Cager takes over as JFK brand returns

It is a familiar name, internationally, nationally and locally.

The brand has returned.

Lake Area New Tech has become John F. Kennedy High School, reviving the name of the school which was shut down after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The name change has JFK alumni excited, along with students, administrators and teachers at the newer school on Paris Avenue.

The same is true of the football program, which has new leadership.

Earl Cager takes over a program that one just one game a year ago but there is reason for optimism.

Cager has been part of an outstanding program at Landry-Walker for the past several years. Landry-Walker won the Class 5A state championship in 2016. Cager started at O. Perry Walker in 2012 and was at Landry-Walker in 2013 and 2014 before going to St. Augustine, his alma mater, as an assistant in 2015. He returned to Landry-Walker as an assistant in 2016-17.

“We have a lot of work to do with kids to bring in,” Cager said. “We have a good group of freshmen that are here now, about 21. A lot of them came in from various schools throughout the city of New Orleans. That is the class that will really put on the map, eventually. We know how to build a program, based upon our success at Landry-Walker.”

The Cougars have an experienced offense returning but lack experience on defense.

There are seven starters back from a year ago on offense.

Leading the charge is senior quarterback Myron Junior (5-11, 170). Senior running back Tory Perrette (5-11, 200) also returns to pace the rushing attack.

“Myron will be our stalwart, a good athlete,” Cager said. “Perrette started last year and he is a really good running back. We will feature him a lot in our zone read offense.”

Senior Cory Labeaud (6-0, 175) is the top returning wide receiver while junior Kelvin Russell (5-8, 155) also returns. Junior Reginald Carney (5-8, 155) and sophomore Markele Carrie (5-8, 160) will see extensive playing time as well.

“Russell is a slot guy while Lebeaud played a lot of games last year,” Cager said. “Markele Carrie is our version of Alvin Kamara. He is young and he will line up in the slot and at running back. He is a dynamic player. You will see some of Devin Bush in him. We are really expecting big things from him.”

Up front, the Cougars should be solid with three returning starters who are huge.

They include senior tackles Taron Nealy (6-4, 320) and Terrance DeClouet (6-1, 275), along with senior center Kendall Pitfield (6-0, 305). The guards include junior Tory Turner (5-11, 245) and Anthony Wise (6-0, 245), who are first-year starters.

“Pitfield is a three-year starter for us while Nealy is a huge guy who can move people,” Cager said. “I truly believe that Nealy will eventually sign a Division I scholarship. DeClouet is a two-year starter as well so we have size and experience up front.”

It is a different story on defense, with just two starters back from last year, both in the secondary.

They include senior Michael Larvinette (5-9, 170) and junior Taquan Thomas (6-0, 185). They will be joined in the deep by senior Louis Frazier (5-10, 170) and sophomore Delvin Jones (5-8, 160). Junior Andrew Davis (6-0, 190) is new and gifted. Up front, seniors Kendall Pitfield (6-0, 305) and Tanoah Wright (6-0, 220) will be joined by juniors Shawn Coleman (6-2, 225) and Alton Wilson (6-0, 280). The linebackers are a pair of sophomores in Tyrese Dorsey (5-11, 205) and Tyrek Robinson (6-0, 200).

“The only returning starter of note is Thomas,” Cager said. “He is a Division I player, a real football player who has the size and speed you need. Wright has a chance to be a good player for us as well. Our linebackers are new, first time starters who have ability but will take time to develop. Andrew Davis moved in from Maryland and he will play strong safety for us. Larvinette got experience last year and he should be a good player as well.”

Senior Aaron Delgado (6-0, 175) is the kicker/punter while Carrie is the primary return man.

“Delgado is a real good kicker, an asset for us,” Cager said. “He will handle pretty much everything for us in the kicking game. He is probably the best kicker in our district.”

Kennedy opens with a pair of road games at St. Amant and Slidell before facing St. Augustine on Sept. 15 at Tad Gormley Stadium. Week four has the Cougars at Woodlawn of Baton Rouge.

A tall task awaits JFK in week five against two-time defending Class A state champion Karr at Joe Brown Stadium before Kennedy hosts tough Lakeshore. The Titans lost the state title game to Karr a year ago. Then comes Homecoming at Pan American Stadium against Helen Cox before the Cougars face Riverdale at Jefferson Playground in week eight.

“I inherited the schedule, which is very tough,” Cager said. “We are not going to flinch, hesitate or back down from anyone. We have to build a program where we can compete with and beat anyone. We have a great staff and committed kids. It is a building process. We are in a very competitive league with McDonogh 35, Karr and Riverdale, who is improved. Karr is the team to beat, obviously. McDonogh 35 will be talented as always. Riverdale is building a good program under Willie Brooks.”

Senior Night takes place on Oct. 26 at Joe Brown Stadium against Carver and the regular season concludes against McDonogh 35 on Nov. 2 at Pan American Stadium.

With a new coach and an experienced offense, the Cougars could surprise some in 2018.

“We are proud to return the name John F. Kennedy,” Cager said. “I have gotten so much positive feedback from alumni of the original school. A day does not go by without someone saying something very positive about the name. The school coming back is big. We feel the name affiliation will really help us and it is great for the city. It is an honor to be the head coach of the school in its first year back.”

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