Across the board, nearly everything has changed since last season for the St. Louis Catholic Saints.

They have a new head coach, changed playoff divisions, lost a district opponent in the reclassification and will have 18 new starters.

But it has not affected the energy of the team according to first-year Head Coach Dustin Nothnagel.

“The kids have been great,” Nothnagel said. “They were excited, you know, ready for something new, ready to get after it.

“It’s a lot of inexperienced players but a lot of hungry players at the same time. It’s been fun getting to know them and working with them. I think not having a lot of experience creates a lot of competition and fresh eyes on these players gives them a new perspective, as well.”

The Saints went 8-3 last year.

The toughest job will be revamping a defense that lost 10 starters, including Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 3A defensive MVP linebacker Graham Montet. They allowed a Southwest Louisiana-best 14.6 points last year. Senior second-team all-district lineman Devin Kee is the only returning starter. He made 47 tackles and two tackles for a loss as a junior.

“Devin Kee’s a great player,” Nothnagel said. “He’s quick, gets a good jump off the ball, good against the run game, great pass rush.

“Devin is kind of taking the other guys under his wing, showing them how to do things the right way, how to prepare from week to week. And so we are looking for Devin to take a leadership role.”

Nothnagel has high praise for a pair of sophomores who will step into big roles on the defense, interior lineman Kyle LeBato and linebacker Josh Carrier.

“He (Carrier) has the ability to play three different linebacker positions and is a track athlete as well as can run hit,” he said. “He’s a big kid and we’re looking forward to seeing Josh take a step forward and kind of take ownership over the box.

“Kyle’s going to be a sophomore, as well, and is just a really strong player, low to the ground but quick with his hands. I am looking forward to seeing those two run the box together.”

Of the 10 new defensive starters, four are seniors in linebackers Finn Gage and Anderson Ieyoub, and defensive backs Peyton White and Phillip Abshire, plus juniors Brayden Boudreaux (DL), Ty Willis (LB), Kullen Miller (DB) and Graham Wyninger (DB).

All three of the Saints’ returners on the offensive side will be on the line in seniors Nathan Ughovwa (TE), Colton Guidry (LT) and Luke Trahan (LG).

Who they will block for is still up in the air between senior Owen Schwem and junior Konnor Boudreaux. Nothnagel said he will likely not pick a starting quarterback until Week 1.

Senior running back Tri Do and junior wide receivers B.J. Willis and Grant Habetz saw limited action last year. Also in the backfield will be sophomore running back McKylin Carrier and senior fullback Charlie Trappey.

Nothnagel is looking to run a pro-style offense.

“Probably more of a pro-style than spread, if you want to call it that,” he said. “Like old-school ground-and-pound football. We’ll have to get out there in fall camp and see what we do well.

“We have a couple of tight ends, fullback-type kids that we look to lean on.”

St. Louis will spend a lot of time on the road this year with six road games, starting with a trip to Sulphur in Week 1.

“I think there’s ups and downs in the schedules,” he said. “A lot of away games, we play six road games, but the furthest game isn’t until week 10, so the furthest away game is only 45 minutes until week 10.

“We go to Houghton preparing for the playoffs that week, making a long road trip. So I think our schedule provides us with different perspectives on challenges you might face in the playoffs, and good teams throughout the year. I think it’s a great schedule.”

ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC

Mascot: Saints.

Home stadium: Matt Walker Memorial Stadium.

District: 3-3A.

Playoff division: Select Division III.

Head coach: Dustin Nothnagle.

Head coach career record: 0-0.

2023 record (Dist.): 8-3 (6-1)

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

Returning starters (offense/defense): 3/1

Key players lost: Graham Montet (RB/LB), Landon Daughdril (PK), Kade Nugent (DL), Ethan Gross (DL), Luke Pierson (QB).

Top returners: Nathan Ughovwa (TE), Colton Guidry (OL), Devin Kee (DL).

Schedule

 

Sept. 6 at Sulphur

Sept. 12 vs. Bunkie (Thurs.)

Sept. 20 at Orangefield, Tx.

Sept. 26 vs. Washington-Marion (Thurs.)

Oct. 4 at Iowa

Oct. 11 vs. Westlake*

Oct. 18 at Lake Charles College Prep*

Oct. 25 vs. South Beauregard*

Nov. 1 at Jennings*

Nov. 8 at Haughton

*District 3-3A game