Colton Frank IV has already led one resurgence at LaGrange, leading the Gators baseball program to three playoff berths.

This year Frank, a Louisiana-Lafayette baseball commitment, will help the Gators take on another challenge — a return to Class 5A.

The two-sport star will be entering his third year as LaGrange’s starting quarterback. The Gators have reached the playoffs in each of his first two seasons under center. Last year he threw for 825 yards and 10 touchdowns in seven regular-season games, then added two more scoring passes in a narrow playoff loss to North Desoto.

Frank said preparation is the key to his success.

“I watch film, sit with (Gators head coach Jules Sullen) after school and in the summer,” he said. “I learn a lot. It helps me improve my understanding of the game, I can see where pressure is coming from. Then I can put that stuff into practice in the games.

“My coaches have played a big part in my success and our team’s success.”

Frank said former teammates made sure he was ready before he assumed the starting role.

“Jeremiah West, the starter before me, helped me a lot,” Frank said. 

“We had guys like Dondel Lewis, Alvinoski LaFleur — guys that were veterans,” he said. “They were leaders and pushed me to be the best quarterback I could be. They worked hard. From them I learned that, even in practice, you can’t take a play off, even if you are going through walk-throughs. They taught me that what you do in the weight room is a big part of what happens on Friday nights.”

Frank is looking forward to the challenge of the Gators moving back into District 3-5A, which features four teams that made the playoffs last year, including Acadiana, Barbe and Sulphur, that won at least one game in the postseason. The Gators have a 4A enrollment but chose to play up.

“The coaches, players and everyone in the community is getting us pumped up for the move,” Frank said. “We are going to be ready. There is no doubt we can compete.”

Frank said the mental part of the game is his strong suit.

“I think knowledge is my biggest strength,” he said. “Second, I have a strong arm. But I don’t consider myself one of the team’s strengths. That is going to be our defensive line and offensive line. Special teams is also going to be a big part of our success.”

Frank said Sullen stresses that his players find success off the playing field.

“The biggest thing I have learned from him is that I have to be the best man I can be at home,” he said. “He teaches us how to be good men, how we have to be willing to work hard at everything we do.”