ST. LANDRY NOW
2024 FOOTBALL
Port Barre High
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Looking Ahead: For those who have watched Port Barre football the last two decades, witnessing the Red Devils this season will certainly indicate changes. Port Barre is preparing to institute more passing offensively as the Devils have a more talented group of receivers and a developing quarterback in a second season under head coach Brent Angelle.
And the Devils are back in Class 2A, something that Angelle thinks will be beneficial for his program. A worrisome area is the defense. Six starters return, but the Devils are shuffling those players around, looking for their best fit.
Looking Back: Port Barre ended the 2023 regular season 5-5 and reached the state playoffs for the first time in six years, despite having to patch together a running back situation that remained affected by injuries. Angelle was encouraged after the Devils won three of the last four regular season games and finished 4-3 in district games.
Preseason Standouts: Tyler Metrejean (QB), Bailey Rideaux (TE), Adam Barron (WR-DB), Julian Armand (WR), Calvin Deshotels (WR), Billy Reed (LB), Karson Dupre (OT-DT), Luke Grimmett (DL), Ben Bordelon (OL), Quan Pickney (DL).
Offense: Spread
Defense: 3-4
What The Coach Is Saying: “I learned a lot last year and the one thing we as a program learned was perseverance. We went 4-1 at home, could have won five there and now I think we feel better about ourselves as a team and a program. There is no honeymoon anymore. We want to do better. Look for us to be in more of a spread (offense) than in the past. We have two quarterbacks who can throw and some receivers who can catch and get behind the defense.I thought we showed that in the spring. Overall I’d say the program is moving in the right direction.” Brent Angelle
Players Comments: “This will be my third year starting and I’ve learned a lot since my freshman season. Right now I am making better reads, especially pre-snap. I’m happy about the spread-type game we are using. I think I’ve grown up more and the game has slowed down a lot for me.” – Tyler Metrejean
Players Comments: “I like our defense a lot. We have a good secondary with a lot of guys coming back. Offensively I think we had a good spring and that we showed we can do different things on offense.” – Adam Barron
Further Review: Much of the success offensively depends on offensive line development, which is the area where Port Barre is apparently the least experienced. Tight end Bailey Rideaux is one of the best receivers in St. Landry. Port Barre no longer plays in a tough district dominated by Iota, Northwest and Church Point. Angelle is optimistic and feels he has the Devils moving forward as Port Barre builds on last year.
