2024 ST. LANDRY NOW FOOTBALL
Beau Chene High
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Looking Ahead: The Gators have a familiar face in Buck Harris, a former assistant who was elevated to the head coaching position in January.
Looking Back: For the second straight season Beau Chene finished 1-9 after posting a 6-4 record in 2021. Beau Chene not only experienced offensive problems last season, but the Gators also featured a defense that experienced difficulties defensively. The 2023 season was almost a mirror image of the previous year.
What the coach says: As Beau Chene prepares for 2024, Harris initially thinks his biggest issue is cultivating program interest. “Last year we ended with about 22 players. I think things are different now and we seem to be getting guys back out who were once in the program,” Harris said.
Offense: Wing-T
Defense: Four-man front that features a multiple scheme.
Preseason Standouts: Matthew Wheaton (LB), Kenyon Brown (DL), Kyelon Lewis (DB), Ja’Vonte Charles (WR), Marcelo Sanchez (PLK), Casey Charles (OL)..
Players Comments: “I like the new defense we are playing. At linebacker, the difference is, I will be able to get more tackles.” – Matthew Wheaton
Players Comments: “We are being taught more technique on the line this year. Personally on the defensive side, I like it a lot more because we are going to have more contact,” Owen Hayes.
Further Review: Harris is moving forward with the slogan, “What’s in the past is in the past.” What Harris has in front of him is essentially a program rebuild, a challenge that he is attacking with enthusiasm. Beau Chene has brought in assistant Andy Hargroder, who has been a head coach at the school and in other programs in order to help establish stability. The Gators play in a tough Class 4A district that includes Cecilia and Opelousas, who played for the state title in 2023.
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