Port Barre Looks Ahead

BOBBY ARDOIN

St. Landry Now.com Editor

There was nothing particularly fond to remember about the 2024 Port Barre High football season, so the best solution, says head football coach Brent Angelle, is to focus on the present.

The Red Devils won a single game last year, while dealing with a number of significant injuries, a situation which forced Angelle and his staff to make personnel changes, compensating for what originally promised to be a good season.

What Angelle is emphasizing to a team which has a number of key starters returning, is Port Barre has a chance to secure a first winning season since 2013 and perhaps seize a non-select playoff spot.

Port Barre is also starting a second season in District 5-2A, which includes Oakdale, Kinder, Holy Savior Menard and Avoyelles.

During the past decade, annual enrollments have dictated that the Devils fluctuate between Class 3A and 2A. The schedule for Port Barre this year includes nine teams from either of those classifications.

So what is the outlook for the Devils as they begin a third season with Angelle as head football coach?

Offensively

Angelle is somewhat happy with the offense, as Tylus Metrejean, starting a fourth season at quarterback, Bailey Rideaux, a tight end-fullback and an experienced group of linemen provide Port Barre with some substance on that side of the football.

Metrejean, who has been the punter for the last several seasons, will play a variety of roles, says Angelle.

With junior Seth Smith also capable of playing quarterback, Metrejean could line up at a number of positions and perhaps move over to the defensive side. Smith also has the same potential talents, according to Angelle.

Rideaux (6-foot-2, 230 pounds), has been ranked as one of the best tight ends in the area. However as the Devils move into 2024 with a different offensive mindset, opponents might see Rideaux line up at fullback or playing defensive end.

Bennett Fontenot (6-0, 192), could see some time playing tight end, while the running backs are Chase Dedon (5-9, 175) and Kegan Ledoux (150).

Four of the five offensive linemen return. All but one of them weighs over 200.

There are two seniors (Brett Menard, 180) and Karson Dupre (260) in that group along with junior Luke Stagg (250) and Luke Grimmett (251). Cy Leger is a 210-pound sophomore.

Defensively

The Devils defensive front includes Rideaux, Fontenot Drake Thomas (297) and Devin Mallett (289).

Angelle is particularly strong with praise when he describes the linebackers.

Karson Darbonne is expected to play one of the spots, along with Juwan Horns (190), a senior who Angelle notes, has developed important leadership qualities.

In the secondary Angelle thinks that Metrejean could play a key role along with senior Brennen Perdue and Ledoux, who is expected to play safety. Junior Karter Richard is also expected to play a key role in the defensive backfield.

Sophomore Benton Angelle will be the placekicker.