Injuries hit the Welsh Greyhounds quickly in 2023, but they managed to power through and win nine games for the second consecutive season.

They face a new challenge this year as they have some retooling to do after losing seven first or second-team all-district players.

“You know, there was definitely a lot of ups and downs, dealing with a lot of injuries early so we got off to a rough start,” second-year head coach Ronnie Courville said. “But I told the kids after the season that I was so proud of them for sticking with it and continuing to progress as the season went on.”

Graduation hit the Greyhounds’ offense the most. They averaged more than 38 points per game but have to replace two threats in the passing game in wide receiver J.J. Artis and LaTroy Pattum, a pair of linemen (Caleb Bianchini, Collin Lejeune) and 1,000-yard running back Hayden VanNess.

“We lost three seniors on the O-line, and then replacing Troy (Patum) and Aidan and two pretty good receivers is going to be tough,” Courville said.

The silver lining is that quarterback Jonovan Begnaud, the American Press All-Southwest Small Schools offensive MVP, is back for one more year. The dual-threat quarterback accounted for 33 touchdowns and nearly 2,000 yards of total offense as a junior.

“Hopefully he can bring the whole offense together,” Courville said. “The offense is going to go as far as he’ll take us.

“It’s going to run through him. He’s a guy we’re comfortable relying on. He’s a great kid. He’s smart. He’s always positive. He’s one of one of our top leaders on our team, for sure.”

Wide receiver Dane Iguess (9 rec., 225 yards, 4 TD) is back as is center Hagun Bryant, right guard Jayden Turnley and left tackle Eli Jolie.

Senior wide receiver Cameron Bouley returns after he missed most of his junior season with a broken foot, while Azarius Bennett’s (65 car., 366 yards, 6 TD) workload will greatly increase as he replaces VanNess.

New additions to the offense include sophomores Devanta Castile (WR) and Noah LeFranc (OL) and junior Griffin Hebert (OL).

The Greyhounds’ defense had to grow up quickly last year after allowing 101 points in the first two games, but led the way during a seven-game win streak, allowing more than six points once in the span.

“We took our lumps with a lot of new starters, a lot of first-time starters,” Courville said. “This year we can already see going into the offseason and through spring and summer, it’s just kind of like a review for all these guys.

“They’re picking it up quick. We are switching to a three-man front, so we’ll be a 3-4. I feel like we have four backers that can all play.”

Nine of those starters are back led by a pair of seniors in linebacker Ayden Miller, an honorable mention all-state player who missed games with a broken foot, and weak-side safety Ethan Beard.

“He’s (Miller) a vocal guy,” Courville said. “He makes all our calls up front, and he’s pretty intense.

“He brings it every day and loves to practice. And then Ethan Beard, he’s a three-year starter as well for us. He’s an intense guy. He’s really physical in the secondary.”

Other returners include senior defensive tackles Javen Broussard and Gaven Dugas, junior nose tackle Keegan Grimes, senior linebackers Cohen and Casey Cormier, sophomore free safety Jordan Strong and junior cornerback Darien Pugh.

Preston Lopez will give the Greyhounds an all-senior linebacker group, while sophomore Baelyr Thibodeaux will move into a starting role at cornerback.

WELSH

Mascot: Greyhounds.

Home stadium: Dutton Wall Stadium.

District: 6-2A.

Playoff division: Nonselect Division IV.

Head coach: Ronnie Courville

Head coach career record: 9-4.

2023 record (Dist.): 9-4 (4-1).

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

Returning starters (offense/defense): 6/9

Key players lost: La’Troy Pattum (TE/DL), J.J. Artis (WR), Caleb Bianchini (OL), Collin Lejeune (OL), Hayden VanNezz (RB), Will Arceneaux (WR), Tanner Mallett (DL), Carter Phelps (DB).

Top returners: Jonavon Begnaud (QB), Dane Iguess (WR), Eli Jolie (OL), Ethan Beard (LB), Ayden Miller (LB).

Schedule

Sept. 5 vs. Kinder (Thurs.)

Sept. 13 vs. Oakdale

Sept. 20 at Jennings

Sept. 27 at South Beauregard

Oct. 4 at Eunice

Oct. 11 vs. Loranger

Oct. 18 vs. Lafayette Renaisance Charter*

Oct. 25 at Lafayette Christian*

Nov. 1 vs. Lake Arthur*

Nov. 7 at Notre Dame* (Thurs.)

*District 6-2A game