In 2023, Lake Arthur did something that has happened five times in the football program’s history — win a playoff game.

With nearly every starter back, they have set their sights higher this season.

“I guess the only way to build off of that is to get out of the second round,” Lake Arthur head coach Tarius Davis said. “I mean, that’s kind of the goal over the last couple of years. We talked about getting in the playoffs, and we’ve done that two years ago. And once you got there, we kind of laid that foundation now.

“We want to win a first-round game. Last year, we were fortunate enough to do that. I look at that as a good experience for our football team coming back this year to hopefully prepare us for this season, to hopefully be able to not only get in this time but now get out of the second round.”

Lake Arthur has just three quarterfinal appearances and the last was in 1980.

“We want to try to advance another round,” Davis said. “That’s kind of where our focus is at right now. It is not only getting in but now let’s get out of the second round.”

While they only have three starting roles to fill, the biggest concern is filling the void left by quarterback Ray Levi, three-way player Kenyon Boese and lineman Derek Levi. Ray Levi and Boese combined for 33 touchdowns.

Jackson Davis and Cameron Bonin are competing for the starting quarterback job.

“It’s their time to grow up,” Davis said. “They’re more natural quarterbacks.”

“Jackson Davis and Cameron Bonin are two smart, decent athletes that are going to play the quarterback position. They’re going to be field generals for us. They’re going to be able to run the offense. They’re going to know the offense inside and out.”

Davis is banking on his offensive and defensive linemen. Two will play both ways in senior Ahmad Boudreaux, a two-way second-team all-district player last year, and Darius Levi. Others on the offensive side include seniors Mathias Jones, Austin Spell and Waylon Dugas. Junior Tyler Mallett and sophomore Aiden Simon will be the defensive ends.

“To be honest with you, we’re going to go as far as our offensive and defensive line takes us,” Davis said. “Those are the dudes. All those guys are seniors up front. So up front is kind of where it’s going to start. We feel really good about those guys.”

First-team all-district linebacker Robbie Straus is back after posting 100 tackles last year.

Four of the Tigers’ six skill players scored a touchdown last year led by junior running back Carter Guillotte and senior fullback Carson Myers who had three touchdowns each.

“We’re going back on the center a little bit more than the gun,” Davis said. “We are still going to be a gap power scheme, but we’re going to run out of the I with some two-back stuff.

“We’re going to run out of some wings, some spot stuff. Trying to get those other athletes that we’ve got involved that are not Ray Levi. So the offense is going to look a little different.”

Breyon McZeal (WR/ CB), Davis (QB/FS), La’Nell Shankle (WR/CB) and Myers (FB/LB) will start on both sides of the ball. Senior Cole White, junior Khye Hornsby and sophomore Gabe Turner will see action in the defensive secondary.

LAKE ARTHUR

Mascot: Tigers.

Home stadium: Jack Doland Memorial Stadium.

District: 6-2A.

Playoff division: Nonselect Division IV.

Head coach: Tarius Davis.

Head coach career record: 58-80.

2023 record (Dist.): 7-5 (2-3).

Last time in playoffs (round): 2023 (regionals)

Returning starters (offense/defense): 9/9

Key players lost: Ray Levi (QB), Kenyon Boese (WR), Derek Levi (DL).

Top returners: Ahmad Boudreaux (OL/DL), Cameron Bonin (K/QB), Darius Levi (OL/DL), Robbie Straus (LB), Carson Myers (FB).

Schedule

Sept. 6 at Basile

Sept. 13 at DeQuincy

Sept. 20 vs. Bolton Academy

Sept. 26 vs. Oakdale (Thurs.)

Oct. 4 at Rosepine

Oct. 11 at Notre Dame*

Oct. 18 vs. Richwood

Oct. 25 vs. Lafayette Renaissance Charter*

Nov. 1 at Welsh*

Nov. 8 vs. Lafayette Christian*

*District 6-2A game