There’s no point-a-minute offense. Rather, there’s an emphasis on hard-nosed defense and ball control that would make fans of smashmouth football proud.
It’s numbers aren’t flashy, and none of DeRidder’s players seem to be garnering interest from the next level, like past Dragons such as Deshazor Everett of Texas A&M.
But make no mistake, defense and a five pack of backs are a big part of the Dragons’ success.
DeRidder, off to a 5-1 start and unbeaten in District 4-4A, take on head coach Eric Parmley’s persona when it takes the field — no nonsense.
That identity was best shown in last week’s 36-7 thrashing of rival Leesville. Each of DeRidder’s five backs carried the ball en route to 248 rushing yards with only one of them getting more than 10 carries — D’Angelo Reder led the team with 17 carries for 115 yards and three scores.
“We’re hoping to be playing for a long time,” Parmley said. “It’s good to start off district with a big win over a rival and to have the Hooper Trophy staying at the house. We’ve seen some growth and improvement and that’s what we want to keep striving for.”
Each back brings his own flavor to the team. Jamon Bradford, last season’s starter at running back, is a speedster. D’Andre Bellamy, last season’s starting quarterback, plays the role of the change-of-pace back. Reder can beat defenses by running through or around them.
Toss in the contributions from fullbacks Drew Victor and Caleb Gilmore and it’s hard to find a team with as many contributing backs in Southwest Louisiana.
“Reder is a power runner but he’s got good speed,” Parmley said. “He can make you miss or punish you on the tackle. Bradford was the starting tailback last year and starts in the secondary. It’s like a thunder and lightning thing with those two.
“Bellamy was last year’s quarterback and starts in the secondary. He spots up back there to give us a three-headed monster. Bellamy probably doesn’t get the touches he needs and deserves. But, he’s a very unselfish young man. He can get the edge and take off.”
Throw in the fact that Bradford and Bellamy are starters in the secondary and their value increases.
“We put a big emphasis on defense. We call them the Black Shirts,” Parmley said. “They earn those jerseys they get to wear at practice. When you take your starting quarterback and running back from last season on defense that tells you where the emphasis is put. Those kids (Bellamy and Bradford) have done an exceptional job and had to endure some bumps and bruises along the way.”
Heading into this week’s matchup with a winless Grant team, the Dragons look to have a good shot at putting themselves in the driver’s seat for the district title.
Just don’t expect the ride to be anything but rough. (American Press Archives)
