Wildcat Fans Have Reason for Optimism

CENTRAL — Championships are won on Friday nights — not on paper.  Nevertheless, on paper at least, the 2011 Central Wildcat team looks like one of finest ever.

The key will be whether they live up to their potential.

This will be a team that is young yet talented and deep — a team seeking its 4th straight District Championship and a State Title.

In an unguarded moment, Central head coach Doug Dotson admits that in a lifetime of coaching, this is the kind of team you hope to coach.  Officially, the coach says, “It’s about building a program, and the program sustains itself.”

But it’s hard not to reveal that the talent is there for a championship.  The key, Dotson said, is about humility, staying focused, and playing for the team and as a team — performing like a champion in every aspect of life.

The district battle will be different this year, because traditional rival Catholic High moved to another district.  District 4-5A will consist of Central, Denham Springs, Live Oak, Scotlandville, Walker, and Zachary, while District 5-5A will consist of Catholic, Dutchtown, East Ascension, McKinley, St. Amant, and Woodlawn.

Here’s what to expect over the coming weeks, as Central High football begins another memorable season:

• There are three weeks left in summer football workouts.  The final week will include Powercat testing, one of Central football’s most important events.

• On July 22-23, Ochsner Clinic will provide free echocardiograms for the players, to identify any player who may have heart problems. [Athletic director Sid Edwards offers a tip of the hat to Ochsner’s for this potentially life-saving service to the athletes.]

• Boot Camp will be held Aug. 1-3 at King’s Arrow Ranch near Brookhaven, Miss. More than 100 varsity players are expected, plus coaches, trainers, and physicians, as well as a handful of parents who will provide food and hydration.

• Coach Dotson says Boot Camp is one of the most important events of the year.  Without cell phones or technology around to interfere, the players get to know and rely on one another.  “This is about building our men into a team,” he said.

• After Boot Camp, football practice gets underway.

• School begins on Wednesday, Aug. 10, and the first scrimmage will be at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19 at Wildcat Stadium when Central hosts Thibodaux, a team with a proud tradition and a new coach.

• The Jamboree this year will be held at Zachary on Friday, Aug. 26.  Central will face a challenge in 3-A East Feliciana.  This is a new school (formerly Jackson and Clinton), which had an outstanding season last year.  They were undefeated in the regular season and lost in the playoffs to John Curtis.  They have lots of returning veterans and an outstanding QB.

• The regular season opens on Sept. 2 against Istrouma at Wildcat Stadium.  They have a new coach and some good athletes.

• The second game of the season is also one of the most important.  Central will travel to Lafayette to play St. Thomas More on Sept. 9.  “I want us to win this game,” Dotson said.  “This is our travel game, and I want us to make a show of it.  St. Thomas More is a tremendous school, and they will try to intimidate us with a roaring crowd, loud music, and smoke.  I want us to prove, as Central has done before, that we travel well and can compete with the very best.  I really want this game.  St. Thomas More was 13-0 last year before losing in the playoffs to eventual State Champion Acadiana.  Head coach Jim Hightower is one of my mentors.  He has over 350 victories and is a legend in Louisiana football.  If we can defeat St. Thomas More, we are in the running.”

• The third game of the year will be Sept. 16 at home against Woodlawn, which is touted as “loaded.”

• The fourth game will be Sept. 23 against Catholic.  ’Nuff said.

• The fifth game will be Sept. 30 against St. Amant, the renewal of a long-time rivalry.

• District play begins Oct. 7 at home against Zachary.

Highlights – Offense

Central will be a different team offensively this year.  It will be wide open with quick strike capability.  It could be a return to the days of Will and Wes Briscoe.  Lots of firepower working.  Plus these kids are young.  Most of them will be here for two to three years.

Quarterback duties will probably be shared by Brett Courville and Jake Myer.  They’re both young but ready.  Watch out.

Slotbacks.  Well, there’s Gary Triplett.  Get used to that name.  He is one of the fastest young men in the state.  A real speedster and a special young man.  Then there’s Devon Gales.  He’s about to catch Triplett. We’re talking about two slotbacks with real speed.

Backfield.  Good depth.  There’s Zach Evans.  You have to say ‘Quality.’  Lamonte Janeau.  Let’s say it again: ‘Quality.’  Then there’s John Davis, TB/TE/HB.  A strong young man, versatile.  He can block.  He can run.  He can catch out of the backfield.  He may not be the No. 1 running back, but he can be everything else.

Outside Receivers. Trevor Harding.  Hunter Cazes.  He was hurt last year but worked hard and is coming back.  Lots of talent.

Sophomores.  Chaz King.  Jeremy Anderson.  6’1” 200 pounds.  He’s catching well.  May be able to do it.

Freshmen.  Justin Vessel.

Highlights – Defense

We have one of the largest defensive lines in school history.  Lots of potential.

Zack Hedrick.  He’s 6’3” 235. DE/TE.  Joey Jarreau.  6’1” 235. DL.  Tim Colomb, DT,  6’1” 265.  He’s known as “Raw Dog,” and he’s playing only his 2nd year of football.  He made a lot of strides in the weight room this summer.

Matt Edwards, DE, 6’1” 205.  A good young man.  Lots of potential.  He had a good offseason.  A playmaker.  Developing.

Secondary.  Logan Metcalf is back at FS, three-year veteran.  All heart.  Sean Parker.  Some good experience.  Corner  Jesus Acosta.  For safety, look to Paul Broussard, Hunter Johns (Josh’s brother), and Larry Bradford.

Linebackers.  Antonio Ragusa had a great sophomore year, and he’s back.  Darrius Wallace, Dalton Holdman, and Thomas Eddlemon are vying.

Special teams.  Matthew Thibodeaux did a fine job for the Wildcats, and his brother Jonathan appears to have lots to offer too.

Coaches

The offensive coordinator is David Simoneaux.  Outstanding addition to the Wildcats staff last year.  He also works with RB’s.  Other offensive coaches include Rob Chapman, QB’s; J’Mikel Dykes, WR’s; and Justin Hutchinson, OL.

The defensive coordinator is Coach Dotson who also works with the secondary.  Others are Frank Fresina, LB’s, Steve Johnson, DL/DE; Brad Cook, secondary, and a new addition, Kevin Pihl, DT’s.

Don’t be surprised by this team.

They are Wildcats, but they will have a new look this year.  Expect excitement.  Here it comes!

Story and Photo by Woody Jenkins, Editor, Central City News