Photograph: Port Barre standout players Cade Metrejean (23), Maddox Fontenot (22), Keenan Hardy (7) and Tanner Lanclos (14) surround head football coach Brent Angellle. (Photograph by Freddie Herpin)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
What’s New – Port Barre has a new head football coach – Brent Angelle – who’s not exactly unfamiliar with the program. Angelle has handled the offense as a coordinator the past couple of years and he’s also hired several new assistants that he thinks have injected enthusiasm into the program.
Looking Back – The Devils finished 1-8 in 2022, shutting out Pine Prairie (20-0) during the last game of the season. There is a prevalence of starters returning – 15 total – that Angelle thinks will be improved due to a newly created conditioning and strength program instituted after the conclusion of last year.
What Does The Coach Say – “Since I have been (at Port Barre) for the last five years, I know the players, our opponents and the teams from the district we are in. Offensively we are shifting to the split-back, something I think fits our kids better. Eight starters are back defensively and we are moving into more of a 50-look there. We are trying to get the numbers up to about 50 (players). We ended last year with 38 guys.” – Brent Angelle
Offensive Standouts – Angelle likes the progress of sophomore quarterback Tylus Metrejean, who started last year along with senior running back Keenan Hardy, who was perhaps the key player last year. Markel Mallett is a three-year starter and Angelle likes the potential of linemen Grayson Davis (246 pounds), Taylor Polotzola (230) and 6-foot-5 Carlton Simmons (242).
Defensive Standouts – The secondary returns intact and Angelle thinks there will have key help provided by linebacker Maddox Fontenot. Other key starters are free safety Cade Metrejean and Tanner Laclos, who can also play wide receiver.
X-Factor – Nearly all of the offensive line returns and that factor will be crucial in determining success. Much will depend on how well Port Barre does in the preseason. The Devils didn’t play a game until Week 2 last year. A good start will help the Devils when they begin district play on Week 4. Port Barre plays in a tough district that includes perennial winners Church Point and Iota.
