Booker T. Washington Lions ready to roar

You could see it coming.

Wayne Reese Jr. has been building his Booker T. Washington program into a winner in bigger fashion annually.

Since restarting the program, Reese has taken his Lions from scratch to a 23-13 record on the field.

“We have been working toward this season for the last four years,” Reese said. “We started from ground zero. We have players who have been part of this since middle school. Those guys who are seniors are anxious to get this season started.”

That included a 7-1 record on the field in 2021 but Booker T. Washington had to forfeit its seven wins due to one senior, who transferred from another school, being a credit short of being qualified for his senior season.

It was a terribly unfortunate, unintentional oversight and it cost the Lions dearly.

That bitter ending to an otherwise excellent season serves as tremendous motivation for the Lions in 2022.

“It is motivating,” Reese said. “We learned from it and have moved on but we have not forgotten it. We know who we are and what we are working toward.”

The Lions graduated just six seniors from the 2021 team, including center Justin West, free safety Paul Harris and wide receiver Ramon Harris, among others.

Seven starters return from a potent offense.

Junior quarterback Damyren Washington (5-11, 180) leads the offense, coming off a 2021 season where he completed 30 of 79 passes for 461 yards and five touchdowns with five interceptions and rushed 115 times for 504 yards and six touchdowns.

“Damyren is a special kid,” Reese said. “Last year was his first year playing quarterback. We knew he was our best chance moving forward as a consistent player who was committed to the program and was willing to be coached. We know he’s the guy to lead us.”

The offense also features an outstanding player in senior running back Arnold Barnes (5-10, 225). Barnes was brilliant in 2021, rushing 131 times for 1,021 yards (7.8 avg.) with 12 touchdowns and he caught six passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. Nahzia Price provides quality depth.

“Arnold was an all-state player and we expect big things from him in 2022,” Reese said. “He is simply outstanding. Nahzia has a chance to be special as well.”

At wide receiver, senior Eric Alphonse (5-11, 160) leads the way and he is joined by juniors Malik Thiel (5-9, 150) and Bryan Tillman (5-11, 160), along with sophomore Teshaun Smith (5-8, 160). Sophomore Tayshon Smith is a gifted player as well. Sophomore Demeico Barnes will play receiver and some at running back.

“There is real talent at wide receiver with playmaking ability,” Reese said.

The tight end is talented junior Tyrick Fortia (6-3, 230).

Up front, Booker T. Washington is very good, with four starters back from a year ago. Senior left tackle Frederick Brooks (6-4, 280) leads the way and he is flanked by sophomore right tackle Davon Bruce (6-6, 280).

“Frederick is outstanding for us,” Reese said.

Junior center Derek Dabon (6-2, 320) will be flanked by seniors in left guard Damond Verret (5-11, 250) and right guard Aaron Stovall (6-0, 270). Verrett was an all-district performer last season.

“Damond was outstanding last year and Stovall and Dabon should be good as well,” Reese said. “We have experience.”

The defense is equally as strong and experienced with eight starters back.

Up front on defense are a pair of standouts in senior defensive end/linebacker Elijah Williams (6-4, 220) and defensive end Kalvin Lang (6-1, 225). Fortia will also line up at an end spot, along with junior Meshone Allen (6-1, 240).

“Kalvin and Elijah are very good,” Reese said.

Lang will play the nose guard spot.

The linebacker position is strong with Williams, along with senior Edric Williams (5-10, 230). Joining them are senior Frank Williams (5-10, 200) and senior Keith Bowers (5-10, 180).

“Edric has been with us since day one,” Reese said. “He has played center, defensive tackle and more for us. We are expecting great things from him. He is our leader on defense. He is the guy that will make it happen. Bowers is working back from an injury.”

Leading the secondary is junior safety Orbin Rochez (5-10, 200). Rochez is joined by juniors Dermine Lee (6-2, 190) and Layman Foster (6-1, 180), along with senior RaQuan Smith (5-11, 180).

“Lee is a college-size safety,” Reese said. “Smith and Foster have good size and experience.

Frank Williams is the kicker while Rochez handles punting duties.

The schedule opens at home against Salmen on September 2 before road games at St. Amant and John Ehret. A huge challenge follows against Warren Easton before a game against Landry at Behrman Stadium.

District 9-4A play opens on October 8 against McMain before the Lions host Kenner Discovery.

An intriguing non-district game against Jesuit is next before the Lions close with a district game against Riverdale and a showdown with powerful De La Salle to end the regular season which should determine the district champion.

“We have one of the toughest schedules in the state and we embrace that,” Reese said. “We worked toward it and we will measure ourselves against great teams and feel we are ready to do so.”

With an excellent coach and staff, the Lions are ready to roar and ready to erase the memory of 2021 with great potential for a deep playoff run and great season.

“The team, the school, the players and the alumni are all ready for this season,” Reese said.

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