Photograph: St. Edmund head football coach James Shiver with running back Jevon Johnson and linebacker Copeland Miller. (Photograph by Freddie Herpin)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Contributing Writer
What’s New – This season appears to be more of a continuation for a building process that started in 2022. St. Edmund (5-6 last season) featured a lot of young players last season and now the Blue Jays return 18 of 22 starters. Coach James Shiver is now the most experienced head coach in District 5-1A which features four new head coaches.
Looking Back – The Jays took a back seat to district opponents Catholic Pointe Coupee, Opelousas Catholic and Sacred Heart last year, but St. Edmund has the largest number of starters returning in the district. The Jays made the playoffs last year, but lost in the first round.
What Does The Coach Say – “This year is a lot different. We have the experience and there is quality experience, not just in numbers. We think we have an exciting offense with quarterback Kane West (1,200 passing yards) and Kevon Johnson (a sophomore who ran for a St. Landry Parish best 1,800 yards in 2022),” – head coach James Shiver
Offensive Standouts – Running back Kevon Johnson, a dual threat who gained yardage despite defenses that loaded up the box to stop him. Quarterback Kane West and wide receiver Jay Lavergne.
Defensive Standouts – Outside linebacker Copeland Miller
Comments From Kevon Johnson – “I depend a lot upon my vision. I think I move a lot like Barry Sanders. I get a lot of attention from the defenses, but my goal is to get out in the open and let it happen.”
Comments From Copeland Miller – “We were a real young team last year, but this year it’s a lot different. We have a lot of quality players and more of them. We enjoy blocking for our skill players.”
Comments From Jay Lavergne – “I think the players we have this season are more confident. Last year we were so young. Now that’s behind us.”
X-Factor – St. Edmund has a unique schedule, with a couple of potentially easy games, a contest against a Class 4A team (South Lafourche) and a game in Texas. Shiver, who coached previously in the Arena 2 Football League, plans to use the no huddle offense, which combined with the Jays’ experience should make the program a district title contender. How to get Johnson in the open will be a factor.
