Photographs by Bobbie Ardoin
2022 Football Outlook
Head Coach: Marques Lewis
2021 Record: 6-5, playoffs
Looking Back – Coming out the gate, Beau Chene provided one of the success stories in 2021. That narrative lasted until the start of district games, as the Gators failed to win any of those contests. Still in Lewis’ first season Beau Chene entered the first playoff round with a team that was experiencing a number of key injuries.
Looking Ahead – The Gators are in somewhat of a reset. Beau Chene lost one of the program’s career leading tacklers and a running back that established records during a four-year starting career. There are also questions about the experience along both sides of the line. One of the key pieces of the puzzle is linked to quarterback Jhykai Sharp, who has started three years. Sharp has more starting experience than any current parish quarterback and his 6-foot-3 size gives him command of the playing field. There are quite a number of sophomores and freshmen on both sides of the ball. Sharp should have capable receivers if he has time to throw.
What Does The Coach Think – Lewis thinks his team has sufficient starting experience, but what concerns him is whether the Gators have enough depth. What Beau Chene is seeking specifically is a playoff victory, which Lewis says, will be the first ever in the 30-year history of the program. “I think we will be all right this season. I like what I am seeing from the offensive line as we go into the season. What is crucial for us is that we can’t afford to have any injuries. Building depth quickly is a real problem for us. Winning that first playoff game is very important for our season. That’s the main goal,” Lewis says.
Meet The Key Players – Carnell Jones (WR, DB, junior), Peyton Comeaux (WR, DB, junior), Michael Wheaton (LB, WR, sophomore), Camron Pierre (DL, OL, junior), Aden Charles (DL, OL, senior), Jhykai Sharp (QB, senior), Scott Broussard (OL, DL, senior), Tylon Major (DB, WR, sophomore).
Making A Prediction – This season could be a copy of 2021, unless the Gators develop into a team that competes for a district title. If that happens Beau Chene will possibly have enough carry over to capture that elusive first playoff victory. There are a lot of questions for the Gators to answer due to inexperience.
*Note – analysis by Editor Bobby Ardoin
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