DeRidder ready to build on last season’s playoff appearance

Coming off of a solid season in which they posted a winning record and reached the Class 4A state playoffs, the DeRidder Dragons are look forward to the 2019 season with optimism.

Brad Parmley guided his Dragons to a 6-5 mark, falling to Lakeshore in the opening round of the playoffs. DeRidder finished third in District 3-4 and the Dragons figure to be prominent in the race for a district title in 2019.

The offense will not have as much experience as Parmley would like with just four returning starters from last year. The offense will be led by junior quarterback KJ Gooden Jr (6-3, 175).

“KJ played mostly wide receiver last year but played quarterback towards the end of the season due to injury,” Parmley said. “We feel confident in his ability to make plays and he will be ready when the season starts.”

The main man at running back will be Senior Jalyn Thurnman (5-9, 170).

“Jalyn was not the starter last year but has plenty of playing time,” Parmley said.

The wide receiver position is very thin for the Dragons, but they have one star in Junior Ashton Broussard (6-0, 175).

“Ashton will be suiting up for football for the first time this year,” Parmley said. Ashton is definitely an athlete that came from baseball and wanted to try out a contact sport.”

The offensive line has majority of the returners starting with standout lineman junior James Williams (6-3, 270).

“James has had some Division I programs ask about him and I believe he can play at the next level,” Parmley said. “James is physical and dominant.”

The other two returners on the line will be led by two seniors in Trevor Dickens (5-11, 260) and Kent Lewis (6-0, 260).

“Both guys did a great job last year and we look forward for them to finish out their senior seasons together,” Parmley said.

The two new starters will be junior D’Marcus Woods (5-9, 240) and sophomore Ryker Stewart (6-1, 230).

“Woods was our sixth man last year on the line and contributed pretty well and we feel Ryker is ready to step up,” Parmley said.
The defense has plenty of experience with returning seven starters from last year.
The defensive line consists of junior Demarcus Hunt (5-10, 260), senior Kameron Wilson (5-10 240), junior Brien Tellis (5-11 310), and junior Derron Griffin (6-3 190).

“Derron will be the leader on the line as he has plenty of experience from last year and sky is the limit for him,” Parmley said. “Derron is primarily going to be at outside linebacker but will put his hand in the dirt to give us an edge.”

The linebackers all return from a year ago and should be the strength of the defense.

They include senior Ethan Lynch (5-9, 185), senior Josiah Henry (5-11, 195), and junior Chance Duncan (5-10 185).

“Josiah is a natural leader and is always looking to do what is right for the team,” Parmley said. “Chance started at the end of the year and Ethan contributed plenty all year long last year.”

The defensive back group is also experienced as junior Isiah Roberson (5-9, 170) and senior Jalyn Thurnman (5-9, 170) return.

“Isiah is truly talented and very athletic,” Parmley said. “Jalyn will play both ways and he is definitely the fastest on the team.”

The safeties will feature one returning starter and one new starter.

Senior Elijah Roshell (5-10, 175) and sophomore Kaleb Luttrell (5-9, 170).

“Elijah is the hybrid type of player any coach wants on their team,” Parmley said. “Kaleb played a little on special teams last year but will step up as a young guy on defense.”

DeRidder opens the season on Sept. 6 at South Beauregard before hosting Washington-Marion. Week three finds the Dragons on the road at Jennings before Green Oaks visits DeRidder for Homecoming. After a Thursday night game with Iowa, the Dragons trek to Bolton on Oct. 11 to open District 3-4A play.

A home game with Leesville is next before a trip to Peabody. The Dragons host Tioga Nov. 1 and close at Cecilia on Nov. 8

With a solid defense and a good athlete at quarterback, DeRidder should post another winning season and will definitely contend for a district title in 2019.

“The guys are excited to get the season started and bring home a championship,” Parmley said.