Championship program at Kentwood ready for another deep postseason run

Under the tank, fans of Kentwood are over the moon about their football team.

The Kentwood Kangaroos have been one of the best programs in Louisiana for nearly a century.

The program captured its first state championship way back in 1928. Since then, the ‘Roos have won eight more state titles, nine total, tied for fifth most in Louisiana history.

Two of those state championships have come under the direction of current head coach Jonathan Foster.

In eight seasons on the job in Kentwood, Foster has fashioned a very impressive 89-27 record, including winning state titles in 2015 and in 2018. The Kangaroos also reached the championship game in 2017 and made the semifinals in 2014, 2016 and in 2019.

There is great cause for optimism after a 2021 season that saw the ‘Roos fall in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

Kentwood returns 18 players who started games a year ago. That sets up a very experienced and talented team for the 2022 season.

On top of that, the Kangaroos return to Class 1A after spending the last few years in 2A, and that spells trouble for all 1A teams in Louisiana.

Wide receiver Kevante Carter (5-8, 160) is an outstanding player coming off an outstanding 2021 season. Last year, Carter caught 37 passes for 558 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. He will be joined returning starters and an outstanding senior in Tyler Hookfin (6-1, 195) and a fine junior in Shemar Cooper (5-9, 165).

The quarterback is junior Germarcus Wilson (6-2, 195) and he will be joined in the backfield by sophomore running back Sean Burton (5-9, 200).

Up front, Kentwood is solid with three returning starters, all juniors, including Chris Gordon (5-9, 265), Edwin Wilson (6-3, 280) and Jay Smith (6-1, 260). The new starters are junior Israel Norman (6-0, 275) and Ashawn Spears (5-10, 175).

On defense, six starters are back.

Carter is an excellent defensive back who had 41 tackles and led Kentwood with four interceptions last season. He is joined in the secondary by senior Jamarcus Norman (6-1, 175), Jermichael Carter and Kevante Carter.

Up front, lineman Lamichael Callihan (6-0, 200) is back after recording 49 tackles, including nine sacks a year ago. He is joined by sophomore Jaquavis Blount (6-1, 190). The new starter is junior James McKnight (5-11, 240).

There are a pair of starters back at linebacker as well in junior Tylan Brumfield (5-9, 160) and senior Omarion Johnson (5-10, 210). The other starters are sophomore Trevante Miller (5-8, 175) and junior Chris Gordon (6-1, 175).

The schedule opens at home against Loranger before road games at Jewel Sumner and West Feliciana. After hosting 5A Walker, the Kangaroos a tough road test at rival Amite.

District 9-1A play opens against Thrive Academy at home before a non-district game before hosting McDonogh 35. District play resumes at Slaughter Community Charter and at Southern Lab before the regular season finale at home against Central Private.

The championship pedigree is clear. The coach has been there and now the Kangaroos are back in 1A and ready to challenge for a state title.

Click here for more CCS Prep Football team previews (including archives of past season previews).