All RSS feed content is owned by the respective 3rd party website.
A year ago, Brusly posted a 3-6-1 record, reaching the Division II Non-Select playoffs.
Entering his seventh season, Hoff Schooler has done a steady job with the Panthers, posting a 37-36 record.
Now, Schooler and Brusly will look for a breakout season. There is optimism that it can happen since the Panthers return a host of key players, having lost just eight from last year’s team to graduation.
“We played a lot of underclassmen last year which will benefit us,” Schooler said. “We played a tough schedule and that benefits us as well. We’ve made good progress in the offseason which I am excited about.”
The running game is in good hands, led by junior Patrick Gales (5-9, 178). Sophomore Roddrick Covington (5-8, 190) also returns.
Senior Josiah Hogan (5-10, 185) is another playmaker who can play quarterback while junior Cordell Oxley (5-8, 160) will also play quarterback but his versatility allows him to play in a lot of spots to help the team.
“Pat qualified for the 100 meters in Oregon last year,” Schooler said. “He was hampered by injury early in the season but when he returned, he averaged 14 yards per carry. Covington is a bigger back and provides a different threat. Josiah and Cordell will make plays and they all bring something different to the field.”
The wide receiver is well armed with junior Darrlon Bennett (5-9, 160) and senior Tyrin Stewart (6-0, 185). Junior Marion Ivring (5-9, 165) will also start.
“Bennett can play in the slot or out wide while Stewart is good,” Schooler said. “Irving was hurt last year and we are waiting to see if he is fully back. Drake Vincent can help as well. We have depth there.”
Up front on offense, senior Thomas Dupree (6-3, 305) anchors the front, along with junior Mason Dupree (6-3, 275). Senior Z’khi Provo (5-10, 250) is the other returning starter. Sophomore Keondrick Brown (6-0, 265) provides size and promise for the future.
“Thomas is a four-year starter while his brother, Mason, is a three-year starter,” Schooler said. “Provo returns as well. There is good size and good experience. We need a couple of others to step up to fill in the gaps.”
Defensively, the Panthers are strong up front, led by seniors Phillip Mason (6-3, 225), Steve Wesley (6-3, 215) and Ricky Critney (6-0, 205).
“We have three returning starters up front,” Schooler said. “We feel they are good. We may play a fourth but could play just a three-man front. Mason and Critney can play inside or outside.”
At linebacker, senior Alvin Watts (6-1, 205) is outstanding on the outside while senior Sam Johnson (5-10, 185), a two-year starter, and junior Brayden Ray (5-9, 185), a three-year starter, return. Watts can also line up in the secondary, where junior Cyren Oxley (5-8, 165) returns to provide skill.
Other starters in the deep are expected to be junior Jude Lejeune (5-10, 150), along with sophomores Omari Morgan (5-10, 180) and Reggie Riley (5-10, 175).
“Johnson and Ray were our leading tacklers last year,” Schooler said. “Both have gotten bigger and stronger. Alvin can play on the second or third level and he is smart. We are excited about Morgan and Riley. We’re very happy where they are. Lejeune and Oxley have progressed nicely.”
The kicker is junior Alfredo Jurado.
The schedule opens with Port Allen before district play opens with Broadmoor, Tara, Plaquemine, Belaire and a non-district game with Donaldsonville. West Feliciana, McKinley, St. Michael’s and Istrouma complete the schedule in district play.
“I would expect all teams to be well coached with good numbers,” Schooler said. “You have to be ready to go in all three phases. You have to figure out a way to win on special teams. Most have good kickers and returners.”
With an experienced team, Brusly appears poised to take a step forward toward a winning season and a return to the playoffs.
“Last year did not meet our expectation,” Schooler said. “We embrace the tradition but want to reset the standard and represent this community, fans and parents the way we should. We’re not there yet but we’re well ahead of where we were last year and in years past.”
Click here for Louisiana high school football team previews.
