In small-school football, it is always a numbers game. A few injuries can decimate an already lean roster. That is why the Grand Lake Hornets want to stay healthy this season.

“We’re hoping this year to stay healthy and just have a better product at the end of the year to go into the playoffs with as far as health-wise,” head coach Jeff Wainwright said. “As far as the program itself and the kids and the parents and the community, it’s just been a really wonderful ride here these last five years, starting six for me now. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Last year, the Hornets went 6-5 and lost in the first round for the first time under Wainwright. Multiple injuries, especially on the offensive side, forced weekly lineup changes.

“That year, it was like we’d sit in here before practice and if you were just listening from across the room, it sounded like we were orthopedic surgeons talking about all the different injury scenarios,” he said.

They return 12 starters this year, including seven on the defensive side.

“No. 1 aspect is that they’re (defense) a very aggressive group, and they run to the football really well right now. It’s what we’ve been noticing. I feel like we’re further along right now in camp than we were last year at this point, so we’re excited about that.”

The heart of the defense will be four returning senior linebackers in Wyatt Wilkerson, Tony Ledoux, Zayne Armentor and Ezra Fontenot. Wilkerson (45 tackles) earned first-team all-district honors as a lineman last year, and Ledoux made the second team.

“They are a very good group,” Wainwright said. “They’re really tough, and they’ve all played a ton of games.”

Other returners on the defense include senior tackles Tate Verzwyvelt and Joey Babineaux, plus senior Brycen Guillory and junior Charles McFarland at safety.

Law Faulk will start at nose tackle and Preston Schwark will see time on the line, as well. Wainwright is looking to junior Kelan Vaquez and senior Logan Lebleu to take over at cornerback.

Guillory split time at quarterback with Kaden Taylor last year, but will be the full-time starter this time. Both fought injuries last year.

“He got in a few games last year,” Wainwright said. “So, it’s not a totally new starter.

“He’s been doing good, kind of changing roles. He is a very good, very good athlete. So we’re hoping he can make some plays for us whenever we need him.”

Ian Vigo, one of the top runners in program history, graduated but McFarland returns after seeing a lot of action as other backs went down with injury. He ran for 343 yards and six touchdowns.

Wainwright said they will still base out of the split-back veer offense but will throw in some variations with some flexbone and other formations.

Armentor, a first-team offensive lineman last year, moves to tight end and Verzzwyvelt and junior Marques Brothers return on the right side of the line. Joey Babineaux, Hudson Hardie and Tyson Smith plus Luke Jessup will be part of the rotation on the offensive line.

Junior Jax Tingler will get the start at fullback, Vasquez at slot back and LeBlue at receiver.

GRAND LAKE

Mascot: Hornets.

Home stadium: Hornet Stadium.

District: 4-1A.

Playoff division: Nonselect Division IV.

Head coach: Jeff Wainwright.

Head coach career record: 139-90.

2023 record (Dist.): 6-5 (3-2).

Last time in playoffs (round): 2023 (bi-district)

Returning starters (offense/defense): 5/7

Key players lost: Ian Vigo (RB), Kaden Taylor (QB/LB), Luke Wainwright (K).

Top returners: Zayne Armentor (OL), Wyatt Wilkerson (LB), Brycen Guillory (QB/DB), Tony Ledoux (LB), Charles McFarland (RB).

Schedule

Sept. 5 at East Beauregard (Thurs.)

Sept. 12 vs. Rosepine (Thurs.)

Sept. 19 at Oakdale (Thurs.)

Sept. 27 Bye

Oct. 3 vs. DeQuincy (Thurs.)

Oct. 11 at Hamilton Christian*

Oct. 18 vs. Basile*

Oct. 24 at Merryville* (Thurs.)

Oct. 31 vs. Elton* (Thurs.)

Nov. 7 at Oberlin* (Thurs.)

*District 4-1A game