Istrouma Coach Sid on Football

Why are grown men drawn to coaching football?  Afterall, it’s just a kids’ game.

With 44 years in coaching, Istrouma High head football coach Sid Edwards answered that question for the Central City News.

“Football is  a way to change the world — one child at a time!” Coach Sid said. “It keeps you young.  It’s teaching, mainly teaching life’s lessons,” he said.

“Do you realize that over four years in high school, an athlete will spend more time with his coach than with his parents?” he asked.

“What we teach at Istrouma goes far beyond the lessons of the playing field.  It includes the importance of being a good son, a good husband, a good father, and a good member of the community. What we really try to do is teach character, the importance of giving of yourself, and devoting yourself to something bigger than yourself — to something great.” he said.

Coach Sid served as head football coach at Central High for 17 years before accepting the job at Istrouma.  At each school where he has been, he starts an organization called Men for Others.  It devotes itself to helping people in need and serving the community.  Participation by his team is mandatory.

Coach Sid said at Istrouma many kids think they have three options — become a rapper, become an NFL star, or take to the streets with a life of crime or drugs or both.  “We are committed to opening other doors for them so they can become a teacher, a lawyer, an astronaut or anything else of their dreams,” he said.

It’s also about teaching respect for themselves and one another. “Kids tend to tear each other down. We teach they to build each other up.”

What does the 2024 season hold for Istrouma football?  Coach Sid said no matter what the won-lost record ends up being, it will be a successful year.

“We are few in number this season, only 27 boys dressing out, but we hope to have 40 after eligibility issues are resolved.

Leading the team will be returning All-State running back Kyree Paul, one of the top players in the state. Kyree is the only returning All-State player in the Baton Rouge area.  Because of the shortage of Istrouma players and his talent, Kyree plays QB, running back, wide receiver, or defensive back, anything but the line, Coach Sid laughs.

Coach Sid is expecting help from the following players:

Linemen Jeremiah Thomas, Darryon Simmons, De’Anthony Juge, James McGuffery, Tyson Martin, Bennie Gillam, and Kam Johnson.

Quarterbacks Frank Alexander and Elijah Parker.

Wide receivers Keelan Daigre, Vinson Davis, Louis Charleston, and Trikee Lair.

Running back Carmelo Daigre

Fullback Jacob Roberts

Skill player Jacobi Moore

On defense, the Coach is expecting good work from these men:

Linemen Zion Norris, Walter Vessel, Kalen Banks, and Antonio Ransome

Linebackers Jeremiah Coleman and Ryland Cotton

Defensive backs D. J. Johnson, Trey Davis, Eric Knox, and Dyon Chavers

Safeties Kyree Paul and Braelen Jeane

Istrouma dressed out 27 in their scrimmage against Port Allen two weeks ago.

“I feel our best 11 guys are solid and can play with almost anyone.  The problem is our numbers are low, so they will evidentially get worn down playing against teams with a large squad.,” Edwards said.

“We are hungry, we work hard, we’re enthusiastic and think we can win. We are pretty confident, and I like where we are.”

“Last year, we were the surprise of the district and were in every game. We made the playoffs and won our first playoff game. We lost in the second round to St. Thomas More of Lafayette, which went on to win the State Championship.  It wasn’t a bad year.”

This year’s staff includes:

•McKinney Evans, defensive coordinator

•Devin Shropshire, defensive backs

•James McCray, defensive line

•Sean Brown, defensive line

•Marvin Yates, linebackers and special teams

•Byron Wade, offensive coordinator

•Patrick Cleveland, wide receivers

•Carl Dijon, offensive line

•John Kennedy, offensive line

• Michael Shaeffer, manager

Coach McKinney Evans was head coach at Istrouma for two years.  Byron Wade was at Belaire. Carl Dijon was at Central and has been with Coach Sid several years. 

John Kennedy was at Oklahoma under Barry Switzer and was at Central. Patrick Cleveland, a BRHS grad, will be a rock star, Coach Sid said. Ed Wilson, who played for Dale Brown in the Final Four, will serve as administrative assistant and play a huge role, he said.  

How did he attract such a talented group  of coaches to a small school? He said, “A lot of our guys left to become head coaches or offensive coordinators, but the old tree keeps growing branches.”