The Lafayette Christian Academy football program is preparing to make the leap from Class 2A to Class 4A next season.
A portion of the Knights’ roster participated in abbreviated spring football practice earlier this month while several multi-athletes competed in baseball and track and field.
“We don’t do a traditional spring because so many of our kids compete in track and baseball,” said LCA coach Trev Faulk.
The Knights used their superior speed to win the Class 2A state track and field meeting. LCA finished first in both the 4×100 and 4×200 relays and second in the 4×400 relay.
Quarterback JuJuan Johnson, receiver Alonzo Ryes, defenseman Ty Lee and all-around athlete Treanders Marzell helped LCA secure the track and field championship.
“All these young men scored points in the course,” Faulk said.
As a sophomore, Johnson rushed for 2,200 yards with 21 TDs and led the Knights to a second place finish in Division III.
“JuJuan is a dynamic athlete,” Faulk said of the double threat quarterback, who also rushed for 700 yards. “He’s really competitive and a born leader.”
The Knights shut out leading receiver Darian Riggs, but Ryes and Alex Beard both return after combining for 1,000 yards. Beard, who will be a senior, averaged 25 yards per catch.
“They give us a double whammy at the receiver,” Faulk said. “Ryes is a huge threat that has really blossomed in his first year as a full-time starter.”
The offensive backfield returns with running backs Luke Aragona and Dedrick Celestine, while Anders will play both receiver and running back after missing his sophomore year through injury.
Brean LeBlanc is another speedster who can play on either side of the ball. Senior athlete Daejon Sinegal and second receiver Cade Cina were also members of the Knights 4×400 relay team.
Melvin Hills, Cassidi Smith, Kellen Thibeaux, Seth Offord, Trevor Jeffery, Josh Flynn, Jon Moore-Leday and Bennett DeRouen are other standouts to impress during the Knights’ spring football practice.
Hills, a junior defensive lineman, recently accepted a scholarship offer from LSU. A senior who can line up in the box or high school, DeRouen is expected to take on a greater leadership role as Fitzgerald West (LSU), Jordan Allen (LSU) and Brylan Green (Liberty) have risen to the collegiate ranks.
“Bennett had a great spring,” Faulk said. “He is a vocal defensive and team leader.
“Defensively we have a good group that keeps each other at a high level.”
Faulk said the knights always practice at a fast pace. In the spring, the knights practiced for an hour every day.
“If we train on the field for two hours during the season, that’s a long time for us,” he said. “Our overall programming philosophy is hurry/no jostle. We want to be as efficient and fast as possible.
“We’re excited (about moving to Division II/Class 4A). We’ve lost a lot of star power and have some kids hungry for an opportunity to prove themselves. One of the things they love to do is go out, compete and pit yourself against worthy opponents.”
