With a veteran group, Vinton Head Coach Tyler Lavergne hopes the Lions can have a breakthrough year.

“It’s going good, really good,” Lavergne said. “I’m excited about it.

“We’ve got a little bit older team now with 12 seniors, so we’re looking to rely on those guys on both sides of the ball.”

Those 12 seniors will fill 16 of 22 starting positions. Vinton was 1-9 last year.

“We competed a lot last year, but I think I want to see us compete in a way that we come out on top,” Lavergne said. “I think we have the opportunity to do that this year, especially with the veteran group with 12 seniors to rely on.

“I think we’re just more developed as a football program. Even in the coaches’ office, I think we understand what’s going on and what we’re responsible for more so than last year. I’m excited to see what comes of that.”

Vinton hasn’t had a winning season since 2014 and last went to the playoffs in 2019.

With more experience, they are looking to further develop the offense as it switches to a split-back veer. Lavergne said the central theme will be finishing drives after the Lions averaged 12.2 points a game in 2023.

“I think keeping things simple offensively is going to give us the edge in some of those close games,” Lavergne said. “Not having them to overthink plays and be able to play fast without having to think too much is going to be beneficial for us on offense.

“We’re going to try to limit turnovers and finish drives. Having a veteran team, it’ll give us the edge on some of those close drives that are tough in high-pressure situations.”

After seeing increased play late in the season, senior Jerryckson Gonzalez will start full-time at quarterback, plus at safety.

He completed 26 of 52 passes for 437 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions, plus 121 rushing yards and a touchdown.

“I’m very excited about him,” Lavergne said. “He’s just a good kid.

“He’s well-rounded. He can run, and he can also throw the ball, so giving that kind of a two-threat quarterback is going to be a little different for us this year as an offense. It’ll give us a little bit more opportunity in those close games.”

Vinton returns its top running back in senior Jaiden Briggs (269 yards, TD) and No. 2 receiver Landon Harbert (26 rec., 364 yards, 2 TD).

Braylon Beard threw for more than 1,000 yards last year but will move to tight end, while Connor Courmier returns at fullback and linebacker. Three seniors return on the offensive line in Ethan Harbert, Gabe Riggins and Ricky Favors.

With nine starters back on defense, Lavergne looks to refine a defense that allowed 35.9 points a game in 2023.

“As a whole, we’re just playing as a team better defensively,” Lavergne said. “We’ve got 11 guys running to the ball.

“Being very aggressive, I think our attitude toward defense this year is going to be where we shine. We have a lot of guys that are veteran defensive players playing in the spots that are going to best benefit us as a defense.”

Lavergne sees senior defensive tackle Donovon Harbert and senior Gonzalez as the catalyst to improvement on that side of the ball.

“I think one of them that’s going to play a big role for us is Donovan Harbert,” Lavernge said. “He’s going to be our defensive tackle.

“He’s a senior. He’s 6’3”, 315 pounds. He’s a good kid. He works hard.

“He’s just very aggressive. He’s going to be a strength for our defensive line. He’s going to be a solid staple for our defensive line and for our defense as a whole.

“Jerryckson Gonzalez will also be playing defense again at that strong safety. He’s actually playing his 4th year of starting on defense for us. Having his leadership and his experience is going to help out.”

Upfront, seniors Favors and Riggins return with Courmier, Briggs and Jaxson Hantz at linebacker and Harbert, Nick Barks, Gonzalez and Cobe Durio in the secondary.

VINTON

Mascot: Lions.

Home stadium: B.S. Walker Stadium.

District: 4-2A.

Playoff division: Nonselect Division IV.

Head coach: Tyler Lavergne.

Head coach career record: 1-9.

2023 record (Dist.): 1-9 (0-5).

Last time in playoffs (round): 2019 (bi-district).

Returning starters (offense/defense): 8/9

Key players lost: Freddie Budwine (WR), Jeramiah Holts (DL), Braylon Beard (QB/P).

Top returners: Landon Harbert (WR), Jerryckson Gonzalez (QB), Jaiden Briggs (TB).

Schedule

Sept. 6 at Oberlin

Sept. 13 vs. Merryville

Sept. 20 at Hamilton Christian

Sept. 27 vs. Delcambre

Oct. 4 at North Iberville

Oct. 11 at Westminster Christian-Lafayette

Oct. 18 vs. Pickering

Oct. 25 at Rosepine*

Nov. 31 vs. East Beauregard* (Thurs.)

Nov. 8 vs. DeQuincy*

*District 4-2A game