Three Point Stance: Big schools prepare to jam

Published 1:04 pm Thursday, August 25, 2022

In this edition of the Three Point Stance, staff writers Rodrick Anderson and Warren Arceneaux discuss high school football jamboree games involving area large schools.

What’s the most interesting game?

WA: Westgate at Lake Charles College Prep. The Tigers won at Prep last year en route to winning the Class 4A state title. The game features two of the state’s top recruits in Prep cornerback Curley Reed and Westgate safety Derek Williams, a Texas commitment.

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RA: Sulphur vs. Sam Houston. The old West Fork rivals will battle Friday in Moss Bluff. The key matchup will be Sam Houston’s offense that has several key players back, including quarterback Gavin Stout and running back Dennis Gardere and how it fares against Westlake’s seasoned defense led by linebacker Ethan Koonce.

Name an offensive player to watch.

WA: Westlake running back Brandon Jupiter had a 1,000-yard season last year and could put up better numbers this year with the graduation of Jamaal Guillory, who ran for 1,800 yards last year.

RA: Sulphur wide receiver Kaden Blalock is a handful for opposing teams with his size and speed (10.86 in the 100-meter dash). He caught 30 passes for 644 yards and five touchdowns last season while averaging more than 21 yards a catch.

Name a defensive player to watch.

WA: DeRidder safety Bryant Hammond returns to lead a Dragons secondary that will be tested by Barbe receiver Jamaal Levi, the area’s leading receiver last year.

RA: St. Louis Catholic junior linebacker Graham Montet has bulked up since recording 127 tackles last season and winning a state wrestling Division III 170-pound state title. He is part of the Saints’ seasoned front seven who will need to put pressure on Sulphur’s passing game on Friday.