Central Aims for Deep Run in Playoffs

Central High head football coach David Simoneaux makes his goal for 2024 very clear — a run in the state playoffs and a championship game in the Dome.

Simoneaux has been there before, both as a player and a coach. Now he has a host of experienced starters who have the skills to make it happen.

The coach says this year’s schedule could be the most challenging in history.  It starts with DeLaSalle at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans. They beat the Wildcats last year in Central.  Next will be Denham Springs at home. It will be one of the best Yellow Jacket teams in recent years. Then Walker, a quarterfinalist last year.

Week Four will be Cecilia, which lost in the Superdome last year. Then Lafayette Christian, which also lost in the Dome last year.

After Lafayette, the Wildcats begin district play.  “Our district is the SEC of Louisiana high school football,” Coach Simoneaux said.

Last year, Central lost to Zachary by seven points and to Catholic by four points.  Catholic is the returning state champion.

Scotlandville is next.  They are always dangerous. Then Woodlawn and Liberty, which is very talented.  The coach said, “It is a brutal schedule, and we will have to be at the top of our game to meet our goals.”

Central has a large coaching staff. Some of the senior members are Joey Jarreau, special teams coordinator and defensive line coach; Zach Morris, offensive coordinator; Anthony Camp, defensive coordinator, and Kory Lindsey, safeties and co-defensive.  Lindsey came from Liberty.  He played at Northern Illinois and in the NFL. “He’s a wealth of knowledge and a strong Christian man,” Coach Simoneaux said.

Two returning offensive linemen are expected to play major roles — senior Brayden Ringe and junior Graham Harris.  Ringe was 1st team All-District last year.

Central quarterback Jackson Firmin was a major star last year with 2,008 yards passing and 30 passing touchdowns. Coach Simoneaux said he is especially pleased with Firmin’s growth as a leader. “He has grown to have a passion to make everyone in his unit better. He’s growing into a strong leader.” 

Wide receiver Keithen Womack had a great year as a sophomore and is back.  He is a junior.

All-State running back Damon Blocker graduated last year.  He is a great athlete and had a 3.4 average. Coach Simoneaux said Blocker is the only All-State running back in Central history.  However, the hard charging powerhouse has decided not to play college ball.

Senior defensive back Manny Williams is back and is expected to start at the running back position.

Returning on the defensive line are senior Conner Scott and defensive end D. K. Mayes.  Junior Mike Jarreau is at defensive end.

K.D. Mayes, a linebacker, is back.  He is defensive captain and Coach Simoneaux says he is one of the best high school linebackers he has ever coached.  He has at least 10 college offers.

Both cornerbacks are returning — seniors Blaysen Stokan and Steven Ranel. Ranel has scholarship offers to ULL, La. Tech, and many others. He will add value on both sides of the ball as well as the return game.

Senior Kaeden Loupe will be free safety.  Newcomer Marvin Joseph, a sophomore, will play at boundary safety and has had a tremendous preseason.

Senior John Cummins will be on the offensive line at left tackle. He is 6’ 220 pounds.  The coach says Cummins should have a “monster” year.  “He plays the game the way it is supposed to be played,” Coach Simoneaux said.

Transfer student Deshad Sheridan will be on the interior defensive line and has a tenacity the coach admires.

Devin Reed will play at right offensive tackle.  He converted from the defensive line. Simoneaux said, “He has a huge motor. High performance. He is great in the classroom and in the community.”

Central has 85 players in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades and another 40 freshmen.  They will carry about 70 to away games.

In discussing his Central team, Simoneaux said he was very happy they are getting to enjoy the new Student Athletic Complex at the high school.