Wash-Marion vs. Welsh should prove interesting

What is the most interesting matchup involving a small school?

 WA: Welsh vs. Washington-Marion. The defending state champion Greyhounds lost QB Zach Hayes, the state’s 2A offensive MVP last season, as well as leading rusher Charlie Watkins and TE Pearse Migl, who filled a variety of roles. It will be interesting to see who steps up in those roles. W-M also has a lot of unknowns due to transfers and a late coaching change. There is plenty of talent on both sides with Welsh returning Da’Ren Zeno, the area’s leading receiver last season, and a trio of outstanding defenders in end John Daigle, LB Alec Iguess and DB Austyn Benoit. W-M has a trio of college prospects on its defense with DL Jaylen Ned, LB Christian Guillory and SS/RB Carrington McClinton.

RA: Basile vs. Sacred Heart at Evangeline Parish Jamboree. Both teams return seasoned teams after a solid 2017 season. Basile went 9-4 last year, reaching the 1A quarterfinals for the fifth time in six seasons and returns its entire backfield in quarterback Dawson Ashford (66-120-7, 1,147 yards, 9 TDs) and running backs Andre Reed (1,108 yards, 13 TDs) and Logan David (854 yards, 4 TDs). Sacred Heart went 8-2 in the regular season last year and lost in the first round of the Division V playoffs, but had only four seniors. The Trojans bring back running back J.T. Harper, who rushed for 1,500 yards and 23 touchdowns, plus a three-year starter at quarterback in Wesley Launey.

What is the best matchup in a jamboree game?

WA: Iguess vs. McClinton. Iguess had 170 tackles last season while helping Welsh to a state championship. W-M’s season turned around when McClinton became the lead RB. He ran for over 1,300 yards in only seven starts. 

RA: DeQuincy’s defensive line vs. Grand Lake’s backfield. DeQuincy’s defensive line is loaded with three senior returning starters in Charles Montgomery, Ethan Armistead and Jereme Walters. The Tigers will have to stop Grand Lake’s experienced running backs in Kris Reina and Aaron Young, who combined for 1,214 yards and 10 TDs last year, and watch out for athletic quarterback Jaren Sonnier.

Who is a small school player to watch?

WA: Oberlin RB Colin Chatman ran for 1,000 yards and 12 TDs last season. He should get a heavier workload this season and gets a good test right away, taking on Class 2A teams Kinder and Oakdale at the Allen Parish Jamboree.

RA: Elton RB Darnell Robinson. The Indians are breaking in a new quarterback in Gavin Courville, so the one to watch will be 1,000 yard rusher Darnell Robinson. He he was able to split the ball carrying duties last year with quarterback Keyshawn Lyons, but will hear number called a lot more this season.

 

””Three-point Stance

SportsPlus

Local News

Republicans consider cuts and work requirements for Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millions

McNeese Sports

Rain washes away Cowboys’ trip

Local News

Temple: Changes to La. insurance industry won’t be felt overnight

Local News

Dispute over Gulf name may be headed to court

McNeese Sports

Cowboys rally for big win

Crime

Hitman will continue to serve life sentence in Fourth of July murder

Local News

Delta Airlines flight flips over on landing at Toronto’s Pearson Airport and 8 people are hurt

Local News

School Board looks to make up lost time due to snow days

Local News

Jennings councilman wants to change rules for hiring, firing attorney

life

Preserving history for future generations: Exhibit examinins role Black churches play in communities

Local News

Trump administration tries to bring back fired nuclear weapons workers in DOGE reversal

Crime

2/17: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

life

Vote now for the People’s Choice Mardi Gras of SW La.

Local News

Trump begins firings of FAA air traffic control staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash

McNeese Sports

Showdown in Hammond

McNeese Sports

Diamond roundup: Cowboys fall, Cowgirls win

Local News

US eggs prices hit a record high of $4.95 and are likely to keep climbing

Local News

Several Louisiana public university athletic programs — including McNeese — face financial deficits

Local News

Getting back on par: The long and short of the National Golf Club of Louisiana

Local News

NASA sending DeRidder students’ experiment into stratosphere

Local News

Shady Lane man found unresponsive has died

McNeese Sports

Richards shoots Cowboys by UNO

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls end skid at UNO

McNeese Sports

Late power lifts Pokes