’s the dream. Those two guys both suggested I go coronavirus, and we’re all looking at a (Chuckles.) Not much, to be truthful. What else do you do at school? into coaching. They said I already had shortened season. We should have a full When you smoke meat, it’s a multi- I teach mostly weightlifting, so I am that type of demeanor as a high school playoff schedule, but yeah I have been ple-hour process, so I don’t have days lucky in that regard. I am in the Field senior, they thought I had a fairly good here before and can relate to the kids on on weekends where I have 10 hours to House most of the day. I do have a cou- knowledge of the game and understood that level and not just as a coach but as a sit next to a grill. ple of PE classes, but besides football, it. Two years later, I met with (former player. I lost games. … Yeah, there are a I have actually started to play golf a I actually help with girls soccer. I joke Mandeville coach) Guy LeCompte, and lot of similarities. good bit. Recently, I went and joined that I am the only coach in the state to go started (volunteer coaching). Hard to I played a game at Jonesboro-Hodge Pinewood here in Slidell to go and play. from 0-10 to an undefeated, state cham- believe this is Year 13 for me in coach- (after being temporarily displaced), and I told my wife, “I just can’t come home pionship season. ing including the years I was in college. I put on a uniform that wasn’t mine and at 3 o’clock every day.” That’s just not I was certainly fortunate in that re- I am really thankful for them, because didn’t feel like it was supposed to be on in my DNA. gard. That kind of made the sting a little I couldn’t be happier with what I do. me, but I was also extremely thankful Where did y’all go on your last vacation? easier to take to do what we did in girls A linebacker in football is sort of like a catcher in for the generosity and the hospitality Gatlinburg (Tenn.) around Thanksgiv- soccer. Those girls are great, and I en- baseball, isn’t it? A coach on the field? they shared. They welcomed us with ing. We love Gatlinburg. We got engaged joy working with them, too. I actually played catcher in high opened arms, me and a couple of my there, we have been a couple times, and I know you were a very talented player at Slidell, school, so yeah. I was a middle lineback- teammates, and we got to experience we love the slowness of it. We can go for but what led you into coaching? Was it something er and a catcher. That’s exactly right. a little hike or just walk the parkway. you knew you wanted to do early on? There are a ton of parallels between ä See BUELLE, page 42 Improvement the name of the game for Panthers

BY JIM DERRY Second-year coach Josh Buelle knew it They opened the season by losing Earlier this year, Buelle was able to Staff writer would be a tough transition season, and three non-district games by a combined bring in well-known offensive guru Bob- it clearly was, but his goal from the start score of 118-21. They lost to two-time by Sanders in at coordinator, and Sanders One thing about Northshore when was to “be better in Week 10 than we are District 6-5A champion and cross- is coming off a season in which was looking ahead to 2020: Don’t focus on in Week 1,” and it seems clear the Pan- town-rival Slidell by just 14 in Week 10, the play-caller for a Rummel team that last season’s winless record. thers were just that. and that screams improvement. won the Division I state championship. F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 13

Sanders has coached the likes NORTHSHORE PANTHERS of Ja’Marr Chase, who likely is a first-round NFL Draft pick COACH: Josh Buelle (second season, 0-10; sophomore; LB Logan Abney, senior; DB Simon to see us continually get better as the season next spring, and Koy Moore, who could start at receiver third season overall with one year as interim Franke, senior; DB Kyle Williams, freshman goes on. Along with that, what needs to for LSU this year if he can get coach at Mandeville, 4-16) or *David Hughes, junior; DB *Drew Gibson, happen this year that didn’t happen last year past a hamstring injury. 2019 RESULTS: 0-10 overall, 0-7 district junior; DB *Jaylen Clay, senior or *Cannden is we were way more competitive in Week Sanders will have to work with inexperience at quar- (eighth place), missed the Class 5A playoffs. Warren, junior 10 than we were in Week 1. This year, we terback, as either senior Bryce PROJECTED STARTERS SPECIAL TEAMS: K Gabe Fatta, junior, Austin need to win football games. We need to turn Spencer or sophomore Jack Buell * indicates returning starter Gatlin, junior or Belle Airey, sophomore; P will be the starter. Langston competitive games in to winnable games.” Jackson, who was second on OFFENSE (5 RETURNING STARTERS): Curtis Hodges, junior — Josh Buelle the team in carries last sea- QB Bryce Spencer, senior or Jack Buell, TOUGHEST GAMES: vs. Mandeville (Oct. 9); at DERRY’S DIME son, returns at running back. sophomore; RB *Langston Jackson, senior; Ponchatoula (Oct. 16); at Slidell (Nov. 20). There also are two return- The message is clear: “We have to get a couple RB *Charles Watts, junior; WR *Brandon COACH SPEAK: “Any time you can bring ers at wide receiver in junior wins under our belt before we can get more Brandon Hines, who compiled Hines, junior; WR Bynum Goodson, senior; WR someone in with state championship comfortable and turn the corner,” coach Josh 300 yards and a touchdown, *James Bridges, sophomore; WR Rob Vince, experience (Bobby Sanders), that is a huge and sophomore James Bridges. Buelle says, and there’s no reason to think senior or TJ Coleman, freshman; TE Jonathan plus. Bobby has been part of some very Two linemen are back in Dan- they can’t do that. ny Jochum and Louis Cohn. Kelley, sophomore; OL *Danny Jochum, successful programs, and that is a real easy Six of the 11 positions on senior; OL Sam Tiblier, senior or Reagan Bolin, way to win kids over with a state championship It won’t be easy, but there certainly are defense for coordinator Ste- winnable games on the Panthers’ schedule, phen Gremillion will be ﬁlled by sophomore; OL Brandon Krumm, senior or ring. (Players) look at that and right off say, returning starters, but there Kevin Addison, junior; OL *Louis Cohn, junior; ‘That guy must know what he is doing.’ and if anything else, it would be surprising to are nine defenders who see them suffer multiple blowout losses as started games in 2019. These OL Tony Vujnovich, junior or Bennett Kastner, “Bobby is going to bring an excitement for us include ﬁve defensive line- sophomore offensively, obviously, and we’re going to try they did in 2019. It has to start somewhere. men DJ Carbo, Justice Hobgood, DEFENSE (6 RETURNING STARTERS): DL *DJ and open things up more – both throwing and A playoff run might be unlikely, but I keep Jarrin Foy, Cedric Smith and Ramar reminding people JT Curtis went winless in his Javery. Carbo, junior; DL *Justice Hobgood, junior or running. We’re going to be multiple in what we There will be three new *Jarrin Foy, senior; DL *Cedric Smith, junior do, and I am excited to see what we put on the first season. One day, people will look back at linebackers, but there’s ex- or *Ramar Javery, junior; LB Fabian Hartley, field. We feel like we’re infinitely more athletic last season and realize it was a stepping stone perience in the backfield with David Hughes, Drew Gibson, junior; LB Jordan Byrd, junior or Rocky Kahoe, than we were last year. for Buelle. We’ll see when that day arrives. Jaylen Clay and Cannden Warren. senior; LB Curtis Hodges, junior or Darin Albert, “My goals are never going to change: I want Don’t be surprised if it comes in November.

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FILE PHOTO Slidell coach Larry Favre has a special bond with each of his football teams and his community. He says he takes a lot of pride in being an honorary Slidellian. COACHES CORNER Larry Favre: ‘We just stayed LARRY FAVRE AGE: 58 WIFE: Nicole CHILDREN: Caroline (12) the course and never wavered’ BORN: Arlington, Va. HIGH SCHOOL: James Monroe High School, BY JIM DERRY young. He is a Favre from the Kiln did that come about? Fredericksburg, Va. Staff writer (Mississippi), and my mom was from I was there under Byron Jones, and a coal-mining town in southwest I was a basketball guy. I coached at On the football field, the change in Pennsylvania. They met in D.C. and Jewish Community Center, and that’s the Slidell Tigers has been clearly my dad came back, so when I was 8, I what I wanted to do — I wanted to evident. started flying alone to the west bank be a basketball coach. I interviewed With consecutive league titles, they in Marrero. From ages 8 to 18, I spent at East Jefferson to be an assistant are back on the football map — not every summer on the west bank. basketball coach under coach (Jim) just in St. Tammany Parish, but they While other kids were going to camps Robards, and I left there after an in- are recognized metro wide as a force. and other things, I was going to Mar- terview at O. Perry Walker … and was And how did this transformation oc- rero for 10 consecutive summers. hired on the spot. cur? Did you feel like a dual citizen of sorts? I never had even met Byron Jones, It has mostly to do with coach Lar- I did. I loved the west bank in the and I had never done anything with ry Favre and the mentality he has 1970s. Mel Ott pool, Westside Bowl, football. I had all my eggs in the bas- brought to these Tigers. He has been you name it, I loved it. And I loved ketball basket. So when I finally meet a winner everywhere he’s gone, and being an honorary west banker as a coach Jones, and he has been told, although it took him a little longer very young kid. Then when I graduat- “this is your new assistant football than he might have liked, the same ed from James Monroe, I was accept- coach,” he was not all that happy. I can now be said about Slidell. ed at Virginia Tech and I was accept- can remember when I walked in I So who is Favre? How did a guy who ed to the University of New Orleans. said, “Hey coach Jones, I am your grew up in Virginia and who loved It was an easy decision for me. I new assistant,” and this is what he FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD basketball end up being a successful wanted to be with my dad, and I want- told me: “We play football at Walker, football coach in Louisiana? ed to come to New Orleans. That’s and we win here.” Larry Favre is entering his eighth season How does a guy from Virginia end up in Lou- what I did, and 40 years later I am And they did, and we did. And that as Slidell football coach, and the Tigers are isiana? still here. looking for their third consecutive District My dad left the family when I was You started at O. Perry Walker in Algiers. How ä See FAVRE, page 44 6-5A title. F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 15 SLIDELL TIGERS COACH: Larry Favre (eighth season at Slidell, 41-37; good. You’re used to hearing me say we have to beat those 20th season overall with stints at O. Perry Walker and four (Mandeville, Ponchatoula, St. Paul’s and Covington). Fontainebleau, 120-89) Well now we have to win some games in the playoffs. 2019 RESULTS: 8-3 overall, 6-1 district (second “We had East Ascension (in the second round) two years consecutive 6-5A championship), sixth seed in Class 5A ago; we’re leading the whole game, and the bottom falls playoffs; lost to 27th-seeded Comeaux, 42-14, in the first out (in a 28-25 loss). We were the sixth-ranked team in round. the state last year, and Comeaux just came in here and PROJECTED STARTERS whipped our butt. Now, we have to get in the playoffs and * indicates returning starter make a run. OFFENSE (8 RETURNING STARTERS): QB *John Autry, “That’s the challenge to everyone in this program.” senior; RB Torian King, senior; RB *Shea Haller, senior; — Larry Favre WR *Kadin Bech, senior; WR Jayden Averhart, sophomore; DERRY’S DIME WR Charlie Gibson, junior; OL *Gabe Carbajal, senior; One might have a tough time finding a coach in District OL *Michael Nuber, senior; OL *Stacy Jarvis, junior; OL 6-5A to say Slidell isn’t the favorite to three-peat as FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD *Joshua Keys, senior; OL *Jalin Toussaint, senior champs. Clearly, they have the best offensive line in St. Slidell’s Mar’Keegan Gray, left, will be a key cog in the DEFENSE (4 RETURNING STARTERS): DL John Bilich, Tammany Parish, and will have the firepower to score. Tigers’ defense this season. senior; DL Corey Davis, senior; DL Fernando Torres, junior; There’s no knock on their defense except the fact they DL *Jase Williams, senior; LB *Ray Stoltz, senior; LB Tamaj might be a little inexperienced, but with Scobel back, be and especially Favre, who very well could be in his final Hoffman, junior; LB Jonas Perryman, senior; DB *Farron certain they will be physical. season as a football coach with an eye toward becoming Lewis, senior; DB Trent Reimonenq, senior; S Jayden Davis, Question is, do they have enough to hold off an even an administrator in the near future for the second time in junior; DB *Mar’Keegan Gray, senior more experienced squad in Mandeville, who just missed his career, the playoffs will mean so much more. SPECIAL TEAMS: K/P *Matthew Rowley, senior; RET a shot at being co-champs in 2019? No question that In other words, the Tigers will be more interested in going *Torian King, senior; LS *Jayden Davis, junior and *Gaige will be the story of 2020 north of Lake Pontchartrain, and 7-1 or so and getting a top-eight seed for two potential Buras, junior we’ll find out a whole lot when they meet at Sidney Theriot home games the week after Thanksgiving and the first week TOUGHEST GAMES: at St. Charles (Oct. 2); at Mandeville Stadium in Week 3. of December. Not only is that possible, but it wouldn’t be a (Oct. 16); at Ponchatoula (Oct. 30). Last year, the Skippers pulled off a 28-25 upset, but the stretch to say it’s likely. COACH SPEAK: “It is awesome to win back-to-back Tigers ran the table after that, while Mandeville slipped up Anything less than a trip to the quarterfinals would championships, but to get into the playoffs and play like we against Fontainebleau and Covington. be a major disappointment for this team. A run to the did — you don’t walk away from that season feeling very As much as another district title would matter to Slidell, Superdome is not out of the question. Going for the hat trick in 6-5A BY JIM DERRY his first season as a starter was Wayne A. Staff writer just outside the top five in the metro area in passing yardage Despite winning back-to-back with right around 2,000. If there Comberrel, Sr. District 6-5A championships, is one question mark for Slidell one can expect Slidell will be on offense, it will be with their entering the 2020 season with a other skill positions, as only re- chip on their shoulders. ceiver Kadin Bech returns. In the recent past, a leftover Senior Torian King did play quite Accounting bad taste usually had to do with a bit last season at running missed opportunities against back, but now he will be the go- district foes. Heading into the to guy in trying to replace now TaxPreparation season this time, that “we left Louisiana Tech rusher Harlan Dix- a big chance on the table” feel- on, who was second in the metro Notary ing has everything to do with a area in rushing and had more poor performance in the Class than 4,000 total offensive yards 5A playoffs, losing big to low- combined over 2018 and 2019. “EstablishEd 1979” er-seeded Comeaux at home. Defensive coordinator Malter With a large, experienced se- Scobel returns to the Tigers af- nior class, if you bet against the ter spending two seasons with Tigers this season, you do so at coach Stephen Robicheaux at De- Office Fax your own risk. They clearly be- strehan, leading the Wildcats lieve in themselves. STAFF PHOTO BY JIM DERRY to the Class 5A state title game, 892-6892892-6892 Why shouldn’t they? The Ti- Slidell quarterback John Autry where they held Acadiana to gers return 12 starters, most of eight points in the Dome last whom will be All-St. Tammany is hoping to guide the Tigers in December. Email: [email protected] candidates, including the top 2020 to a third straight District He’ll have some inexperi- offensive line in the parish, and 6-5A title. enced players, but he’ll also Barker’s Corner quite possibly, the metro area have some really good ones 19717Hwy.40•Covington with two All-State candidates nior Stacy Jarvis (5-11, 235) and se- coming back in defensive line- in seniors Gabe Carbajal (6-4, 290) niors Joshua Keys (5-11, 260) and man Jase Williams, linebacker and returning All-State lineman Jalin Toussaint (6-1, 295) also back. Ray Stoltz and senior defensive Michael Nuber (6-4, 300). Actually, That will be big for senior backs Farron Lewis and Mar’Keegan the entire line returns with ju- quarterback John Autry, who in Gray. F F 16 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l FOLSOM DERRY’S DIME: DISTRICT 6-5A PREDICTIONS FOOTBALL FANS Mandeville and Slidell seem to be clear favorites BY JIM DERRY turning starters, including but the top half of this league Staff writer nine on offense. “But they lost is so tough, it seems like this an LSU quarterback,” you say. young team is a year away from 1 | MANDEVILLE Just wait until you see Jacoby getting back near the top. There will be few who put this Mathews, who quite possibly 6 | COVINGTON Skippers team over Slidell in is the top athlete on the north No coach wants to hear “tran- their 6-5A predictions, but this shore. They more likely will be sition season,” but it sure seems is basically the same team that a favorite in 2021, but it would like that’s where the Lions are took the field last season and not be a surprise at all if the heading into 2020. Anyone who made a run to the 5A quarter- Green Wave run the table and knows this district, however, finals. Oh, and super talented get a high seed in the playoffs. knows they’ll be competitive and well coached. They won’t 4 | FONTAINEBLEAU in every game and will pull at squander their opportunity to Without a doubt, the two least a couple of upsets. And put the district away this sea- toughest teams to predict in very likely, they’ll improve son like they did in 2019. this district this season are the each week, find a way into the 2 | SLIDELL Bulldogs and St. Paul’s. Iverson 5A playoffs and give some high For opponents thinking I am Celestine might be the best skill seed all they can handle. ! giving the Tigers bulletin-board player in the metro area, but is 7 | NORTHSHORE "# material, it’s anything but. he enough to will Fontainebleau Progress. That’s what Josh It might not make sense, but into the upper echelon of this Buelle and company are look- $" while I think Mandeville has talented district? He might not ing for, and you better believe the best chance to win this dis- have to be if quarterback Josh they will do that. Let’s start trict, I think Slidell has the best Bailey takes the next step and with a district win, and who shot at making a deep run into linebacker Colin Gagnon is the knows where the Panthers will December. There’s no question unstoppable force some expect go in 2021. I think they will ac- they will be super focused after him to be. complish that feat this season. Thanksgiving. 5 | ST. PAUL’S 8 | HAMMOND 3 | PONCHATOULA Picking the Wolves to finish in A very late change at coach With all the talk about Man- the second tier of the district is very well could shake up the deville, Slidell and even Fon- like picking the New England Tors, as Steve Jones decided tainebleau with Iverson Ce- Patriots to have a losing sea- to leave coaching with all the lestine to some degree, this is son. Sure, it happens every blue unknowns of the coronavirus. unquestionably the team flying moon, but the guy who predicts We’ll see what replacement Dor- under the radar that can with it usually looks silly. It wouldn’t sett Buckels — a former LSU this district. They have 17 re- be the first time I looked silly, football player — can pull off. "# ! "# DERRY’S DIME: DISTRICT 9-4A PREDICTIONS """# ! Despite turnover, Lakeshore still cream of the crop BY JIM DERRY 2 | FRANKLINTON Jerry Leonard left a few years Staff writer This team is a bit of the un- ago, but Chuter has this team known, but they seem to be going in the right direction. 1 | LAKESHORE revitalized a bit under Coach Last year’s playoff experience While it seems like this is Jonathan Barber. They lose can only help them heading into the year the ridiculous regu- some skill players, but the De- this new campaign. lar-season winning streak will mons have worked themselves 4 | PEARL RIVER come to an end, there’s no rea- back into a group no one wants I would expect the Rebels son to think the 11-game dis- to play late in the season. They will take this pick as a slap in trict streak will be halted this could challenge Lakeshore, the face, but that’s certainly season. and it certainly would be a sur- not the intention. This district The Titans haven’t lost in prise if they don’t give the Ti- should be as competitive as it Coffee the regular season since 2016, tans all they can handle in the has been in many years, and if and that indeed was a district Week 6 matchup — likely cold there’s any team that can turn Pastries game to Franklinton — when and maybe wet grass field at a bottom-tier prediction into an this current class of seniors Franklinton. embarrassment for the author Smoothies were in the eighth grade. Even 3 | SALMEN of such picks, it’s this one. Still, [email protected] with a revamped squad with a Slow improvement under with a young team that has a Paninis plethora of new faces, one has Coach Eric Chuter has the Spar- shallow roster and loses a tal- to think Lakeshore is primed tans enjoying a bit of stability. ent such as Corey Warren, it’s Mon-Thurs 7-5 cell 985.232.6223 Friday7-8 82292 Hwy25 for another high seed in Class It has been a bit of a tough road tough to pick “The Pearl” any- office 985.260.5060 Sat-Sun 8-4 Folsom,LA70437 4A and a potential run to the first since Hurricane Katrina where else. Now go and prove quarterfinals or so. 15 years ago and then after me wrong. F F 17 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l DERRY’S DIME: DISTRICT 8-3A PREDICTIONS Potential 3-team race with Albany, Hannan, Sumner? BY JIM DERRY his way back to the Hawks, not with Hannan and Albany for Staff writer having to play Chalmette and the district title. at Teurlings Catholic is a good 4 | LORANGER 1 | ALBANY thing. After the tough test par- Longtime coach Sam Messina Last season the Hornets ish foe Mandeville presents, the has quite a bit of turnover this rolled through nondistrict play Hawks could make a nice run, season, but we know how “tran- and then sort of stalled as they and it wouldn’t be a surprise at sition teams” often go for the faced their 8-3A counterparts. all to see them get past Albany Wolves. Sometimes, when you Learning from that last season for the league title. Especially least expect it, they put forth could be a driving force toward with the returning Offensive their best seasons. Good thing the top of the league. They put Player of the Year in district, these predictions are worth up more than 35 points in half Jake Dalmado. about as much as the paper their regular-season games in 3 | JEWEL SUMNER they’re printed on. 2019, and if they can do that After a brutal start to the 2019 5 | BOGALUSA once again and figure out how campaign (much like Hannan), It has been a tough road for to keep that rolling into Novem- the Cowboys turned things the Lumberjacks as of late, as ber, this will be a very interest- around and won three out of they enter 2020 having lost six ing team. their final four games. Grow- consecutive league games. The 2 | HANNAN ing from that and with several good news for them is that their If any team benefits from key returners, this is the year three All-District players from two fewer games in a season, this team bucks recent trend of last season all return, but will it it could be this one. Even with having just one winning season be good enough to make a jump some player turnover and since 2013. Actually, it wouldn’t out of the bottom spot in 8-3A? Coach Corey Bordelon making be a surprise if they contend We shall see.

DERRY’S DIME: DISTRICT 9-2A PREDICTIONS Send money in St. Thomas Aquinas again will be tough to beat the moment. BY JIM DERRY larger roster, but there is a ton last year. Entering his 12th sea- Staff writer of youth on it. The Wolverines son, Coach Ryan Serpas could are more likely to contend for turn this team into one of the Right from your mobile 1 | ST. THOMAS AQUINAS the district title in 2021, and surprises of the area. The Falcons steamrolled especially in 2022. That being 4 | POPE JOHN PAUL II banking app. through their new district said, another five-win cam- No question last season was schedule last season after re- paign, even with a shortened one of the toughest the Jaguars districting following the 2018- schedule would not be a sur- have ever had to go through, LEARNMOREAT 19 school year. In fact, they prise at all. but with Coach Charlie Cry- CitizensSB.com/Zelle won their three league games 3 | SPRINGFIELD er back, there is a ton of op- by an aggregate score of 148- It has been a tough road for timism. How that spills over 42 with no contest closer than the Bulldogs as of late, but the onto the field, we will have a 20-point margin. Even with good news is they have im- to see. Like many others in Te rmsand conditionsapply.Zelle and the Zellerelated marks arewholly owned by Early some turnover, it’s tough to pre- proved their win total in each this classiﬁcation, PJP II will Warning Services, LLCand areused herein under license. dict any other team at the top. of the last three seasons — go- have to stay healthy to have 2 | NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN ing from one win in 2016 to two a chance at winning three or Coach James Willis loves his in 2017 to three in 2018 to four four games.

METRO CREATIVE PHOTO F F 18 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l st. paul’s ST. PAUL’S WOLVES COACH: Ken Sears (22nd season, 150-83) 2019 RESULTS: 6-6 overall, 3-4 district (fifth place), 10th seed in Division I playoffs; defeated seventh-seeded Holy Cross, 9-7, in first round; lost to second-seeded and eventual state runner-up Catholic, 28-10, in quarterfinals. PROJECTED STARTERS * indicates returning starter OFFENSE (9 RETURNING STARTERS): QB *Grant Billson, junior; RB *Mitchell Smith, senior; FB/TE *Danny Sears, junior; WR *Cole Piazza, senior; WR *Brody Reina, junior; WR/TE Garrett Lauterbach, senior; OL *Ryan Blanchard, junior; OL *Max Dufour, senior; OL *Dylan Porche, senior; OL *Nicholas Vining, senior; OL Dylan Buckel, sophomore DEFENSE (7 RETURNING STARTERS): DL *Jacob Frolich, senior; DL *Thomas Rushing, junior; DL Aiden Richards, junior; DL Jake Satches, junior; LB *Gunnar Fiorella-Daussat, junior; LB *Danny Sears, junior; LB *Owen Vincens, senior; LB Beau Loisel, So.; DB *Preston Calvert, senior; DB *Daniel Dufour, junior, DB Ethan West, So.; DB Jaxon Beck, senior SPECIAL TEAMS: K Brady Talley, senior; P Justin Baham, senior; RET Daniel Dufour, junior; LS Kier Nunez, junior TOUGHEST GAMES: vs. Destrehan (Oct. 9); at Slidell (Oct. 16); at Mandeville (Nov. 13). COACH SPEAK: “I certainly feel really good about the experience gained last year. We were inconsistent at times in our play, and a lot of that was the youth we had all over FILE PHOTO the field. I feel like that consistency is coming, and as we St. Paul’s coach Ken Sears looks on during a scrimmage against John Curtis at Hunter Stadium in Covington in have worked so far now, another year on the field, another 2018. year in the weight room, another year of understanding the system is going to pay dividends for us. “All those young guys who got playing time last year are back. They are a little bit bigger and a little bit faster and Ken Sears: ‘I have loved a little bit stronger, and they all have great chemistry with each other. There’s a lot to be said for talent and so forth, but I really think our guys care about each other, and they want to be successful, and they are going to fight for each other. … football since I was a kid’ “We won our first playoff game, so we feel like we were on the right track. As we move forward with this season, BY JIM DERRY COACHES CORNER we want to keep moving forward every day and getting Staff writer better.” KEN SEARS Few teams around the metro area have a more un- — Ken Sears questioned leader of their football program than St. AGE: 53 DERRY’S DIME Paul’s Ken Sears. WIFE: Mary Beth It would be surprising not to see this team take a step He has earned his status as a north shore icon and CHILDREN: Kenny Jr. the dean of coaches (who just so happens to be the forward this season. Problem is, this district is tougher (22), Danny (17) than it even usually is, especially at the top, and that SPS Dean of Students) in District 6-5A — being the HIGH SCHOOL: Holy only coach the Wolves have known this century. could present a problem in the latter part of the season, That said, who really knows Sears? A fairly quiet Cross, Class of 1985 as the Wolves finish with Mandeville, Ponchatoula and and anything-but-boisterous man, he is well-respect- Fontainebleau. ed among his peers but not all that known by those outside of his inner circles. Still, there’s no reason to think they cannot get a middle What do you like to do when you’re not coaching? seed in the Division I playoffs and host a first-round When I do have time, I like to spend time with game. If they can duplicate last season’s effort and get friends and go ﬁshing. Unfortunately with this pan- better in the final half of the season and make it to the demic, I haven’t been able to spend a lot of time with quarterfinals, that could be a catapult for the Wolves to my mom and dad. They are elderly, and they have some conditions, so the chances to see them have make a run in 2021. been limited. I miss seeing them. I have one sister Can’t wait to see how Grant Billson progresses this year, along with a young, experienced defense that could be ä See SEARS, page 20 stifling by next season. F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 19 Wolves looking to get back to dominance

BY JIM DERRY points per game, and that includes the Staff writer 28 they gave up to Catholic, which was only the second time all season they It was a mixed bag for St. Paul’s last gave up more than 21 points in a game. season for a team used to being at the We should expect similar numbers top of District 6-5A. No question, they this year, so what will they be able to do played their best football, especially on offense to give them a shot at win- defensively at the end of 2019. ning what would be an 11th district title They held Holy Cross to a lone touch- in 16 seasons? Much of that will depend down in the Division I first-round play- on the progress of junior quarterback off game, and then were very respect- Grant Billson, who is entering his second able in the quarterfinals to a Catholic season as a starter. team that made it to the Superdome. He will be learning from a guy who Much more impressive was how the knows a little something about playing Wolves scored in the postseason open- quarterback at St. Paul’s, as Kenny Sears er: with three safeties and a field goal. Jr. has been promoted to offensive coor- How will that momentum carry them dinator, and we can expect an offense into 2020? Well, that is the great un- that is “more multiple than we have known. been in the past,” his dad said. There are six returning starters on “We found some things that fit us well that side of the football, along with (in camps), and the kids have picked it Danny Sears (coach Ken Sears’ son), who up quickly,” Sears Sr. said. “I am excit- will play both ways at linebacker and ed. Back before we were a spread team, FILE PHOTO at fullback/tight end, where he started we were a multiple offense team. … last year. Defensive linemen Jacob Frol- We’ll have tons of formations and mo- St. Paul’s running back Mitchell Smith gains yards during a first-round playoff ich and Thomas Rushing return up front, tions and try to put people in bad situ- football game against Holy Cross at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans on Nov. as well as linebacker Owen Vincens and ations.” 15, 2019. defensive backs Daniel Dufour and Preston Billson passed for nearly 1,000 yards Calvert. last season, and he’ll be looking to dou- running back this season after splitting Dufour, Dylan Porche and Nicholas Vining, as Over the final six weeks of the sea- ble that or so with receivers Brody Reina carries with now-graduated Carter Elie. well as junior Ryan Blanchard. son, including the two playoff games, and Cole Piazza back. Also returning is se- Four of five Wolves starting offensive Joseph Halm contributed to this re- St. Paul’s allowed an average of 13.7 nior Mitchell Smith, who clearly is the lead linemen are back, including seniors Max port.

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every day, keep them engaged then going to practice. But the SEARS and teach them good, solid life kids needed it. They were ready Continued from page 18 lessons. for their season. And they were How much pride do you take when one dealing with the unknown just of your young assistants ends up moving like the kids are now. who lives in Minneapolis and on and getting a good gig? We try to keep them motivated one in Baton Rouge, and I like It is rewarding. Luckily, my and hopeful, keep them engaged to spend time with them when staff has remained a good bit in- during practice, and it did won- I can. tact. A lot of my staff who have ders for our team. We had good I also like to ride bikes — I moved on have moved into ad- chemistry going into the season, like to ride the Trace. I exer- ministration and into school hi- and lo and behold, we surprised cise, love to jog, love to run; erarchy, which I am very proud people in winning our first Dis- that’s kind of my outlet. of. Those guys see education as trict 5-5A (now 6-5A) champion- Not so much today, because I know a vocation, and football was a FILE PHOTO ship. you are spending 14 to 16 hours a day launching pad for them, as well. St. Paul’s coach Ken Sears and his son, Kenny, before his senior How long do you plan on doing this? getting ready for a football season, but You have a special situation which I season of 2015 You’re still a young man — you could do how much time do you usually get to do won’t be able to ask many other coach- it 25 more years if you want to, or I’m those sorts of things? es. You are around your sons every day. rent Slidell coach) Larry Favre was at to learn how to deal with things sure you could retire in 5 or 6 years if I get up early and try to run Kenny is now coaching with you (SPS of- Fontainebleau, and I didn’t realize when we hadn’t previously dealt with. you wanted to. every morning, so I can get it fensive coordinator), and Danny playing I looked back you guys were picked to I remember it was the first time I don’t know, Jim. That’s a done and have some peace of for you. What’s that like? finish third or fourth. You ended up with people really texted. People were hard one to answer. I still have mind the rest of the day. I try Without a doubt, it is special. a 6-0 regular season and district title. trying to find out if I was OK, and a lot of energy, I love being to bike ride on the weekends Danny is a junior, so we all have What do you remember most about that I was like, “What the heck is this around the kids and my players, when I can. another year together after this season? on my phone?” We were doing a I love being around my staff. What was your last vacation? one, and this is really the first There definitely are some simi- lot of cleaning up around school, I’m still having a good time. I In June, we went to Pensac- time we have all been together larities. We were a team that had and certainly our principal, Bro. enjoy seeing kids develop, and ola. That’s about all I have had at St. Paul’s because Danny was just moved into 5A a few years Ray (Bulliard) said it was im- I just take it one day at a time. time for. far enough behind Kenny (SPS before that, and every year we portant to get the kids back and When that fire is no longer What’s your day like at school? How Class of 2016) to where they were just getting a little bit bet- that we needed to start practic- there, I guess I will know. much time do you spend being the Dean weren’t here at school together ter. We were coming off a 5-5 ing football. Do you ever think about what you plan of Students and not the football coach? every day. season then 6-4. I thought we That was one of the main to do after coaching? Pretty much most of the day. Being able to interact with were about to turn a corner, and things — getting kids back Probably do all the things I Football coach hat comes on them every day is special, and then all of a sudden Katrina hits. because everyone was so dis- liked to do when I was younger: right when the school day is it’s certainly not something ev- We dealt with a lot of unknowns placed. We did, and they began fish, hunt and some of the out- over. I do get a chance to deal ery coach gets a chance to do. just like we are now. to trickle in a week or so after doors things I don’t really get with some football things here It’s definitely one of those things Of course, it’s a much bigger that. It was exhausting, clean- an opportunity to do because of and there, but the full-time job I will treasure the rest of my life. unknown now than it was then, ing up not only your own house, the time-consuming nature of is dean of students and trying It’s a true joy sharing something but getting back to school we had but cleaning up the campus and football. to make sure everything is run- we have in common, and that’s ning as smoothly as possible. football. What led you into coaching way back What kind of interactions have those when? two had? I have loved football since I Great. Danny played offense was a kid. I played when I was last year, so there was a lot of real young, and I had an oppor- interaction. But this year, he’ll tunity to play for some great be playing more linebacker on coaches. The experiences I the other side of the ball. Some- had helped me grow to love the times I need to step back a little game, and I went in that direc- bit, because Kenny is the one tion when I got out of college. who gets on his butt more so You have had some excellent assis- than me now. tants along the way. What advice would I know this is tough to answer for a you give to those who might want to guy who has been coaching as long as follow in the same path and become a you have, but what’s a favorite memory coach? or two you will take with you? I would say to study the game I have a bunch of them, and You have to understand in high I feel bad leaving one or a few school, you aren’t going to make out, but probably some of the a lot of money, so you have to not tight games we had in the play- only love the game but love the offs — they were all exciting kids. You have to want to help — but one that sticks out was them down their paths and see when we beat New Iberia (31- them grow and be patient. 28 in 2010) to move on to the Sometimes, there are many quarterfinals. challenges with this, so know We won the game on a what you are getting into to be- last-second interception in the gin with and understand that end zone. I just remember look- the high school life is tougher ing up, the pass was thrown and Good luck than college football or the NFL I didn’t know what was going to in many respects with what you happen. I heard the roar of the to allour localteams fora have to deal with. You just have crowd and the reaction of the to remember this is all about de- kids. I have had a few of those, veloping young men, and there’s luckily, and I just remember a reward in the end for that work. that one was really special. Just safe and winningseason! They always have to be at little moments like that. the center — their academics, I think 2005 and 2020 have a lot in St.Tammany Parish Assessor LouisFitzmorris emotional stability — and con- common, and I believe you’re the only stantly trying to motivate them coach around in the same place. (Cur- F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 21

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F F 22 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l lakeshore Craig Jones: ‘Our staff is a true coaching family’

BY MIKE PERVEL hooked at that point and knew er, which helps builds trust. Contributing writer that’s what I wanted to do, so a We have a strong coaching love for coaching started ear- and family bonds that offers It has been quite a ride for ly for me. special moments in pregame Craig Jones. Was it tough breaking in at the high and postgame scenarios more Entering his eighth season, school coaching level? so than maybe with some oth- he has brought Lakeshore Being able to go back home er coaching staffs. from basically a new, fledg- while attending Southeastern Myself, and my brother, ling program to one that has — that made it easier for me Matt, who handles the offen- made it to the Superdome and to get into high school coach- sive line, have been together to at least as far as the Class ing and it was helped by my here since 2011, when we were 4A quarterfinals in three con- Mandeville ties. hired by former head coach secutive seasons. I was given a great op- Larry Route. Matt has two Self-described as “border- portunity when I joined the little bitty boys, Elijah and line OCD,” Jones has taken Skippers’ staff in 2001, be- Cooper. pride in bringing the Titans to ing hired by my former high The Guillot brothers, An- the next level. One of the most school coach, Rodney Cork- drew and Richard, both were quiet coaches one ever could ern. I coached linebackers star football players, and meet, don’t mistake that for a initially, before being named graduates of Pope John Paul lack of passion or his demand the Skippers’ defensive coor- II. Andrew handles wide re- for excellence. He surrounds dinator in 2007, serving in that ceivers and special teams. himself with a top-notch, ex- position for four years under Richard is the fifth-year offen- perienced coaching staff who coach Corkern and then Guy sive coordinator, calling plays, all pull in the same direction. LeCompte. coaching quarterbacks. One of a handful of coaches I was a Mandeville assistant The Vicknair brothers, Jor- in St. Tammany Parish to have baseball and basketball coach dan, a former Marine, coaches gone to school up here and for 6 years from 2005 to 2010. running backs, while brother, remain on the North Shore, I was head basketball coach Zach, takes over the defen- Jones says he was lucky to for the girls for one year and sive coordinator position, have married the “super an assistant for five years with and coaches linebackers. The mom” in Lauren Jones, who baseball and basketball. Vicknair brothers starred at seems to always be there for How would you describe yourself as Pearl River High for the Reb- the assist. a head coach? els. How tough is it for coaches to find I’m more analytical in my The remainder of the staff, family time, and how do you go about coaching approach. I’m very includes coach Greg Battistel- doing that? detailed, maybe borderline la (Sam linebackers), Paul It’s very difficult to find a lot OCD. I’m very passionate Beebe (offensive line), who I of quality family time, more about my players. I am very call the old school guy, a hard- so with our boys playing their matter of fact the way I ad- nosed type coach, and Joe sports (soccer and football). FILE PHOTO dress the players. Hoffmann (defensive line). It can be challenging getting Lakeshore coach Craig Jones watches the action against Warren I’d say I’m organized, cre- It has definitely been a chal- them to practices. My wife, ative and passionate, when it lenge dealing with COVID-19, Lauren, does an exceptional Easton during the first half of a Class 4A state semifinals game comes to my coaching style. trying to handle all of the un- job with that. She is the ulti- at Lakeshore on Dec. 6, 2019. The Titans have made it to the I’m not a screamer. I like certainty. All of this is com- mate team mom and always semifinals or beyond twice in three seasons. things to be handled in an or- pletely new. No 2 days are will be. ganized way and my coaches the same. And every day you I’m extremely fortunate to COACHES CORNER are great teachers, who are have some kind of new guide- have Lauren as my wife, when totally committed to the kids line or rule to follow, which it comes to the well-being of CRAIG JONES and our program. They know creates additional challenges our boys. They have been gym AGE: 39 how to get the most out of our and stress for coaches and rats their entire lives, growing WIFE: Lauren players. My players know I schools. up around sports that I have care about them, and I feel Do you ever think about how long coached over the years. Lau- CHILDREN: Christian (14), Cameron (12) they respect that. I guess you you want to do this and what you might ren is a super mom and does HIGH SCHOOL: Mandeville, Class of 1999 could say, it’s a kind of a mutu- want to do when you’re done? an awesome job with our boys. al respect, which is important I absolutely love coaching She has and would do anything for team success. and enjoy what I do, so I don’t for our kids, providing them together and we do our best, which is a very precious and Our staff is a true coaching really think about what’s next with whatever they need to be trying to sneak in a date night rewarding thing. family. Just like the musical for me. I’m currently the as- successful. sometime during the week. What is your favorite vacation? group, Sister Sledge, hit the sistant athletic director, so As a coach’s wife, Lauren is Those things are extremely We love family vacations, airwaves back in 1979 with the maybe not in the so distant very, very supportive and un- important to us as a family. especially our numerous visits pop hit, “We Are Family,” the future I might take on that derstanding, which is a must You just have to focus on to the cabins at Pigeon Forge Titans’ football coaching staff, full time. For now, coaching for a coach to be successful. trying to steal time whenever in Tennessee. embodies the words of that is my passion. I enjoy teach- She knew what she was get- and wherever you can get it. When did you first realize you wanted song. We have three coaching ing weightlifting, which also ting into and she’s a real “gam- As a coach, I love Thursday to be a coach? brothers on staff and it just keeps me busy. Down the er.” night games. It’s important While I was attending Man- kind of worked out that way. road, I see myself retired and What kind of things do y’all do when to do early scouting for those deville High when I coached We love working together, still coaching football. you actually have family time? games, which can result in 11-and 12-year-old youth foot- and our players see that we Sunday is our special time some additional family time, ball in Madisonville. I was enjoy being around each oth- ä See JONES, page 32 F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 23 Titans move along with ‘program’ status BY JIM DERRY Staff writer

There is zero room for debate that Lakeshore has established itself as the premier football power in St. Tammany Parish the past three season. In fact, one could argue other than Karr, it could possibly be said the Titans have become the premier football program in the state. They haven’t lost a regular-season game since Week 8 of the 2016 season – a span of 47 months. Lakeshore is 41-4 since that loss, and their last three !! losses have come to Karr in the 4A state title game in 2017, to Neville in the quarterﬁnals in 2018 and to Warren Easton last season in a 64-55 thrilling shootout in the semiﬁnals. FILE PHOTO He won’t take much of the ! ! Lakeshore’s BJ Foster is the key returning starter on offense after !! ! ! ä leading the Titans in several statistical categories in 2019. See TITANS, page 32 ! " ! ! ! ! ! LAKESHORE TITANS ! ! ! " COACH: Craig Jones (eighth junior; DL *Deante Ducre, Sr; younger players mature.” ! " ! season, 61-25) DL Mathew Bromley, Sr; DL — Craig Jones ! 2019 RESULTS: 13-1 overall, Obie Williams, Jr; LB *Devin DERRY’S DIME ! ! 3-0 district (first place), top seed Weilbaecher, Sr; LB Miles Anyone who thinks the Titans ! " in Class 4A playoffs; defeated Stanchec, Sr; LB Antoine are finished because of all the 32nd-seeded Istrouma, 50-0, in Labostrie, sophomore; DB Colby talent they lost doesn’t know first round; defeated 17th-seeded Ziegler, sophomore; DB Everette much about this team. In a !! " ! similar position two seasons Leesville, 41-14, in second round; Cogan, Sr; DB Mike Smith, Jr; DB ! defeated eighth-seeded Bastrop, Luke Horner, sophomore ago, Lakeshore proved they have moved their program into lofty ! ! 57-0, in quarterfinals; lost to SPECIAL TEAMS: K *Megan ! " ! 20th-seeded and eventual state Gettys, junior (field goals and status – along the lines of where ! runner-up Warren Easton, 64-55, extra points); K Zach Dollar, St. Paul’s and Mandeville were just !! !! in semifinals. senior (kickoffs, long field-goal a couple of years ago. PROJECTED STARTERS attempts); P Rhett Kimbell, Where I thought not having * indicates returning starter senior; RET BJ Foster, senior and a tough schedule might have ! been a detriment to their state OFFENSE (4 RETURNING Eli Lirette, sophomore; LS Gavin championship hopes in the past, STARTERS): QB Kempton LeBlanc, junior I think it is a major advantage this Hollingshead, junior; RB Josh Ray, TOUGHEST GAMES: at De La year. That being said, there are few junior; WR *BJ Foster, senior; WR Salle (Oct. 16); vs. Westgate (Oct. gimmes on there, and one can *Rhett Kimbell, senior; WR Eli 30). expect the District 9-4A race to be Lirette, sophomore; WR Jayden COACH SPEAK: “Our 15 seniors tighter this year. McClain, junior; OL *Connor Rich, know the winning formula, having While I think it is less than 50- senior; OL *Ryan Bernard, junior; only suffered three losses since 50 on a fourth straight undefeated OL Jessie Maggio, senior; OL their freshman season. The regular season, there’s no reason Connor Prinzo, senior; OL Giovanni rest of our roster needs to step to have expectations of 7-1 with a Ziegler, senior up quickly to help get the job high seed in the 4A playoffs and DEFENSE (3 RETURNING done. Ultimately, our success another run into December. STARTERS): DL *Gavin LeBlanc, will depend on how quickly our Lineup information gathered by Mike Pervel F F 24 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l pearl river Joe Harris: ‘This is my last year; I’m turning it over to the young guys’

BY JOSEPH HALM They make my job easy. I don’t know Contributing writer how long this is going to last, but they are just incredible. The man who instilled the hard- They buy into what we want to do. nosed, lunch-pail kind of mentality at They’re respectful. They show up. Pearl River has reached the end of his They’ve got good parents. We’ve got coaching road. a good school. To be honest with you, Entering his third season in his sec- I think it might have changed for the ond stint as the director of the Rebels better and not worst. football program, Joe Harris said his I think the kids at Pearl River High 32nd year in coaching will be his last. In School are better than they have ever fact, he told The St. Tammany Farmer been. It’s unbelievable. It’s a great recently, “it’s just time to retire.” place. Coaching first at Pearl River in the What sports did you play in high school? first decade of the century, Harris has We played every sport they had. We seen plenty of changes over the years. didn’t know we had a choice. I don’t His teams are 14-7 over the past two think those coaches gave us a choice, season following a lengthy spell of me- we had to play. I played everything. diocrity-at-best records. Part of his When you’re not coaching, what are you doing success, he will tell you, has been in to relax? part because of an experienced coach- FILE PHOTO I’m pretty boring. The things I like to ing staff, and this team has reached a Joe Harris has been an icon in the Pearl River High sports program, having coached do most — I like to cook. I like to bar- point where they expect to make the becue. I like to have my family over playoffs each season and win a post- at his alma mater since 1989. and sit on the back porch. I coached all season game or two. three of my daughters at Pearl River It’s a blue-collar legacy that brings a Describe your coaching COACHES CORNER older. High School in softball. We’re just a smile to Harris. style. If you surround sports family. When I’m not cooking Many things have changed since his Well, I guess I’m JOE HARRIS yourself with the right or with my family, I’m either fishing or first year of coaching in 1989, but one kind of an old-school AGE: 57 people, it’s easier to let hunting. That’s just about all I do. thing hasn’t: The love the head coach guy. I’ve always been WIFE: Holly (30-plus years) them do their thing be- You coached several sports, is there one that has for his alma mater. A 1981 Pearl a Wing-T kind of foot- CHILDREN: Courtney (30), cause you know they you’ve enjoyed more than others? River graduate, he bleeds red and ball coach. But now, Whitney (28), Katie (22) know what they’re I’m really an old baseball guy. That’s white. I’ve kind of turned it doing. what I played in college. I went into this So who is Joe Harris? He’s an old- over to my two young- What memories stick out to be a baseball coach, and then some- school coach who lives to help his er coordinators that I have, so I’m try- the most over your 30-plus years of coaching? how, it just evolved into football. players grow no matter what the sport. ing to change with the times. We actu- The competition is something that It’s really funny. When I first got the He’s coached baseball, softball, track ally run the spread now. you always remember. head football job back in 2001, every- and even JV basketball, but he built his I guess I’m just trying to keep up with I’ll probably miss being competitive body asked, “Why are they hiring a legacy on his blue-collar work ethic on everybody else. You can’t get stuck in once I retire, but the thing that I’ll re- baseball guy?” Then not too long ago, the gridiron. the past because the game is constant- member the most happened in 1989 we needed a baseball coach, so they How did you begin your coaching career? ly changing, and everyone is getting when I started. This job is all about re- hired me in baseball, and everyone was It’s a combination of my father and a better. You just have to keep adapting lationships. All the relationships that wondering why they hired a football coach I had in high school that inspired as a coach. I’ve got a good young staff you build with the young people in the coach. So, it’s funny how things work me to start coaching. Slidell High coach that knows all this new stuff, so I’m still community. out. Sam Abney was my junior high and changing. Now, those young people from early But football, baseball, softball, it’s high school football/baseball coach. I’m still trying to grow, but mainly, I in my career are fathers, and some of been a lot of fun. I love teaching my He had a (big effect) with me getting just try to keep everybody straight. them are grandfathers, and I’m coach- players how to compete and get better into coaching, and so did my dad. I’d How have you evolved as a coach over the years? ing their kids and their grandkids. I every game. Sports teach you so many say those two guys. Those two got me I’ve just learned to trust the guys think that has had the biggest impact lessons about life that you can use until into this profession, and it’s something working for me a little more. I’ll tell on me. Just being a community guy. you’re old and gray like me. that I’ve loved doing. It was a good you they do the bulk of the scheming, When I’m at a football game and I What’s your advice to someone starting out in choice for me. the film work, all of our strategy, our look up in the stands, and there are 20 coaching? What keeps you coming back after 30-plus playbook. I’m just kind of on the out- more guys that I coached throughout You can’t get into high school teach- years? side looking in because I’m winding the years. That’s probably what I’ll ing and coaching for the money. If mon- I’m coaching in the same place I grew down. miss the most. Pearl River is a special ey is important to you, don’t get into it. up. I played ball at Pearl River High. This is my last year; I’m turning it community, and I’ve been blessed to be But most importantly, you have to pas- I always wanted to come back home over to the young guys. They know a part of it. sion for what you coach. If you just and coach here. It’s just a good place what they’re doing, and our program You mentioned that you’ve changed quite a bit. love the sport you coach and you’re to work. It’s great kids, great coaches, is getting stronger because of them. What changes have you seen in the players from driven to get better, it can be a good great administration. It’s just a perfect That’s how I’ve changed. I’ve been able your first year up until today? career. place to be, so I’ve always enjoyed it. I to relinquish stuff way more than when I’m going to be honest, the kids at Some coaches move up to the next can’t imagine finishing my career any- I was a younger coach. I guess that is Pearl River High School, along with the where but here. I’m truly blessed. just something that comes with getting football players, are incredible kids. ä See HARRIS, page 38 F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 25 Lots of question marks SaintPaul’sSchool Grades 8-12 for shorthanded Rebels Tentative BY JIM DERRY Staff writer Open House The past two years have been a resurgence of sorts for Pearl River, and that can be Saturday, attributed to three things: running back Corey Warren, a really strong, close-knit senior class October31st that graduated this past May and a tough, blue-collar ethic. The question now will be, can the Rebels continue forward 1:00-3:00p.m. with their momentum with just 917S.Jahncke Ave. one of those three things? Usually undersized, but nev- FILE PHOTO BY BILL MCHUGH www.stpauls.com er outworked or out-hustled, Pearl River’s Brayden Bond takes off on a 50-yard reception more bad news for Pearl Riv- against Pine in a non-district victory at Pearl River on Sept. 20, Contact: 892-3200 ext. 1903 or er is they lost two likely vic- 2019. tories with the pandemic, as [email protected] Pope John Paul II and Thomas Jefferson are no longer on the year it will be a bit tougher to running back, wide receiver, for application andadmissions information schedule. That means they’ll do so. defensive back, punter and re- likely have to win at least one They’ll have a rotating quar- turner at times. The primary Successfullyeducation youngmen in district game to get to the play- terback situation, as senior signal caller will be sophomore ChristianBrothers’Lasallian tradition for over 100 years offs. Brayden Bond is back to do just Austin Wadsworth. They are 3-3 in district games about everything for the Reb- SaintPaul’sdoes notdiscriminate on thebasis of race,color,national the past two seasons, but this els, including quarterback, ä See REBELS, page 38 and ethnicorigin in theadministrationoftheir educational policies.

PEARL RIVER REBELS COACH: Joe Harris (third season *Roy Smith, senior; LB *Caleb unquestionably they will have back as Rebels coach, 14-7; 12th Matthews, senior LB Noah to avoid injuries — especially to season overall, 53-56) Hunt, sophomore; LB Gabe key players Brayden Bond, Brian 2019 RESULTS: 6-4 overall, 1-2 Whinnington, sophomore; DB Jenkins and Roy Smith. district (third place), 16th seed *Brayden Bond, senior; DB If do-it-all Bond can give this in Class 4A playoffs; lost to 17th- *Steven Camp, junior; DB Kaileb team a spark, there is hope seeded Leesville, 47-21, in first Rayford, freshman. they can win four games this round. SPECIAL TEAMS: K *Tyler season, which likely would be PROJECTED STARTERS Spiehler, sophomore; P *Brayden good enough for another playoff * indicates returning starter Bond, senior; RET Brayden Bond, appearance. However, it seems OFFENSE (2 RETURNING senior; LS *Roy Smith, senior like it would be optimistic to STARTERS): QB Austin Wadsworth, TOUGHEST GAMES: vs. Albany believe they could host for the sophomore and *Brayden (Oct. 16); vs. Lakeshore (Nov. 13). third consecutive season after PremiumFeeds,Fertilizers, Seed,Tack, Bond, senior; RB Brian Jenkins, COACH SPEAK: “We live by a receiving a 13 seed in 2018 and sophomore; FB/TE Samuel blue-collar approach, and the kids a 16 last season. Hay, Animal Health Products, Fencing, Gentry, senior; WR Kaileb Rayford, have bought into that mentality. It will be key for this team to Hardware,Propane,Hunting Deer Plot, freshman; WR Damionotae Price, Playoffs are the expectation each open 3-1 or better before heading Live Bait,Hydraulic Hoses, junior; WR Isaiah Rushing, senior; year for us. We know we have to into District 9-4A play in Week Canning Supplies OL Brendan Garic, junior; OL replace a lot, but if we take care 6 at home against an improved FFL- Gun Ashton Bernhardt, junior; OL Nick of the games that we’re supposed Salmen team. Dealer Kieff, senior; OL David Hanson, to, we’ll have a chance to host a All that being said, it is tough junior; OL Isaac Rushing, senior; playoff game. We believe we’re a to pick against the Rebels, who OL *Daniel Sinclair, junior. playoff team, and this year is no might just be the hardest-working, DEFENSE (6 RETURNING different.” do-more-with-less team in the STARTERS): DL *Isaiah — Joe Harris parish. And the most fun to watch Rushing, senior; DL Wyatt Yates, DERRY’S DIME if you like hard-nosed, hard-hitting sophomore; DL Chris Smith, It is not uncommon for the football. junior; DL Dakota Pizzuto, junior; Rebels to have as thin a roster Lineup information gathered by Joseph Halm Mon-Fri: 7:30-5 LB *Maurice Gillum, senior; LB as they have this season, so Sat: 7:30-3:30 F F 26 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l salmen

Eric Chuter: ‘Be where your feet are’

BY JOSEPH HALM COACHES CORNER football coach. It’s a decision that Contributing writer I’ve never regretted a day in my ERIC CHUTER life, but that’s the moment my Entering his 28th year of high AGE: 50 coaching career started. school coaching, Salmen coach FAMILY: Married with two kids — a What keeps you coaching? Eric Chuter can’t wait to start Obviously, it’s the kids. Help- the season — just like every oth- 22-year-old son and an 18-year- ing kids mature is number one. er year of his career. But if 2020 old daughter Number two is that the kids will has taught us anything, it is that always keep you on your toes. All nothing is as simple as it seems. coaches are competitive. Every- For 18 years, Chuter roamed and it’s that balance and focus one wants to win, and everyone the sidelines at Salmen as an as- that drives him. wants to help these young men sistant and then as a head coach How did you get into coaching? mature and reach their potential. the past two seasons. Back in 1992, I was about to It’s seeing the hard work that As the seventh head coach in start my student teaching at the kids put into this process that school history, Chuter is truly a Hahnville High School. It was inspires me. Football and coach- “Salmen guy.” He first served around Christmastime, and one ing any sport mean more than as the Spartans’ offensive coor- of my old high school coaches the time on the field or the court. dinator in 1998 and 1999 before (Lou Valdin) was the head foot- It’s about the preparation, over- spending three years as Han- ball coach. I thought I’d give him coming obstacles that the fans nan’s head football coach. But he a call to tell him that I was going don’t see and growing as a team returned to south Slidell in 2005 to be there and to say hi. and a person. for good because a Salmen guy When I called him, his re- How have you been able to keep a life will always find his way home. sponse to me was, “Well, you’re balance in 28 years of coaching? But who is Eric Chuter? Most- coaching with us, right?” And A great piece of advice that ly, he’s a family man who lives by I said, “Yeah, I guess so,” and I heard a long time ago is “Be a simple motto: Be where your here I am 28 years later. I guess where your feet are.” What that FILE PHOTO feet are. Those five words guide he saw something in me I didn’t Salmen coach Eric Chuter shouts instructions during the Spartans’ nearly every aspect of his life, know, and that I would become a ä See CHUTER, page 34 Class 4A playoff game on 15, 2019.

SALMEN SPARTANS COACH: Eric Chuter (third season at Salmen, that we had last year. 4-17); sixth overall as a head coach with three “We won three ballgames last year, and we were seasons at Hannan (14-36) in a few other ballgames that we didn’t make the 2019 RESULTS: 3-8 overall, 0-3 district (fourth plays that were necessary to win those games, so place), 28th seed in Class 4A playoffs; lost to what we’re trying to do is tidy that up and make fifth-seeded Carencro, 41-7, in first round. those plays that will get us some close wins.” PROJECTED STARTERS — Eric Chuter * indicates returning starter DERRY’S DIME OFFENSE (7 RETURNING STARTERS): QB *Jack This team is one of the toughest to read in Gillikin, junior; RB *Karl Owens, senior; RB Issac the parish. While they lost a big-time playmaker, Casnave, sophomore; WR *Corey Wood, senior; something tells me they will be much more WR *Jaylan Scott, senior; WR Tristen Pugmire, competitive and will improve on their record once FILE PHOTO junior; OL *Michael Lear, junior; OL *Marcus again. Salmen’s Jack Gillikin carries the ball in a Class 4A playoff game at Brito, senior; *OL Kyren Ward, senior, OL Corey With an experienced coach in Chuter and one Carencro on Nov. 15, 2019. Robinson, junior; OL Christopher Coste, junior that has been at a place as long as he has, no DEFENSE (5 RETURNING STARTERS): DL question stability will play a factor in the race. (Of *Kyran Doyle, junior; DL Corey Robinson, junior; course, Lakeshore and Pearl River also have had Marco gone, but future still bright DL Christopher Coste, junior; LB *Karl Simmons, their coaches in the same place for quite some BY JIM DERRY is now at Northwest Missouri senior, LB *Ethan Steevens, junior; LB Gavin time.) But it’s more than that. Salmen is one of Staff writer State, and the big question will Galiano, senior; DB *Bryant Bray, senior, *DB the hardest-working teams around, and it only be how to replace those yards. Brandon Acker, junior, DB Jack Robertson, junior; makes sense they will be better. The good news for Salmen The player he split time with at DB Aldo Johnson, senior, DB Corey Wood, senior What will be key is to fare well in nondistrict this season is that they return 12 quarterback, Jack Gillikin, is back SPECIAL TEAMS: starters from a team that clear- and he comes off a season in K/P Tristen Pugmire, junior; LS games and to get off to a fast start. They have an ly was better than it was in 2018. which he passed for 532 yards. Karl Simmons, senior excellent shot to be 3-0 with games against Belle The bad news is one of those not The other player Marco split TOUGHEST GAMES: vs. Belle Chasse (Oct. 2); at Chasse, Kenner Discovery and a down Loranger returning was one of St. Tamma- time with — at running back — Lakeshore (Nov. 20). team. If they can do that, and find another two ny Parish’s top playmakers in is Karl Owens, and he returns off a COACH SPEAK: “Every year, you want to be the victories, a home playoff game is not out of the three-year starter Mikell Marco. 369-yard campaign. Marco (1,500 yards rushing best that you can be, but realistically, what we’re question for this young team. with 18 touchdowns last year) ä See SPARTANS, page 34 trying to do is build on some of the successes Lineup information collected by Joseph Halm F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 27 % # $

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*/ ) /'/ -*/ './ - - '( F F 28 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l hannan Corey Bordelon: ‘You can’t take anything for granted’

BY JIM DERRY Staff writer

Corey Bordelon has been here before. Hannan had been a steady program as the only Catholic school in St. Bernard Parish, and it turned to Bordelon to continue that recent tradition. Then came Hurricane Katrina, and by the time the 2006 season came, their roster had shrunk from 65 to fewer than 20. Playing in Class 1A but with an in- dependent schedule, Bordelon led the Hawks to a much better-than-expected season, and the high point clearly was a 34-14 victory over parish-rival Chal- mette at Strawberry Stadium. In fact, the team won its final three games of the season to finish 3-4. He, and his wife Amanda, who was the school’s girls basketball coach, left the next April, and it took 13 years for Bordelon to get another shot as a head coach. It just so happened to be with his former employer, having moved several years ago from Meraux to Goodbee. Just who is Corey Bordelon, and what made the son of an oyster fisherman want to be a football coach? How tough is it for coaches to find family time, and how do you go about doing that? I think the No. 1 thing is you have to marry the right person. People joke about having a coach’s wife, but that has to be part of the decision. I was extremely fortunate. Amanda was a college basketball player and a high school coach, so she understood the way things were going to be. She has been 100% in FILE PHOTO support of me being a coach as a head Mandeville assistant coach Corey Bordelon chats with his offensive line during a scrimmage against Shaw on Thursday at coach or an assistant, and she does an absolutely phenomenal job of getting Mandeville in 2015. the girls here, so when I am off and she can be here, she is. … She tries to work COACHES CORNER teachers. Woody Lopez is a name that coordinator at Hannan in 2005 and cur- our family’s schedule around what I do, is pretty synonymous with St. Bernard rent Chalmette coach) Jason Tucker. for which I am extremely fortunate and COREY BORDELON Parish. We learned never to take any- Both of those guys were big influences very very blessed. AGE: 43 thing for granted. on me. What kind of things do y’all do when you actually WIFE: Amanda How does an oyster fisherman’s son become a I had a phenomenal senior class that have family time? coach? year — we had a 65-man roster and a re- We’re all homebodies, and we enjoy CHILDREN: Samantha (7), Amelia (2) Uhh, not wanting to be on that boat ally big, experienced senior class. I felt being at the house, hanging out and HIGH SCHOOL: St. Bernard High (now anymore. We drudged oysters all the as if we were going to have a really good grilling. During the year, we’re just defunct), Class of 1995 way from when I was a little kid to when ballclub. Of course, we play the jambo- typical Louisianians. Crawfish season, I got married. I worked with my father ree against Shaw, and the very next day we boil crawfish. We boiled shrimp yes- on weekends and on breaks, and I paid Katrina came through, and that set us terday. Any chance we get to hang out days and growing up in that area? my own bills and put myself through all over the place. That led to that 2006 with family or have family around, we Just good people. A lot of us work hard college (at Southeastern Louisiana) on team that in my mind was the most fun I love to cook out, whether it’s grilling or for a living, learning what it is like to an oyster boat. have ever had coaching football. smoking or boiling. That’s what we en- make a dollar, the importance of work If I wasn’t in school, I was on a boat. Eighteen kids, and I still talk to a lot joy to do. There isn’t much else; a little ethic and being on time and that sort of You have had an interesting 15 years or so. For of those guys. That group of kids were boring, really. thing. I got a lot of that from my father, people who don’t know, you were the Hannan coach absolutely amazing. What they did that What was your last vacation? who was an oyster fisherman, so I grew when Katrina hit, like (current Pearl River defensive year with all of those guys playing in all I can’t remember one. Amanda is from up doing that my entire life. I learned to coordinator) Mike LaBourdette was at St. Bernard three phases of the game, never coming the Midwest, so we travel to Indiana ev- put in a day’s work early on. High, and both of your careers took a long turn after off the field, and that was just a great ery year for Christmas and the Fourth That whole area was that way — all of the storm. Just talk about how 2005 impacted your season. of July, and it’s beautiful country up St. Bernard Parish. I had a great head life and your coaching career. Unfortunately things didn’t work out there. Outside of that, we’re more stay- coach in Tom Alef (now athletic direc- I loved being there. I loved my staff. for us here at the school, but everything cation type of people. tor at Shaw) — he was a great guy and a I worked with (current dean of students happens for a reason, and I feel like it Going to St. Bernard High, what do big influence on all of us as young kids. at Ascension Episcopal and former Han- you remember most about your playing I was very fortunate with really good nan coach) Chris Dardar and (defensive ä See BORDELON, page 38 F F 29 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l

HANNAN HAWKS COACH: Corey Bordelon (third LB Patrick Rist, senior; LB Grayson same direction, challenging one season at Hannan, but first since Pennison, junior; DB *Bryce another, working one another to 2006, 3-4; fourth season overall Gregoire, senior; DB Jacob Billiot, their absolute potential, we’ll be with one year as De La Salle head senior; DB Braden Neal, junior; really good. I feel we have made coach, 8-9) DB *Joseph DiFranco, senior; DB some really good strides in that 2019 RESULTS: 4-7 overall, 3-1 Kevin Carlton, senior. development.” district (tied for second place), 6th SPECIAL TEAMS: K/P James — Corey Bordelon seed in Division II playoffs; lost to Pham, junior; RET Likely *Bryce DERRY’S DIME 11th-seeded Vandebilt Catholic in Gregoire, senior or *Cade With a new coach, plenty of the second round, 21-14. Ontiveros, senior; LS Likely Billy returning talent, but also some PROJECTED STARTERS Colomb, sophomore or Caden inexperience mixed in at key FILE PHOTO * indicates returning starter Fontenot, sophomore places, this is one of the more Hannan’s Jake Dalmado provided most of the offense for the OFFENSE (8 RETURNING TOUGHEST GAMES: vs. interesting teams in St. Tammany. host Hawks in a Division II first-round playoff game, but it wasn’t STARTERS): QB *Cory Robinson, Mandeville (Oct. 2); at Lakeshore The Hawks’ schedule leads me enough as they fell to Vandebilt Catholic on Nov. 15, 2019. senior (started at DB last season); (Oct. 23); vs. Loranger (Nov. 13). to believe their record could be RB *Jake Dalmado, senior; RB COACH SPEAK: “The first thing we similar to 2019, but the final four Jake Dalmado, Wyatt Coffey *Spencer Georges, senior; WR talked about was it’s not about me games will tell the story. Billy Colomb, sophomore; WR or any other coach; it’s about us There’s no reason to think they once again to lead Hawks *Cade Ontiveros, senior; WR and the boys and their ownership. can’t run the table in district Peyton Allen, junior; OL *Benjamin Every day we work on the fact their play, get a nice seed in Division BY JIM DERRY was hired away from his gig Bonnaffee, senior; OL *Jason leadership is their ownership — II and host a first-round playoff Staff writer as Northshore offensive coor- Guy, junior; OL Beau Armstrong, from the youngest to the oldest game. With a win there and a dinator to once again lead the When Scott Wattigny announced Hawks in 2020. sophomore; OL *Jacob Vitter, and from the best to the one who trip to the quarterfinals, that his departure to Catholic of New Bordelon, 43, says he is “ex- junior; OL *Patrick Labbe, senior needs the most development. would obviously signal success in Iberia earlier this year, Hannan cited every day” to be back at DEFENSE (5 RETURNING “It’s their team, not my team. Bordelon’s first year back. turned to a familiar face. Hannan and to get a second STARTERS): DL *Cullen Jenkins, I am simply here guiding and Expect huge seasons from Corey Bordelon, who was an chance at a place he always assistant at the school in the hoped to come back to. senior; DL Dalton Arcement, facilitating. Right now we have seniors Jake Dalmado and Wyatt early and mid-2000s and then senior; DL *Mark Pennison, 55 on the varsity, and when we Coffey — two potential All-State head coach in 2005 and 2006, ä See HAWKS, page 38 senior; LB *Wyatt Coffey, senior; have 55 dudes pulling in the players.

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P. O. Box 1540 •Mandeville, Louisiana 70470 985-892-5274 •Fax 985-892-1881 • Website: www.parishconcrete.net F F 30 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l northlake christian Ex-NFL linebacker ‘a perfect fit’ James Willis: for Northlake Christian BY JIM DERRY ans was when I was recruiting a little bit Staff writer — it wasn’t my area; my area was Baton Rouge. Any player who was a defensive It has been an interesting road to North- player, I would come and see, so I had a lake Christian for James Willis. few chances to come here. But beside A fifth-round pick of the Green Bay that, the only time I was in New Orleans Packers in 1993 out of Auburn, the line- was I think when I was with the Packers, backer spent parts of seven seasons in we had a couple exhibition games here the NFL. He followed that up by getting with the Saints, and that was it. into coaching at in the Northeast and re- What was it like for you moving here? maining in college football for a decade, It was great. My first Louisiana experi- including stints at Auburn, Alabama and ence was in Lafayette, which is a wonder- as defensive coordinator at Louisiana-La- ful area. Being introduced to Louisiana fayette. there — it did it for me. That’s a place I He ended up in the New Orleans area, think I could go back and retire and settle coaching as an assistant for the Saints, down there. before taking some time off and then Over here on the North Shore has been making his way to St. Tammany Parish. great, as well. You have the feel of being Willis and his family have come to love in New Orleans and being away from peo- it here, and he says he especially appre- ple a little bit, all at the same time. Get a ciates the small-school vibe of Northlake, little bit of country here, a little bit of city. where he gets to see his youngest kids I love it all. each day. FILE PHOTO What is the biggest difference between coaching And with a roster about one-third or Northlake Christian coach James Willis spent a decade coaching in college, in college and the pros and coaching kids in high less of the size of a college roster, he is school? getting down to his coaching roots, fig- including as defensive coordinator at UL-Lafayette. It’s what you can give them. The thing uring out how to do more with less, but about the NFL is a player has to know you enjoying one on one time with individual That was to the beach Island and went to can give them something that is going to players. last year. We weren’t COACHES CORNER Temple, then to back help them achieve a fruitful career, put Who is James Willis, though? How has able to get away this to Auburn for 4 years. them in the Pro Bowl, something that is his family played a role in his life, and year with all the stuff JAMES WILLIS Went from Auburn to going to make it worth their while. In col- what does he like most about being a high going on, but I am plan- AGE: 48 Alabama to Texas Tech lege, you’re not only trying to help them school coach? ning a staycation here WIFE: Shalane to the USFL (Birming- get to the next level, but you are trying to Most coaches express how much family means to before we kick off. ham) to get some pro help boys grow into young men. That is them and how this would be a really tough, lonely job What is your normal school CHILDREN: Jade (24), Jalen (20), experience. And from a huge time in a young man’s life, as far without family support. I would imagine it is the same day like? Jordan (12), Jocelyn (8) there I went from La- as maturity — going from high school to for you? I coach PE, and I sub- HIGH SCHOOL: J.O. Johnson High fayette to the Saints. the next level. It is very important. Since I was grow- stitute on campus. I’m School in Huntsville, Ala., Class of And those times, In high school, it is a little different, of ing up it has been extremely important. that utility tool that is 1990 all these remarkable course because of the age difference, but We were a tight-knit family with just my doing plenty of differ- coaches and great ex- these kids hold on to everything you give sister, myself and my mom growing up, ent things. I wear a lot amples, it taught me a them. They’re hungry, they’re thirsty, and all I ever wanted to do was become a of hats. I come in the morning, and right lot. Not just about Xs and Os, but how to they’re like a sponge waiting and willing father and a husband. now I have the same routine as everyone manage and how to recruit. to soak everything up. Football coaches spend more times working than else. We’re checking temperatures and I was with the Saints for 3 years. It was What led you to Northlake? most people. How have you been able to make time following protocols as soon as the kids get awesome. I think because of my travels My time with the Saints and the people I for your family? there, and I get to see just about every kid and the timing of things, my most unusu- was associated with there. A lot of people It was a blessing from God. I had been in the school in the mornings — not just al experience in coaching was my first there had associations with people here. on the college and NFL level for so long, my players but every student. year sitting in a draft room and going We have been living on the North Shore and I missed a lot. I really did. A lot of You have an interesting professional background in through college players and evaluating. for 3 years, and I didn’t even realize my places I worked, we were able to bring coaching. Talk about those days a little bit, especially I was evaluating players who I recruited son had been playing ball there. One day our kids to the office, and they could play at Lafayette and with the Saints. coming out of high school — kids I had I got a call asking me if I was interested on the field — not every place was like When I finished my playing career in seen from the ninth grade going all the in coaching high school football. I said I that — but I have an opportunity here at the NFL, I went back and got my degree way through. would be interested in talking about it. this school, a K through 12 school, my because I came out (of college) early. I What was the top moment of your playing career? I went to Northlake and started visiting, daughter comes here and my son is at didn’t go back to be a coach — I love foot- Every Iron Bowl (Auburn vs. Alabama). and before I knew it, I saw this kid and my school. ball — but I didn’t really aspire to be a They (Alabama) beat us every time we that kid and this family, and I didn’t know I get to see them throughout the day, coach. I was just trying to get my degree played them in my playing career, but I had been among this school’s family the we go to worship together, we do devo- and start my life with my family. as a coach, I was undefeated in the Iron entire time — and it is a family here. It tion together, sometimes I can see them But when I got there (at Auburn), it Bowl on both sides. Those were the best was a perfect fit. at lunch, so it is a lot different now. kind of just happened. One of the coaches games of my life. Any idea how long you want to do this or what you Last year, which was my first year at asked me to come out one day and watch Of course, at Philadelphia, every play- might do afterward? Northlake, my daughter’s classroom was practice. Next day, he asked me to sit in er has their 15 minutes of fame, and that I can’t see myself stopping; I just can’t. literally right across the hall from my of- the meeting room and see how things was mine: picking off (former Dallas I think this is what I am good at, and I fice. That was special. We ride to school went, and the next thing you know I was Cowboys quarterback) Troy Aikman (for think I am in a place God put me. This together in the mornings, and we come there every day. So the coaching thing a game-sealing win in 1996). isn’t about just doing something well, but home together. We actually have time to just happened. Had you spent any time in the New Orleans area to be able to give to others. Hopefully, I talk. I left Auburn and went to Rhode Island before working for the Saints? can lead some kids to Christ at the same What was the last vacation y’all were able to go on? for my first full-time job. I left Rhode The only time I had been to New Orle- time. F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 31 Another step in the right direction? NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN WOLVERINES COACH: James Willis (second season, “We ended last season with just BY JIM DERRY 5-6) 27 players. We are happy about the Staff writer 2019 RESULTS: 5-6 overall, 2-1 numbers, which gives us more depth With a larger roster and a highly promis- district (second place), 11th seed in and flexibility. We will have some kids, ing underclass, Northlake Christian enters the Division III playoffs; lost to sixth- playing on both sides of the ball, the second season of Coach James Willis‘ reign seeded Episcopal, 51-0, in the first but we want to maximize our roster, with a very bright future. round. helping to limit their snaps. That added It is unclear how that will affect upcom- NOTE: Coach Willis did not want to list depth should help make us fresher ing campaign, but if one were to base a prediction off of last year’s results, it would be projected starters due to uncertainty. and stronger during the game.” tough to bet against the Wolverines. TOUGHEST GAMES: at Pearl River — James Willis Not expected to do much in 2019 with a 27- (Oct. 23); vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Nov. DERRY’S DIME man roster by the end of the season, North- 6). This certainly is a tough team to lake won five games. It was a new mindset FILE PHOTO COACH SPEAK: “This summer was predict. The Wolverines certainly could offered by a seven-year NFL veteran and longtime college/NFL coach who knows a Northlake Christian’s Kyren Ross finds some hard. When the quarantine first hit, be 4-2, or at least 3-3, heading into little something about football. running room during a nondistrict home everyone was on an even playing field. district play, which likely could look a This season, that roster size is up to 47, al- game against Haynes on Oct. 18, 2019. We all had to quarantine, and no one lot like last year. though the question will be how many new could work out together. We started If they can figure things out at faces will see the field in 2020. least 20 big bodies. It is a wonderful thing. using that time to train correctly, as the quarterback position early and Junior quarterback Gabe Smith, who started Even though we have kids playing both a few games last season, and Hannan senior ways, they won’t be doing so the whole far as being accountable and being get some playmakers to step up, transfer Brantley Taylor, are “in a healthy com- game.” simple. We would check up on them grabbing five wins, especially in this petition” for the starting spot with accord- Seniors Justin Perritt, Nate Mitchell and Joshua periodically with phone meetings and short season, that would be quite an ing to Willis, and the Wolverines will have Dufour return on the line. Zoom meetings. accomplishment and a nice stepping to find a replacement for playmaker Blain “Our main objective is to continue to de- “We just wanted to stay focused on stone for a team that appears to be Gros. Kyren Ross and Jackson Picone will try to fill velop our youth, and we are going to maxi- that role. mize our roster,” Willis said. the season coming back, because we getting back to the Northlake teams “I feel good about our running backs right The linebacking corps could be the knew at some point it would be back. of old. now,” Willis said. “Also our tight ends, and strength of the Northlake defense. Justin Our goal was that when it did come The defense will have to make sure we still have two spots to fill in on the of- Diggs, Michael Swan and Picone “are the heart back, we would be ready. We weren’t they stay in close games, and then see fensive line. We only had six total offensive and soul of our defense,” Willis said, and he sitting and waiting around to figure what happens from there. Even without linemen last year, and they played both is still trying to figure out who the rush ends ways. It was a challenge every week. will be. out what we would do when it came some of the seniors from last season, “I look over there now, and there are at Mike Pervel contributed to this report. back. … this appears to be an improved team.

ExpireExpiress8 8/21/21/21/19

www.JA-Roy.com F F 32 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l

the game. Do you cook? JONES Do you follow college or pro football? I love to cook. My favorite Continued from page 22 I’m more of a college fan. dish is pastalaya (jambalaya Madisonville backs local teams Even though I graduated from with pasta instead of rice). It’s Southeastern, I follow and root a solid 10. My kids like my roast Describe yourself as a Mandeville for the LSU Tigers. I really beef, prepared with lots of gar- football player? think the Tigers made a great lic. Playing middle linebacker, hire, signing coach Ed Orgeron, Favorite food? starting my junior and senior to guide the program. He’s the My go-to dish is a medium years, I’d say I was a guy who right guy at the right time, and steak. game planned intensely. I is a perfect ﬁt. What do you like to do with your limited needed to know our opponents’ I follow the Saints a bit. My time off? Tchefuncte AceHardware strengths and weaknesses, favorite current Saint is offen- I like reading a book, maybe 408 CovingtonStreetMadisonville,LA70447 looking for ways to attack sive tackle, Ryan Ramczyk. My history or Greek mythology. those deficiencies. I wanted favorite former Black and Gold Any nicknames? 985-845-1017 to take advantage of those player is wide receiver Eric None that I’m aware of or in- Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-6, things. I was a real student of Martin. terested in ﬁnding out about. Sat. 8-5, Sun.10-3

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Their toughest game likely will yards and two touchdowns. JerroldA.Rabalais TITANS be a Week 3 matchup against To assist are two returning FinancialAdvisor Continued from page 23 the defending Division II state receivers including big-time 209 West Hwy 22 Suite H runners-up, De La Salle, but if playmaker BJ Foster, who led the Madisonville, LA 70447 Las Vegas made lines on high Titans in receptions (30), receiv- 985-845-1072 credit, but so much that suc- school games, they would have ing yards (646) and touchdowns cess is all under the direction to be considered prohibitive fa- (10) and was second in yards www.edwardjones.com of eighth-year head coach Craig vorites in all the others except per reception. Rhett Kimbell, who Jones. possibly Westgate in Week 5. had 11 catches for 188 yards He’ll have to do his best job to Two players return on the of- and a score, also is a returning keep the streak of back-to-back- fensive line, including the last starter. to-back runs to the quarterﬁnals of the Bernards at Lakeshore – On defense, Devin Weilbacher is or better rolling. No team lost Ryan Bernard (6-3, 260). His broth- a potential All-State player at more talent or more senior leaders Jacob, a speedy athlete, and linebacker. He led the Titans ership than the Titans did from Zack, a dominating defensive in assisted tackles (34), had 50 charlesb. the 2019 squad. lineman, both were All-Staters. total tackles with three sacks, a Gone is Gatorade State Player Senior Connor Rich also is back, forced fumble and recovery. He foy, jr., dds of the Year Christian Westcott. Gone and was a big part of the dom- also had an interception. Guilding youtobetter health are most of the offensive play- ination the Titans had up front Most of the remainder of the Master Academy of GeneralDentistry makers. Gone are eight starters last year. defense is young, but Jones Charles B. Foy,JR., DDS on defense. They will be blocking for does have two others returning Madisonville, LA 70447 – both on the defensive line – in 400PineStreet •POBox 10 •Madisonville, LA 70447 All that being said, Lakeshore a new quarterback in junior still must be considered the Kempton Hollingshead and junior junior Gavin LeBlanc and senior 985-845-8042 favorite in District 9-4A and running back Josh Ray, who saw a Deante Ducre. 98www.foyfamilydentistry.com5.845.8042 www.foyfamilydentistry.com have a chance to keep the regu- decent amount of playing time Mike Pervel contributed to lar-season winning streak going. in mop-up time, rushing for 214 this report. F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 33 F F 34 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l

simple, and it’s served me well that battle cry of us against the This season is a little differ- it’s a process that you embrace CHUTER throughout my career. world. It’s a special place, and ent, so I have a two-part answer every year. If you’re a football Continued from page 26 When you took over the head coaching it makes you a stronger person. to your question. coach, you are two things — position, you said you were “a Salmen I’m proud of what this school What you look forward to competitive and willing to face guy.” What does it mean to be a Salmen has done for me and for each when you’re starting a season a challenge. At the beginning of means is that a lot of coaches guy? and every student. I feel like it’s normally is all the prep work a season, you get to test those take their work home with them I’ve been here long enough changed a lot of lives, and I’m and getting to see it pay off. A two things for the first time. to the dinner table. that I believe I can say that. All proud to be just a small part of football season is not born over- That’s part of what makes it ex- If their kid has something the history and the traditions of that. night. Football starts in January. citing. going on instead of being there the program, I believe in those What do you do in your spare time? It starts with planning with the This year — the Part B to my with their kid, they’re not there things. It’s funny to think about when coaches, weightlifting and con- answer — is just finally getting mentally. I just took that ad- The marker for Salmen foot- I’m not coaching, because these ditioning kids. Typically, you get out there. Finally, we get to play vice to heart, and I’ve always ball is 2005, the Katrina year. days I get to school at 6:45 a.m. to spring football, and you see a game. It just seems like for been where my feet are. If I’m That is kind of what separates and I leave school at 7:45 at what kids you have, and then a long time that the goal posts home, I’m dad, and I’m a hus- past Salmen glories to the new night. There’s just not time to you start to put the puzzle to- kept moving on us. We knew we band. Now, my kids are older. Salmen achievements because do much else other than trying gether. So as you’re kicking the were going to play, but we didn’t The demands on my time for we were knocked on our knees. to get your football team ready. season off, you hope you put the know when or how. So we just them is not as much. But when That happened to be my first I do enjoy spending time with right pieces in the right place. kept preparing, and now there they were younger, when I was year back at Salmen, in 2005. my family. My family is very And you can’t be satisfied is a light at the end of the tunnel home, I was there for them. I think everybody had op- important to me. My extended with saying “this is what the for the prep stage. That’s important. portunities everywhere, but I family also. If there is anything team looks like,” you have to be Now, you can kind of get ex- My family is very important decided, along with some other that this COVID shutdown has willing to move pieces around cited about the high school foot- to me, and I’ve always tried to coaches, that I wanted to stay, shown us is that a lot of things and try to find the best fit for ball season because you realize be there for them as much as I and I wanted to rebuild some- are replaceable, but your rela- your football team. So that chal- that it’s here. I think the kids could. I didn’t bring my work thing special. When I say, I’m tionships with folks aren’t. lenge, I enjoy that challenge. I are very excited too. This was home with me. When I was a Salmen guy, that’s what it You can’t take that time for think every coach that coaches a long, winding road, but it has at work, I worked my tail off means. I really can’t see my- granted. It’s something to be en- football enjoys the challenge of been worth it. The kids will get for my players. That’s never self coaching at any other high joyed and nurtured. It’s some- trying to find solutions to prob- to play the game they love, and changed, and it’s never going school in Slidell or, for that thing that you can’t replace. It’s lems. we, as coaches, will get to coach. to change. With any profession, matter, in the state of Louisi- something that you can’t get Sometimes you don’t have You can’t ask for anything more I think it’s great advice to be ana. Salmen, to me, is a special back. That’s been the biggest those solutions readily avail- than that, especially given how where your feet are. place. It’s a microcosm of how lesson for me personally. With- able, so you have to find new hard the players have worked to You have to have balance in the world should be. out good, strong relationships solutions, whether that is with get to this point. your life and on the football field We’ve always had an attitude with your friends and family, personnel or scheme. Creating Every football player and because when you don’t have at Salmen on the south side of nothing else matters. the best football team that your coach has worked to get to open- that, a lot of different things Slidell that it was kind of us What do you look forward to the most players and coaches can build ing night, so that is the payoff can go wrong. It’s something so against the world. We still have at the beginning of a season? is a never-ending process, and for all our hard work. SPARTANS Continued from page 26

Third-year coach Eric Chuter also will have two returning receivers, which should help sta- bilize an offense that scored 27 or more points in four games last season, including in a 41-9 Land Surveys victory over Kenner Discovery Individual lots,subdivisions in Week 4. Jaylan Scott (20 catches, 268 yards) is back, as is Corey Wood or acreage (nine catches, 177 yards). Three offensive linemen also TopographicSurveys return, including two 300-pound- ers in junior Michael Lear (5-11, FEMA ElevationCertificates 305) and senior Marcus Brito (6-1, 310). Kyren Ward is back, as well. CuC llvertDData The defense will be led by senior linebacker Karl Simmons, State-of-the-artlaser measurements who is coming off a 61-tackle with satellite data campaign, in which he added 2.5 sacks and four quarterback pres- Pricing packages designed to fit your budget sures with a forced fumble. Also returning at the position is junior CONTACTUSFOR AFREEQUOTE Ethan Steevens. There are three juniors on the defensive line, and return- Like us on ing run-stuffer Kyran Doyle is one of them. The other starters are expected to be Corey Robinson and 518N.COLUMBIA ST.COVINGTON,LA Christopher Coste. Senior Bryant Bray and junior Bran- (985)892-6277(985) 898-0355 FAX don Acker are the two returners in the secondary. [email protected] Joseph Halm contributed to this report. F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 35 ST. TAMMANY PARISH 2020 PREP FOOTBALL SCHEDULES DISTRICT 6-5A *Oct. 9 | at Northshore ST. PAUL’S WOLVES Oct. 2 | at Pine *Oct. 30 | vs. Bogalusa Oct. 9 | vs. Springfield COVINGTON LIONS *Oct. 16 | vs. Slidell Home games in bold. District 6-5A *Nov. 6 | at Jewel Sumner *Oct. 23 | vs. Ponchatoula games marked with an asterisk. All Oct. 16 | vs. Albany *Nov. 13 | vs. Loranger Home games in bold. District 6-5A *Oct. 30 | at Fontainebleau Oct. 23 | vs. Northlake Christian *Nov. 20 | at Albany games marked with an asterisk. All games at 7 p.m. *Nov. 6 | vs. St. Paul’s Oct. 2 | vs. Destrehan Oct. 30 | Open date games at 7 p.m. *Nov. 13 | at Hammond *Nov. 6 | vs. Salmen DISTRICT 9-2A Oct. 2 | vs. Dutchtown *Oct. 9 | at Slidell *Nov. 20 | vs. Covington *Oct. 16 | vs. Hammond *Nov. 13 | vs. Lakeshore NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN *Oct. 9 | vs. Ponchatoula *Nov. 20 | at Franklinton WOLVERINES *Oct. 16 | at Fontainebleau NORTHSHORE PANTHERS *Oct. 23 | at Covington Home games in bold. District 9-2A *Oct. 23 | vs. St. Paul’s Home games in bold. District 6-5A *Oct. 30 | vs. Northshore SALMEN SPARTANS games marked with an asterisk. All *Oct. 30 | at Hammond games marked with an asterisk. All *Nov. 6 | at Mandeville Home games in bold. District 9-4A games at 7 p.m. *Nov. 6 | at Slidell games at 7 p.m. *Nov. 13 | vs. Ponchatoula games marked with an asterisk. All Oct. 2 | vs. Cohen *Nov. 13 | vs. Northshore *Nov. 20 | at Fontainebleau games at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 | vs. Lakeshore Oct. 9 | vs. Independence *Nov. 20 | at Mandeville Oct. 2 | vs. Belle Chasse *Oct. 9 | vs. Mandeville DISTRICT 9-4A Oct. 16 | at Pine FONTAINEBLEAU BULLDOGS *Oct. 16 | at Ponchatoula Oct. 9 | vs. Kenner Discovery at Muss LAKESHORE TITANS Bertolino Oct. 23 | at Pearl River Home games in bold. District 6-5A *Oct. 23 | vs. Fontainebleau Oct. 30 | at Haynes Home games in bold. District 9-4A Oct. 16 | vs. Loranger games marked with an asterisk. All *Oct. 30 | at St. Paul’s *Nov. 6 | vs. St. Thomas Aquinas *Nov. 6 | vs. Hammond games marked with an asterisk. All Oct. 23 | at West St. John games at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 | vs. McDonogh 35 *Nov. 13 | vs. Pope John Paul II Oct. 2 | at Walker *Nov. 13 | at Covington games at 7 p.m. *Nov. 20 | at Springfield *Nov. 20 | at Slidell Oct. 2 | at Northshore *Nov. 6 | at Pearl River *Oct. 9 | at Hammond *Nov. 13 | vs. Franklinton POPE JOHN PAUL II JAGUARS *Oct. 16 | vs. Covington Oct. 9 | TBD, Open date SLIDELL TIGERS Oct. 15 | vs. De La Salle at *Nov. 20 | at Lakeshore Home games in bold. District 9-2A *Oct. 23 | at Northshore Home games in bold. District 6-5A *Oct. 30 | vs. Mandeville Strawberry Stadium in Hammond games marked with an asterisk. All games marked with an asterisk. All DISTRICT 8-3A *Nov. 6 | at Ponchatoula Oct. 23 | vs. Hannan games at 7 p.m. games at 7 p.m. HANNAN HAWKS *Nov. 13 | vs. Slidell Oct. 30 | vs. Westgate Oct. 2 | vs. Thomas Jefferson Oct. 2 | at St. Charles *Nov. 20 | vs. St. Paul’s *Nov. 6 | at Franklinton Home games in bold. District 7-3A Oct. 9 | at Episcopal *Oct. 9 | vs. St. Paul’s *Nov. 13 | at Pearl River games marked with an asterisk. All Oct. 16 | vs. Central Private MANDEVILLE SKIPPERS *Oct. 16 | at Mandeville *Nov. 20 | vs. Salmen games at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 | vs. Haynes Home games in bold. District 6-5A *Oct. 23 | vs. Hammond Oct. 2 or Oct. 3 | vs. Mandeville at Oct. 30 | vs. Kenner Discovery at games marked with an asterisk. All *Oct. 30 | at Ponchatoula PEARL RIVER REBELS Strawberry Stadium in Hammond Muss Bertolino games at 7 p.m. *Nov. 6 | vs. Covington Home games in bold. District 9-4A Oct. 9 | at Dunham *Nov. 6 | vs. Springfield Oct. 2 or Oct. 3| vs. Hannan at *Nov. 13 | at Fontainebleau games marked with an asterisk. All Oct. 16 | vs. St. Michael *Nov. 13 | at Northlake Christian Strawberry Stadium in Hammond *Nov. 20 | vs. Northshore games at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 | at Lakeshore *Nov. 20 | at St. Thomas Aquinas F F 36 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l pope john paul II Charlie Cryer: ‘I always thought I would be back’

BY JIM DERRY Staff writer

It’s hard to even imagine what Pope John Paul II’s Charlie Cryer went through during the 2019 football season, and it has absolutely nothing to do with their 1-8-1 record. In the spring of last year, as the Jaguars had begun to look toward a new season, Cryer was diagnosed with nonalcoholic cirrhosis of the liver and by Sep- tember, he was placed on a waiting list for a transplant. The 31-year coach and former LSU football Tiger was facing — by far — the toughest challenge of his life. Of course, watching from a press box or an end zone was just as tough for him. It’s all he has ever really known. (Although it did help that his son Chris did a great job taking over for him COACHES CORNER throughout the season.) CHARLIE CRYER Charlie has made FILE PHOTO AGE: 58 it through with flying Charlie Cryer won the 2003 Class 1A state championship as coach of Vermilion Catholic. WIFE: Kristie colors, and is eager to get back on the side- stemmed from my diabetes, but I have always been I missed it so much. I know this: I found out I don’t CHILDREN: Kacie (34), Cody (30), line and lead the Jag- healthy. I spent May and June getting treatment for want to retire. I am going to work until I can’t work Chris (28) uars. it, and after that I just couldn’t get any more treat- any more. Heck, my wife doesn’t want me home any But who exactly is ment for it. more. (Chuckles.) Seriously, she was beside me ev- Charlie Cryer, how In June, I began to be tested to get on a transplant ery minute, and she doesn’t let me get too far away fired up is he to be back, and how long does he think list, and I was doing pretty bad. I finally got on the now. he wants to coach football with all that has hap- list, and a week later I got a call from Ochsner (New She comes to practice every day, and she has al- pened? Orleans) — and I can’t say enough good things about ways come to practice every day. When the kids What sort of things do you do with your family when you’re not them. They were tremendous to me and to my fam- were babies, she put a playpen in the office. She has coaching? ily, and they saved my life. always gone in 100%, and she might be the most Of course, Chris (PJP II assistant head football I had a little setback after the surgery with some non-athletic person I know. coach) works with me, so I spend a lot of time with of the medicine I was taking for about a month, but I When did you think you could get back to it this year? him. We also play golf with my other son, and we try gradually overcame it to the point I can coach again. You know, I always thought I would be back. to spend as much family time as possible – go out to I know I don’t miss a beat hollerin’. I can still be a lit- In fact, after surgery, I thought I might even be eat and get together at the house. I’ll play a bit more tle aggressive, but I kick back a little bit these days. able to catch the last part of the season. Except golf with them when I get a little better. My son does a lot for me, and he did a great job for for the diabetes, I have been extremely healthy We try go to all my daughter’s games, and a lot of me last year. He had to deal with football throughout my whole life. I played at LSU for four years, and times, we all go. (Kacie Cryer is the head women’s the day then deal with his dad, and there were a cou- I have always been active. Then you wake up one basketball coach at McNeese State.) They spend a ple of times he had to pick me up off the floor. Then morning, and it’s like, “I don’t feel real good.” lot of time coming to my games, and my wife hasn’t he would have to leave and go to the game because As a former athlete, that happens sometimes, missed a game in 36 years until last year. the bus was waiting for him. It was tough on him, and you say, “Well, I will be OK in a couple of Talk about how important family has been to you — not just but he did a great job with that, and I enjoy working days.” In a couple of days, I wasn’t OK, and in a through your tough time fighting your illness — but in general. with him. week I was worse. A month later, I was in real- We have always been a tight family, and we always Having him out there, I have learned to slow down ly bad shape. It was a shocker to me. I have had will be. We support each other in whatever endeav- a little bit. I coach in a cart for a little while, then I three knee operations, so I said, “It will be like ors we are doing. I will tell you not being on the am up for a while, and I am trying not to overdo it. a knee operation, and I will be right back.” That sideline last year was probably harder on my wife I know until August or so last year you had the intention of coach- wasn’t going to happen with a new liver. than it was on me. We always said we had three kids ing. How hard was the decision to give it up, even if it was just for I got the new liver on Sept. 26. I went back to at home and 40 or 50 at the school. That has always the season? work with a walker just after Thanksgiving for been important to us. I did; I was going to go to the press box. I went to two weeks, and then we got out for Christmas. Same goes for my daughter; she feels the same the first game, and I talked to the referees and the Then after Christmas, I went back without a way. She has 14 kids with her players, and she feels Pearl River coaches, and coached from a golf cart in walker. I was better, but I still wasn’t ready to like she is a mother to all of them. the end zone. I didn’t do a whole lot of coaching that coach football then. I hoped I would be ready for Can you go back to last year and when you found out about your night and after that point, I couldn’t make it to the Spring, and then the pandemic hit and we all were illness an how that whole initial time went? press box for one thing. I tried to go to practice some out. I just started feeling bad around March of ’19, and in the afternoon, but I just couldn’t do it. I’m still not 100%, but I am close. in June I got sent to a specialist and was diagnosed It was tough. It was the first time I missed any- with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. I think it thing in 30 years. It was really hard to step away, and ä See CRYER, page 39 F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 37

POPE JOHN PAUL II JAGUARS 15 returning COACH: Charlie Cryer (third season Pisciotta, senior; DB *EJ Dema, sophomores.” at Pope John Paul II, 2-10; 15th senior; DB *Collin Brindell, senior; — Charlie Cryer season overall with stints at Vermilion DB Lincoln Oertling, junior; DB Jack Catholic, St. Mary’s and St. Louis, Everard, junior; DB Micheal Tymkiw, DERRY’S DIME starters should Like Cryer said, last year was just 86-57) senior 2019 RESULTS: 1-8-1 overall, 0-3 SPECIAL TEAMS: K/P Nick Barone, as tough on the Jaguars players as district (fourth place), opted out of junior and Shawn Riviere, junior; it likely was on the coaching staff. equal more the Division III playoffs. RET Collin Brindell, senior and Collin The good news is there’s plenty of PROJECTED STARTERS Cahill, senior; LS Joey Estopinal, experience back, and that should * indicates returning starter senior lead to at least a couple more Jaguars wins OFFENSE (9 RETURNING TOUGHEST GAMES: at Episcopal victories. STARTERS): QB *George Arata, (Oct. 9); at Northlake Christian (Nov. How far can they take it? It BY JIM DERRY Staff writer junior; RB *Joey Estopinal, senior; 13), at St. Thomas Aquinas (Nov. 20). all depends on if they can find RB Grayson Hogatt, junior; WR COACH SPEAK: “Last year was tough some early success to gain some One will have to excuse Charlie Cryer if this football *Collin Cahill, senior; WR *Warren on the kids, too, and I might have confidence. More good news is with season means a little more to him than it does to other Campagna, senior; WR *Robbie been better pulling completely away. the shortened season, right out of the coaches around the metro area. Worchel, junior; WR Anthony Pham, It was hard for me to do that. I think It isn’t because Pope John Paul II is expected to con- gate they get the team they defeated tend for a state title or has 30 seniors ready to leave senior; WR Micheal Tymkiw, senior; the biggest difference now — it’s last year in Thomas Jefferson, and OL *Aaron Moreau, senior; OL my third year there and my second their legacy. It is because Cryer feels lucky to even they get them at home. be here. *Kyle Ferraris, junior; OL *Cameron year to really coach — is that they If they can win that one and two One year removed from a liver transplant and a sea- Couture, So.; OL *Gage Huff, junior; understand my system a little bit. son in which he was conﬁned to the house, Cryer is OL Christopher Kelly, senior; OL “We have had more juniors than out of the next four to go into district back and ready to resume his highly successful coach- play at 3-2, there’s no telling what ing career. William Roy, senior seniors the past two years, and With him gone in 2019, his son, Chris, ﬁlled in admira- DEFENSE (6 RETURNING that has been a good thing. It has could happen in district play. bly with all that was going on. While the Jaguars were STARTERS): DL *Jalen Thomas, really paid off in practice this year, I would be shocked if this team able to muster just one victory against Thomas Jeffer- senior; DL *Cael McDaniel, as the maturity has been there. I doesn’t take a huge step forward. son and a tie with Haynes, they were close in a couple of Whether it’s enough to make a run others and appear to be ready for improvement. freshman; DL *Erik Schneider, think having older kids helps a little senior; DL Trent Molaison, junior; bit, and also having some kids who for the upper tier of district and a ä See JAGUARS, page 39 LB Kymh Colar, junior; DB *Brady have started for me since they were home playoff game is unclear. Brannigan’s Car Care Servingthe MadisonvilleAreafor over29y30 ears SpecializinginAir Conditioning Service Brakes•LA StateInspection Stickers 202 St. John•Madisonville, LA 70447 Brian Doran and Mark Doran 985-845-4943 Hours: M-F 9-5 F F 38 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l REBELS BORDELON Continued from page 25 Continued from page 28

The Pearl River coaching staff is extremely did. I spent a couple years at Jesuit high on sophomore running back Brian Jenkins, who after that with (then Coach) Wayde has the unenviable task of replacing Warren. The Keiser, who was another great influ- good news is Jenkins received a good bit of play- ence on my coaching career. Good ing time as a freshman, which can only help with dad, good husband, great coach. this run-heavy team. From there, I went to De La Salle. The offensive line has just one returning start- Soon after, Amanda and I decided er, however, and that is junior Daniel Sinclair. to start a family. She was the head On defense, linebacker Roy Smith is a potential basketball coach at Mount Carmel All-Metro player, and the Rebels will have to lean and was very successful there, and on their experienced players to be able to limit the year we resigned, she was The the likes of Albany and Lakeshore, as well as Sal- Clarion Herald Coach of the Year. men and Franklinton. The linebacker corps is the We were living in Franklinton at the strength of the unit, as seniors Maurice Gillum and time and both coaching on the south Caleb Matthews also are back. shore. … We had to decide whether Defensive lineman Isaiah Rushing returns, and we were going to keep chasing or should be key up front. start a family, so we went to a junior Joseph Halm contributed to this report. high up here. … I learned quickly I am not cut out to be a junior high coach or teacher, and that’s nothing against those guys — they’re amazing to be able to deal with the 12- FILE PHOTO and 13-year-old athlete. Hannan’s Corey Bordelon spent a few years coaching at Fifth Ward Junior After 2 years, I realized it wasn’t for me. From there, I went to Man- High and realized he needed to be back in the high school ranks. After a deville, and I have been around ever few years as an assistant at Mandeville and Northshore, Bordelon is back since. (He was offensive coordina- at the same place he was when his head coaching career started. tor at Northshore for one season in 2019.) was the right time for me to be here. what it is all about, really. And try- Did you ever worry you wouldn’t get another I think we learned a lot from Ka- ing to develop good dads and good chance to be a head coach? trina you can’t take anything for husbands. No, I didn’t. You pray on it, and granted, and it’s the same now with Do you ever think about how long you just keep to what you believe COVID. All this today puts things you want to do this and what you in. Amanda and I both believe in in perspective that you live in the might want to do when you’re done that, and I figured an opportunity moment, enjoy every day that you — maybe 20 or 25 years from now? would arise. It just so happened that can, and be grateful for every day Honestly, I don’t think there’s this one just kind of lined up. I had that you have. anything else I want to do. I’m not a great opportunity working with I know it’s tough with as long as you have the most exciting guy. Randy John- FILE PHOTO Josh (Buelle) over at Northshore. been coaching, but what’s your favorite mo- son at St. Thomas used to say, “Ev- He’s a great guy, and we used to talk ment or moments? ery morning when you wake up, if Joe Harris was a ‘baseball guy’ before he was a all the time, and I would tell him this Most of all, it’s when kids grow you’re not excited, find something football guy.’ is the only job I would ever leave up and they come back and talk to else to do because you can’t do this for. He said, “Great. No problem.” you and share what was important job without a whole lot of excite- And it just so happened that same to them when they played and the ment around these kids.” HARRIS year, Hannan opened up again. things they loved about the teams When I am here, I am fired up Continued from page 24 For me, this is always where I and the guys. That’s really what I to be here and to be working with wanted to be again. There was nev- look back on — nothing in particu- these boys. I guess if that day ever er any doubt I wanted to be back lar. comes, I will just stay home and level, but that was never my goal. I’m not sure here. I truly believe in the mission, I have done this since 1998 … and cook or something, but I cannot see what advice I’d give, to be honest. Coaching has and I truly believe in what this place I see guys from way back when, and — in any capacity — doing anything been good to me over the years, and I can’t imag- does for kids — male and female. It the memories start to flow. That’s else. ine doing anything else. Honestly, I guess I would tell them, “Good luck.” But honestly, I think the passion is what HAWKS record is a bit skewed as the team new receivers in underclassmen Pey- outweighs the money, and that’s what keeps you took a major step up in its sched- ton Allen and Billy Colomb. Senior Cade On- coming back. The passion to get better and to Continued from page 29 uling, falling by a single point in tiveros is the lone returner at wideout. compete. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. a shootout at Chalmette in Week 1 As key as Dalmado is for the Talk a little bit about the impact your family has had on your life. and playing Dunham and Lakeshore Hawks’ offense, Wyatt Coffey is just as My family means everything to me. Holly has His first season as a head coach tough. important on defense. Voted a team been my rock, especially in my younger days, was thwarted by Hurricane Ka- Everything will revolve on of- captain, along with Dalmado, Bon- when I was coaching all those sports, and I was trina, as the school was then locat- fense around All-St. Tammany run- naffee and Robinson, Coffey will be going all the time. ed in Meraux. The following year, ning back Jake Dalmado, who rushed the signal caller for a defensive unit We have three kids, and she really knuckled up with a roster that shrunk from 65 for more than 1,350 yards last sea- which allowed just 47 points in four and got it done. I’ve got to give her credit for that. to 18, the Hawks won their final son and 19 touchdowns. Spencer Georg- District 7-3A games last season. And it was special to coach my daughters in three games, including a shocker es also returns in the backfield. They There are four other returning softball. We’re a sports family, and it was really in October 2006 against parish rival will have a new quarterback — but starters with Coffey, including de- special to share that with them. It meant a lot to Chalmette at Strawberry Stadium not a new face — in senior Cory Rob- fensive linemen Cullen Jenkins and me and to them. in Hammond. inson, who started at defensive back Mark Pennison and defensive backs Joe My family means the world to me. They’ve been Hannan, just two seasons re- last season. DiFranco and Jacob Billiot. Dalton Arcement there for me, and I’ve been there for them. Fam- moved from a perfect regular sea- Robinson will have an experi- is back and saw plenty of time on ily is the most important thing, and it’s great that son, has 13 returning starters for a enced offensive line, as four of the the field last season. we’ve been able to share this love of sports over solid base in hoping to build from a five return in Ben Bonnaffee, Jason Guy, Mike Pervel contributed to this the years. 4-7 season a year ago. However, that Patrick Labbe and Jason Vitter. He’ll have report. F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 39 JAGUARS CRYER Continued from page 37 Continued from page 36

They return 15 starters, includ- What do you think it will feel like that first game back, and how excited ing nine on offense. Junior quar- do you think you’ll be? terback George Arata is back, as is a Look, I feel excited just to go back to practice. It’s awe- senior leader at running back in some, and that first game will be unbelievable. I was afraid Joey Estopinal, who led the team in we wouldn’t be able to play, but we’re looking forward to carries and yards in 2019. that scrimmage. (PJP II played Independence on Sept. 24.) “(Arata) had a tough year, but How was the school and the community through all of this? he was just a sophomore. I think Great, just absolutely great. They have all been like fam- of all the kids who missed me ily to me. They were so good to me, the school, and so pa- last year, I think he missed me tient. I am in debt to them. It is unbelievable the lengths the most,” Cryer said. “We have they went to, and that includes the diocese. a love-hate relationship. I think Talk a little bit about your career a little. You have been sometimes he loves it, and I hate a few places. Can you pick out a moment or two that really it. (Chuckles.) He is such a hard sticks out for you? worker, and I think he will be Yeah, the state championship at VC in ’03 was great. It the most improved player on the was before the split, and we beat a great team in Kentwood team this year.” (10-6), and my years at St. Mary’s in Natchitoches were Three receivers return in se- great because my son played for me. Both my boys played niors Collin Cahill and Warren Campag- for me, and we were pretty solid at St. Mary’s. na and junior Robbie Worchel. Cahill I went to St. Louis because it was a good opportunity, and was the team’s leading receiver FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD I have been known to go to programs that weren’t very last season, while Worchel’s lone solid and help them out and turn them around a little bit. reception was a 49-yarder for a Pope John Paul II’s Joey Estopinal (27) finds running room against I did that at VC and I did it at St. Mary’s, and I enjoy that touchdown against Episcopal. Northlake Christian during the first half at Pope John Paul II High challenge. Four of five offensive line- School on Nov. 1, 2019. Still, though, I would have to say the state championship men return, and only one — Aar- was really special. No one thought we could beat Kentwood, on Moreau — is a senior. Cameron men Jalen Thomas and defensive void to fill. All-State kicker and and we did. It was a big upset. Those kids are in their late Couture started all 10 games his back Brady Pisciotta, who combined punter Logan Klotz, who was a five- 30s now, and I stay in touch with them. It was a great time. freshman season in 2019, and for 60 tackles. Freshman lineman year starter, has graduated and Have you thought about how long you want to do this? juniors Gage Huff and Kyle Ferraris Cael McDaniel is back after starting juniors Nick Barone and Shawn Riviere I am going to do it until I can’t do it no more. I love this return. some as an eighth grader. will take over the kicking duties. business. My wife has the real job in the family; I have a Six starters are back on de- With all the returners, howev- Mike Pervel contributed to this hobby for a job. That’s what it is. No doubt. I feel like I have fense, including defensive line- er, the Jags do have one large report. been successful in my career, and I have been very lucky.

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F F 40 Wednesday, September 30, 2020 St. Tammany Famer l l l BLOCKER FONTAINEBLEAU BULLDOGS Continued from page 8 2020 INFORMATION (rosters wise) than we normally have, but I feel like we COACH: Chris Blocker (sixth season, 23-30) are going to have some success. ent atmosphere. Not in such a way that we were getting rid 2019 RESULTS: 3-7 overall, 2-5 district (tied for sixth of traditions, rather, we kept the traditions the program “I think we can be a (district championship) had, but in changing the atmosphere and the culture, we place), missed the Class 5A playoffs. contender. Biggest part of that, and we relate it to had success right off the bat. PROJECTED STARTERS the guys all the time, is these players have to take I don’t think it should be attributed to all great coach- * indicates returning starter ownership. It’s right there. You lead teams by letting the ing or great athletes, not that we didn’t have those, we OFFENSE (5 RETURNING STARTERS): QB *Josh players lead. We saw a little light bulb go off (recently), did. But it was more about Bailey, senior; RB *Iverson Celestine, senior, Class; WR the togetherness we created and we are going to try an elicit a little more of that.” and that family and seeing Donovan Neumann, junior; WR Ryan Seifried, junior; — Chris Blocker that group from all different WR Bryce Denley, senior; WR *Kobe Barnes, junior; DERRY’S DIME backgrounds come together OL Erik Kearns, senior; OL *Jon Chauviere, senior; OL and really have success that There’s no other way to put 2019: A disappointment. Brady Jones, junior; OL Mixon Senseney, sophomore; OL While most likely didn’t expect Fontainebleau to be year. That football season re- *Noah Lash, senior ally stands out. serious contender for the 6-5A title — except the DEFENSE (5 RETURNING STARTERS): DL *Zane You ever think about how much lon- Bulldogs themselves — one had to think they had an Ridgley, senior; DL Alexander Smith, junior; LB *Colin ger you want to do this and what you excellent chance to be in the top half of the district might want to do when it’s over? Gagnon, senior; LB *Turrelle Monk, junior; LB Hug Cole, standings. I don’t know; this summer junior; LB Hayden Maddox, junior; DB *Austin Dupuy, was a trial. I even sat down senior; DB Damion Marshall, sophomore; DB Seth That being said, don’t be fooled by the final record on and was calculating the num- how well this team played at times. An injury to Iverson ber of years until retirement Marrero, senior; DB *Cole Gartman, senior; DB Avante and all that good stuff. Alexander, sophomore Celestine took a little steam out of them following an It’s tough, and it’s still a SPECIAL TEAMS: K *Will Rocha, sophomore. incredibly surprising victory against Walker, and it showed challenge every year. I can’t TOUGHEST GAMES: at Walker (Oct. 9); vs. Mandeville in a big Week 5 to Covington. But they turned it around FILE PHOTO put a number on it. You know, (Nov. 6); vs. Slidell (Nov. 20). and beat Mandeville in Week 7 with a crazy finish before Chris Blocker as a (former Covington coach) Al- losing a 49-48 thriller to Ponchatoula the next week. lie Smith, my former boss, he COACH SPEAK: “We have been planning since we have 17-year-old linebacker at wanted to be buried out on the been out and really getting it since the end of April. We With an experienced roster and the cohesiveness this Riverdale High in Metairie ﬁeld. To this day, some of his feel like we are really prepared, but you never know, I team has, I would be very surprised if there is another in 1986. ex-players who are coaches guess, with this COVID stuff. disappointment this season. A senior-laden group, on my staff, we bring him up they NEED to win this season and make a run into quite often. “We met virtually a ton when we couldn’t get together, I don’t think I could ever measure up to something like and with that kind of planning comes confidence, and December. There’s no reason to think they can’t do just that. So I am not sure what will happen down the road. we feel pretty confident. We might have lower numbers that.

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ditioning to athletes of other GONZALES sports. I have lacrosse players, Continued from page 10 soccer players and track kids. My last half of the day during the season I am off the last two bring the kids around as much periods, so that goes into prac- as possible. tice planning and sometimes Max is a big part of our cutting the grass. Right now, I gameday ritual, he helps me am in the process of cleaning lead the warmups, and he runs out our equipment shed, so any out of the tunnel with the guys. random project the last couple He spent a ton of time with us hours of the day before we start and working out with the guys practice. this summer and doing all the What led you into coaching? conditioning. He’s 8, but he tried I will always credit my coach- to keep up. It’s a lot of fun, and ing career to Allie Smith. He like I said I think it is very im- was so adamant in me being a portant for those guys to know football player and being a foot- my wife and to know my daugh- ball coach, even after I was a ter and know my son and know player. It wasn’t until after col- that I am a family man. And I lege and I had gone into the real want them to understand I of- world. I owned my own little ten treat them like I treat my granite company, an installation own children, and I think they thing, and I was a subcontractor can see that when they see me FILE PHOTO going out there and working interacting with my kids. Southeastern Louisiana receiver Hutch Gonzales catches a pass against Tulane on Oct. 1, 2005. hard every day. What was the last vacation y’all went I was volunteer coaching on? me. Coach Smith almost forced Then the (New Orleans) When you get to that age, and back at Covington High, but I We’re big beach people. We me to go out and play my senior VooDoo (of the Arena Foot- you’re not making any money, was making great money when just love it. My wife’s family year. So I was a wide receiver, ball League) called, and Mike it’s hard to wake up on Sunday somebody offered me a job as takes three or four beach va- did well, and ended up going to Neu was the coach. I went and morning and feel like you got a head baseball coach at Bowl- cations a year. The last one we Southeastern through college worked out with them for a hit by a bus. Your kids want to ing Green in Franklinton. They went on was with my family – and had a fun time there. while, and then they shut down play, and it’s tough to do that. It knew that I was a football guy, the entire crew. Mom, Dad, both I played for Hal Mumme (at the league. It was down for 3 or felt like you should be getting but they also knew I was a dis- my sisters, their spouses and all SLU), and anyone who knows 4 years, and when they brought the same amount of money as ciplinarian, and they needed a their children and us. So there him knows he is the ultimate it back, (former John Curtis and everybody else when you get disciplinarian. They hired me were about 12 people in a large player’s coach. He is a little bit Memphis QB) Danny Wimprine knocked two rows deep in the on, and I called my wife and condo in Orange Beach (Ala.) in out there sometimes and the ul- was going to be the quarterback. stands into some lady’s nachos. said, “Can we afford for me to a condo for about five days. timate offensive player’s coach. He was coming back in 2011, What’s your normal school day like? take a $70,000 pay cut and go be It was nice, relaxing, and ev- To go out there as a sophomore was a familiar face, and he and I am an early riser, and I am a coach?” erybody got along well. It was and see the field – we lost a year I had become friends. normally here before 6 o’clock. I Fortunately for us, she had fun. That was the first week of of eligibility when they started He called and said, “Why don’t come in and get the Field House just received a nice, hefty raise, August. It was week before we the program back – but just with you come run some routes, get open and ready to roll. We lift and we felt like we could handle were supposed to go back to one year of high school football back in shape,” so I did – at this every day, even in season. We’re it. She said, “If you will come school. and to have 50-something catch- point I was 28 years old and big in the weight room. I think home happier every day, then A lot of people don’t know your playing es that first year was pretty ex- (played) and got to fly all over it’s extremely important for yes, we can do that.” That was career went into college and into the pro citing. the country. Went to San Jose high school kids to be strong so 10 years ago, and that has all I ranks. Talk about that. Had a good career there, and (Calif.), did some workouts and I they can remain healthy. I have have ever wanted to do since. I was very blessed. As a grad- then I signed with the Saskatch- was faster than I had ever been four conditioning periods in the You don’t really think about uate of Covington High, I played ewan Rough Riders of the (Ca- in my life. I was running a 4.40 morning with all football play- how fast the years go, and you for Allie Smith. I was a pretty nadian Football League) and 40 (yards) at 28 years old. I got ers. We get them in and get them look at some of these guys and good athlete and played four played there in the preseason in picked up by the VooDoo, played out. We have a 45-minute pro- they’re in their 80s still coaching sports in high school. Football, 2006 and tore every muscle off a season there, had a good time, gram that we run them through football. I think for us coaches, though, I wasn’t going to play in my lower leg and had to come but then I realized at my age it Monday through Friday, and you don’t know what else you high school. I had kind of given home. I spent 6 months learning was time. It was fun to play that then I have one class after lunch would be doing if you weren’t it up and decided it wasn’t for how to really run again. one more year, but I was done. where I teach strength and con- doing that.

because I think that’s why I am what you do. fidence. Good time, good time. wanted, but what I think we BUELLE in the position I am now (at this I know it has only been 13 years, but How do you think these past few tough took from it was if I can get Continued from page 12 age). But I do look back and I re- can you pick out a favorite time or mo- years will mold you for the future? through that, it’s just going to alize I shouldered a lot of respon- ment you have had in coaching? I think the interim year gave get better and better as the sibility as a 19- or 20-year-old kid. My first year as defensive me the experience that I need- years go on. It is a totally dif- football. So enjoy being a young kid, coordinator (at Mandeville in ed; it just kind of fell in my lap. ferent environment in this pro- But I remember how awesome don’t make your life football 2015), we went to the (5A) semi- It’s hard to break into head gram right now. Last year was it was to be able to come back to YET, because it will soon con- finals, and we lost to Ehret, 7-6, coaching without having head all about setting standards: my our school and our fans and our sume you. But once you know and Joe Bulovas kicked that coaching experience. Obvious- beliefs, my values, instilling friends and play for Slidell High you’re ready, jump into it. Do sucker 65 yards and we needed ly, you don’t get experience un- in those kids what my expec- again. For a while, we didn’t something uncomfortable. If you 69. less you are given that oppor- tations are, what my ultimate know if that would be an option. always played defensive line, try But that was a fun year. We tunity, so while I didn’t want to goals are, and the whole year What advice would you give someone to learn defensive backs. If you had a great group of kids. The become a coach that way (Le- was about establishing that. who wants to take the route you took and played offense, go coach de- Orgerons (Cody and Parker) Compte abruptly resigned just Now, we’re ready to play. We become a coach? fense. You want to learn as much were on that team, and Ed Org- 4 days before the 2017 jambo- don’t have to establish those Looking back on it, I would say as you can, especially when you eron had that year off, so he was ree) it certainly helped me. things, because they’re already to enjoy being a college kid for a are just getting into it. at practice every day. We had a Last year, going 0-10, you there. Now, it’s about strength couple of years. I started when I And find you a good wife who great staff, good kids, and that have to learn from it, right? and scheme and speed and all was 19, and not to say I regret it, is going to understand you and year just gave me a lot of con- We didn’t have the success we those things. F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 43

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la, and they had really widened FAVRE the gap when I came back in Continued from page 14 2013. More than I understood at the time, for sure. You would say for years, “We haven’t has been my motto everywhere beaten Mandeville. We haven’t beaten since: We win at Fontainebleau, Covington. We haven’t beaten Poncha- we win at Slidell. toula. We haven’t beaten St. Paul’s.” How long did it take to develop a rela- Then you break through, and here you tionship with coach Jones? are. What made the difference? It took that whole first year. I think what changed for I tell those stories to these as- us was the players at Slidell sistant coaches all the time. I Junior High and Clearwood had to earn it, very much I had stayed. That wasn’t happening. to earn it. I was on the head- The top athletes in our feeder phones, and after the first play, system were going elsewhere coach Jones would take the — that’s public and private — headphones off and wouldn’t and Slidell just wasn’t their first put them back on that first year. choice. When it changed was … with that first district cham- That second year, we are in pionship team of (2018) with the Westbank Jamboree and Ishmael (Burdine) and Tito playing John Ehret and (for- (Simmons) and Chaz (Burch- mer Pittsburgh Steelers quar- field). They all stayed. Now, terback) Kordell Stewart, and the children in this community we’re trailing late. By now, I FILE PHOTO can’t wait to get to Slidell High have had a year to show him Larry Favre, shown here in 2006, spent most of the first decade of the century at Fontainebleau High, School. my work ethic and we have had leading the Bulldogs to the Class 5A semifinals in 2004. You’re being modest. It was a mindset. a year to develop a relationship. “We can’t win here.” You could see it in And I said, “Don’t forget the I think about going from O. I thought I needed to make Office. their eyes. In 2013, 2014 and 2015 and hook and lateral.” He throws Perry Walker to Fontainebleau more money. I was flattered Why this place? even 2016, they didn’t think they could the hitch out to Ray Peterson, in 2000, and you talk about a by the opportunity to become Actually, Lakeshore and win. Why did they start thinking differ- our All-State receiver, and I huge culture shock for those the parish’s first full-time AD. Slidell were available at the ently? said, “No, the hook and later- kids and their parents. Gol- I thought I was doing it for same time. I lived in Lake- We just stayed the course al.” And he said, “I am setting ly. They hadn’t won a game in all the right reasons. shore’s attendance zone, but and never wavered. We have it up.” A play or two later, Ray three years, and here I come. How long did it take for you to figure really because (former Slidell core values we believed in that pitches it back to Kenyatta All of a sudden, expectations out wearing a suit and tie you were bet- assistant and current Lake- worked at O. Perry Walker, Sparks, and he goes 60 yards, are very high, and in our very ter off in a T-shirt and a whistle? shore assistant principal) they worked at Fontainebleau. and we tie — look at the chills first game we are playing War- Nicole knew it all along. She George Herdliska was here. There were times I wondered — and we tie Ehret. ren Easton, and they are beat- knew it, she wanted me to get He was with me at Fontaine- whether we had lost it, but we And he never took the heading the snot out of us — it was out, she knew it was a mistake. bleau, and he pushed at me stuck to what we believed in. phones off ever again. I earned 40-something to something at Two years, maybe? Not long. hard. I knew the reputation Our kids can recite word for that. I had to earn that. I had to halftime. But you did it for 6 years. of Mr. (Billy) Percy (longtime word what this program is built prove it. At that point, I benched ev- Five and a half. … You and Slidell principal). Mrs. (Gayle) on: Hardest workers do extra, What was it like taking over there? ery senior. That Monday, some I were talking on a sideline Sloan (former superintendent all our core values. Well, coach (Charlie) Craw- of them were waiting on me to one night, and you said some- of St. Tammany Parish Public We stuck to our guns, and ford took over during the (for- turn in their equipment, and thing about me getting back Schools) sent me on an intern- things started to shift. They mer LSU quarterback) Herb then we won three in a row. in. Then I went to the Man- ship to be an assistant principal snowballed from there, and we Tyler years, and he had a great You didn’t let them quit? ning camp, where I had been with Mr. Percy here in 2009, took off. run. We had a great run with No, I let them. I don’t remem- since the beginning of it with and I knew the history and the How much time do you think you have coach Jones, too, making the ber how many we lost — it a tremendous network of peo- tradition, and I got to work for left? quarterfinals three of my first wasn’t a whole lot, it ended up ple, and I was talking with (St. the best principal in the state of I am getting close. five years. When Herb left, and being three or four — because Charles) coach Frank Monica. Louisiana. Really? Karr had already been to the we had to send a message that He said, “Coach, you need to Coach Herdliska was the AD, Yeah. I want to get back into Dome and was well established, expectations were different. be back. We miss you in this and I guess he made the better administration and be a prin- coach Crawford said, “OK, now We went into district, and we game.” It was really when I sales pitch at the time, and I cipal. I want to have my own you can have it.” didn’t win again until the last got home from camp, I knew I headed to Slidell. school. I am winding down. I earned that, but it was hard. game of the year against Pon- needed to get back on the path How did you turn things around here This is Year 31, and I have to That first year we went (3-6), chatoula. The year before, Pon- to coaching. I was proud of and change mindsets? I know it didn’t go give back to Nicole and Caro- and we broke the long consecu- chatoula put 60 on Fontaineb- what we did when I was parish as quickly as you would have liked, and I line. My daughter is in seventh tive playoff streak. At that time, leau, and 365 days later, we beat AD. I thought we did a lot of am sure you thought it would be easier. grade, she has high school com- we were tied with John Curtis them. … great things, but then I knew I I did, I really did. It took just ing, she’s a cheerleader, she for most consecutive playoff We went 4-6 and missed the walked away (from coaching) a couple of years at Walker, and is starting to love volleyball, appearances in the state. We playoffs. We never missed in my prime, and that was a in four years at Fontainebleau so now it is finally time to put lost to (Algiers rival) Landry, them again while I was there. mistake. we were in the semifinals. I did them first. And myself. So I am and it was the first time Landry The rest, I guess, is history. I still had a lot of juice, I knew think it was going to be that getting close. had beaten us, so that first year Then you left and went to Central Of- I still had a lot to offer, and I easy, and I brought most of my You think you’ll be OK the next time was hard. But that’s how my ca- fice as the St. Tammany Parish athletic just was sick of sitting in an of- Fontainebleau staff here with giving up coaching? reer has been ever since. director. What made you do that? fice in a tie every day. Looking me and we had talent. What Whew. (Pauses.) We’ll see, Two years later in 1997, I I was burnt out. It took so down Jefferson Street in Cov- had happened was most of the we’ll see. The game has been am the Westbank Coach of the much to build the program ington, I had a nice office with other schools in the parish had so good to me. … It will al- Year. … We flipped it, and we up, and I worked so hard, I a beautiful view, but it wasn’t completely separated. ways be a part of me. But if I built it back up, so when I left didn’t appreciate what we had me. I tell my mom all the time, Coach (Guy) LeCompte at can get into a situation where to go to Fontainebleau in 2000, built. I didn’t even take time “I need to be right in the mid- Mandeville, coach (Ken) Sears I am a principal, instead of im- coach Frank Wilson came in, to acknowledge we had built dle of 1,700 teenagers every at St. Paul’s, coach (Malter) Sc- pacting the lives of 120 boys, I and the cupboard was stocked. anything. Nicole was preg- day, and I am just the happiest obel at Covington, coach (Mike) can do that with 1,700 or 1,800 Fontainebleau was a fairly new school, nant with Caroline, we finally person in the world.” And that’s Baiamonte and then coach students and I can be proud, I so you had to basically start over, right? were going to be parents, and what I didn’t have in Central (Hank) Tierney at Ponchatou- think I will be OK. F F l l l St. Tammany Farmer Wednesday, September 30, 2020 45

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players, and they get attached vinced I was too immature SALTER to some of them, whether we’re to have a real job working in Continued from page 6 running our taxi service pick- an office. Obviously, though, ing up players for practice or growing up on a sideline, be- the like. They love coming to ing a ballboy and following my competition dance and their the games, they love that at- grandpa (longtime Covington school dance teams, so they’re mosphere, they love giving coach Jack Salter) around with probably the ones who should me hugs after the games and every move he would make be making a little bit more cheering me on, but as far as if (was a main factor). … room for me. (Smirks.) they know anything that went When I got into high school, What is it like for a football coach to on in the game, I’d lean toward all the former players would have three daughters? a big fat no. come back, and the pride (Jack) It’s a blessing. I was terri- They’re up there socializing. would take in them showing fied when I heard I was having They are up there watching the him pictures of their kids, tell- one, much less when they told dance team and the cheerlead- ing him about the promotion me the twins were going to be ers and all that. I don’t think they just got or whatever that girls, too. But I think God knew they are paying too much mind might be, the pride I saw him exactly what he was doing PROVIDED PHOTO to me. But they are there, and take, it just looked like the most when he gave me the girls. It’s Brothers Greg, left, and Glenn Salter pose with their grandfather, they are very supportive. rewarding profession. a perfect balance for me, leav- Where did y’all go on your last vaca- I have asked you this 100 times, but ing this place and being around former longtime Covington coach Jack Salter at a practice. Greg tion? tell us again the influence your grandfa- 100 boys every day to go home, is the Lions’ head football coach, and Glenn is the defensive Our last vacation? Where ther (Jack Salter) had on your life, and I and it’s just a complete 180 with coordinator. did we go? Hmm. We went on assume a huge piece of him is still with dance and tea parties and rain- a little quick beach trip to Gulf you? bows and butterflies. I wouldn’t you aren’t working? for all those girls who do those Shores (Ala.) recently, but be- No question. Aside from my change it for anything. We live at the dance studio. type of things. fore that, I think it was last father (Rick), who I might be I think all of us who are in- When I am not here, I am either Whenever we have a little bit summer we went to Maui — our the most similar with, as far as volved in athletics, especially sitting in a parking lot waiting of down time, we have good ole first trip to Hawaii. personality and characteristics, when I was told we were having for one to get out or dropping family movie nights, and during It was amazing. That trip – I am very blessed there, but twins, all I could think of was one off. I try to help out as quarantine, we were actually that plane ride with four wom- yeah, aside from him my grand- “a couple shooting guards on much as I can, because during able to have dinner together en was a little bit longer than I pa has been the most influential the same court, shortstop-sec- the season my wife is living again every night, played board expected, but it was paradise person on my life. Not just as a ond baseman turning the dou- there. And I don’t mind doing games or dominoes or whatev- once we got there, and when football coach but as a person. ble play, receiver going deep.” it at all. I spend my time there er we could find. Normally, we we did, the girls just had a blast. That was the thing that made Then again, the Good Lord because the girls have a passion all stay pretty busy. What led you to get into coaching? him so special. It was about knew what he was doing with for it, and they love it. The fact How interested are they in football? I grew up playing every sport people; he was coaching peo- me. they spend so much time with I’d say (pause) maybe half- I could. By the time I got into ple, not players. It was about What does the family like to do when it, I have a new-found respect way interested. They love the high school, I was pretty con- him doing things the right way, GAS BAIT

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I don’t His importance here is every bit through the pile of people just last season when he sealed a victory against Mandeville on do everything as well as he did, as important as mine. banging on the kids helmets, Oct. 18, 2019, with a Pick but if I can come with the intent We couldn’t have had the suc- high-fiving, and that gave us a Six against Tott and went to try and make him proud and cess we have had, whether it’s feeling of knowing we were part 101 yards with 57 seconds carry myself the way he did – if going to the semifinals (in 2013) of something bigger than that one remaining. It’s his physi- I can just do half of that, I think I or the undefeated regular sea- game we were about to play. cality and quiet leadership will be successful each and every son (2017) or last year the way That was the best feeling I have that often goes understat- day. … we flipped things around – we ever had as a player or a coach. ed and will be key. From the first Friday I could couldn’t have done any of that I have never been so proud of a “He’s a perfect com- speak, every morning on game without him. group of kids or a coaching staff plement to Iverson, and day, Dad would make my broth- You have had some great moments al- – or my own selfish pride. brings that attitude with ers and I call him before he left ready in your career. I know it’s tough, but I know it’s likely a long time away, but do him over there to the de- for school and wish him good give me your favorite or one of them? you ever think about what you might want to fensive side of the ball,” luck. Whoever we were playing Oooh. Man. That’s a tough one. do when you are done coaching? Blocker said. “The other FILE PHOTO that week, we were cheering him I think my favorite moment is I don’t. This is the only thing I boys look up to him, his Fontainebleau’s Colin on. For 20-however-many years, that first year when we played have ever wanted to do. It’s the play backs it up, and he Gagnon intercepted a pass we would do that. When I took in the semifinals. Leading up to only job I have ever wanted to has some speed. He’s cer- over in 2013, well after he retired, that week, the city of Covington have. I am one of the very few tainly not afraid to lower and took it 101 yards for (brother and defensive coordina- was everything I remembered as people who get to say I have my the boom.” a Pick 6 with 57 seconds tor) Glenn (Salter) and I both got a kid. The town was painted, the dream job. I don’t look any far- Senior Zane Ridgley is back remaining that sealed the that call before our first game businesses all had painted their ther ahead. When my grandpa at defensive end, and at Bulldogs’ win at Mandeville wishing us luck. He used kind of windows, there were signs ev- was about to retire, I remember 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, he in 2019. the same tone we used as kids, erywhere. The community had a one of my cousins asking him, can play different posi- and he carried that on for the rest big pep rally that Thursday night “Why are you doing this?” He tions up front. Turrelle Monk is of the time he was with us every before the game. said, “What do you want me to back at safety/linebacker and Blocker said he expects him Friday morning. But the best feeling I ever had do? Do you want me to die on the to continue as one of the team’s most improved players. That was the coolest thing. Win was that next night, the stadium field?” And my cousin said, “You Austin Dupuy is going into his third year as a starter, and or lose, I knew he was proud of us. was packed, and we were playing gotta die somewhere!” he is the leader of the defensive backfield and will serve What is it like coaching with your broth- the No. 1 team in the state, Park- Nah, but whenever my time at times as kicker, along with primary kicker sophomore er? way. What we didn’t know was comes, I’ll still be around cheer- Will Rocha. Cole Gartman also returns at safety after missing I am very very lucky. We pret- that my grandpa had reached ing for the Covington Lions, and part of 2019 with a concussion. Sophomore Damion Marshall, ty much see things the same way. out to all the former players – I I hope that time is way later than who was at running back, likely will start at defensive back. He is a great ear to bend whenev- mean there were 50 years worth sooner. Sophomore Avante Alexander also will rotate in.

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