Photographs by Freddie Herpin
2022 Football Outlook
Head coach: Craig Stevens
2021 Record: 0-10, no playoffs
Looking Back – One thing that buries program progress is forfeiting games and sustaining injuries. Port Barre experienced both last season, along with playing in perhaps the toughest Class 2A district statewide. It was an uphill battle for the Red Devils before the season started, as injuries piled up to key players.
Looking Ahead – Port Barre is back in more geographically friendly District 5-3A. It might seem unusual to applaud a move to a higher classification, but the coaching staff seems satisfied with that decision. Port Barre however has perhaps the fewest number of students of any school in 3A, so there is a tradeoff. The Devils hope for more success offensively due to an experienced group of linemen. The rest of the cast offensively is young, along with a freshman quarterback. However Stevens thinks the Devils may be able to throw more effectively this season. Defensively the Devils think there is enough experience, but the secondary is young.
What Does The Coach Think – With seven seniors Stevens is realistic. The Devils could open the season starting as many as five freshmen. Offensively the Devils are waiting for junior Markel Mallet to recover from shoulder surgery. There is marginal experience at linebacker, while on the defensive line there are more returnees. “We are going to look for those explosive guys on offense while Markel is recovering. I think our quarterback (Ty Metrejean) has the arm we need to move with our passing game. We are looking for starters in our secondary, while at defensive end, we have two sophomores. We can’t afford to have many injuries,” Stevens points out.
Meet The Key Players – Owen Ponthieux (TB, LB, senior), Keenan Hardy (RB, DB, sophomore), Markel Mallet (RB, LB, junior), Ty Metrejean (QB, DB, freshman), Julian Arnaud (TE, DE, sophomore), Blake Savoie (WR, DB, senior), Billy Reed (RB, LB, sophomore), Taylor Bourgeois (TE, LB, senior), Maddox Fontenot (C, LB, junior), Hayden Schexnayder (T, senior), Cade Metrejan (WB, LB junior), Daniel Teal (T, senior).
Making a Prediction – Port Barre must stay clear of injuries. There could also be victories ahead in preseason and district if the Devils can move the ball more efficiently.
*Note: analysis by Editor Bobby Ardoin
