Sizing up Week 1 prep football games

In this edition of the Three Point Stance, staff writers Rodrick Anderson and Warren Arceneaux discuss Week 1 games involving area large high school football teams.

What is the most interesting game?

RA: Sam Houston at St. Louis. The Saints gave the Sulphur Tors’ high-powered passing game trouble last week in the jamboree, getting into the backfield several times and Matthew Houston picked off a pass. Sam Houston has a freshman under center this year in Luke Yuhasz but has some big threats in the passing game in Tavyen Grice, Gerron Duhon and Ztevion LeBlanc who will test the Saints’ experienced secondary in Carrington Guillory, Joe Percle and Kane Miller.

WA: Jennings at Church Point: The teams have played four times over the past three years, including a playoff game won by Jennings. The Bulldogs have won the last three in the series and have allowed a total of 15 points over the past two seasons. Jennings gave up big plays to Sam Houston in the jamboree and will need to shore up its run defense to take down the Bears.

What is the best personnel matchup?

RA: Sulphur RB Jaiven Creary/Offensive line vs. Carencro’s front seven. Creary picked up nearly 100 yards last week in a Jamboree game against St. Louis behind an offensive line that has three returning linemen in Matthew Carlson, Jace Dufresne and Johnson. Carencro struggled defensively last year but will have a strong front seven led by lineman Nick Eagins and linebackers Jamyre Guidry and J’Sabiyon Alfred.

WA: Ponchatoula quarterback TJ Finley vs. Barbe secondary. Finley, an LSU commitment, has a strong arm. The Bucs have three starters back on defense, but they all play in the secondary. Before the season, Bucs head coach Mike Cutrera said those returning starters would have to be the calming force for the unit. A few early stops against a potent offense would boost the confidence of the new crop of starters on the Barbe front.

Who is a player to watch?

RA: Leesville RB D’ante Gallashaw. Last year he rushed for 742 yards and six TDs, but he will be the Wampus Cats’ most experienced skill player and will have to carry the offense. Leesville put up 33 points on Washington-Marion in Week 1 last year, but will face a much-improved team that shutout defending Class 2A state champion Welsh last week in a jamboree game.

WA: St. Louis QB Jaleel Goodwin. In his first varsity start, Goodwin threw for 101 yards against Sulphur last week. This week he will need another good showing as the Saints host Sam Houston, who looked explosive on offense in its win against Jennings at the jamboree.

 
 

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