Looking forward to jamborees
In this edition of the Three Point Stance, staff writers Rodrick Anderson and Warren Arceneaux discuss high school football jamboree games featuring area large schools.
What is the most interesting game of the week?
RA: Leesville vs. Peabody. This will be a matchup of onetime district rivals. Peabody had a rough 2017, going 2-8, but has a pair dangerous receivers in brothers Thomas and Tyrig Miles. Leesville’s inexperienced defense will be tested and defensive linemen Talyn Adams and Nick Green will need to get into the backfield to disrupt the Warhorses passing game.
WA: LaGrange vs. Iowa. First, it is good to see the Gators in the big jamboree again. Second, jamborees are fun because you get to see players for the first time, and this game will feature a slew of newcomers because both teams lost so many starters from last season. There are also a few proven holdovers at running back in Iowa’s Jedd Self and LaGrange’s Anthony Johnson.
What is the best matchup in a jamboree game?
RA: St. Louis’ passing game versus Sulphur’s secondary. St. Louis is breaking in a new quarterback in Jaleel Goodwin and two returning receivers in Benji Chatters and Jadon Johnson who combined for 927 yards and 10 touchdowns. Sulphur’s secondary is adjusting to life without safety Connor Cooke but returns three seniors in strong safety Devon Lebrun and cornerbacks Dominique Skinner and Nick Vallette.
WA: The Sam Houston passing game versus Jennings’ secondary. Lots of new faces here with the Broncos expected to start freshman quarterback Luke Yuhasz. Sam Houston also added a pair of transfer receivers in Gerron Duhon and Tayven Grice. Jennings has one stalwart back in strong safety Zae Levi and a part-time starter in cornerback Zakevien Mouton, but the other three slots will be new starters, including a freshman of their own in safety Trevor Etienne.
Who is a player to watch?
RA: Sam Houston offensive lineman Jerron Gilbert. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound junior right tackle has committed to McNeese State. Broncos head coach Chad Paulk has described him as one of the best he has seen. Gilbert and the rest of the offensive line will need to open up some holes if the Broncos are to take advantage of their speedy backfield.
WA: DeRidder quarterback Lane Armer threw for 1,354 yards over the final seven weeks of the season with 15 touchdowns, including two games with five touchdown passes. He will be facing a young Barbe defense, though Barbe does have three starters back in the secondary.