Dunham poised for deep 2022 playoff run

A consistent run of good football for Neil Weiner at The Dunham School is nearing a decade long.

In eight seasons, Weiner has posted an impressive 63-26 record and in 18 years as a head coach, Weiner is 123-65, including his time as the head coach at Catholic Pointe Coupee and Zachary.

The expectations are always high for Dunham and the 2022 season will be no exception.

Dunham went 8-4 a year ago, reaching the Division III quarterfinals, falling to eventual state champion St. Charles Catholic. It was the second straight year that the Comets eliminated them in the quarterfinals.

The Tigers reached the Division III semifinals in 2019.

While Dunham this year must replace quarterback Hayden Hand, along with big play receivers Kalante Wilson and Jordan Dupre, there is talent returning.

The strength lies up front on both sides of the football.

Five starters are back on offense and that includes four linemen, led by seniors in left guard Braden Augustus (6-1, 290) and right guard James Baldwin (6-2, 235). Also back is junior center Oscar Boatner (5-9, 290), along with junior left tackle Malachi Jackson (6-1, 250). Junior Louis Phillips (6-4, 215) is the new starter at right tackle.

Bolstering that front is the return of starting senior tight end Collin Franta (6-6, 215).

The new wide receiver group includes seniors Jake Dupree (5-10, 170) and Brandon Drago (6-2, 175), as well as junior Jac Comeaux (5-9, 160).

The tailback is senior Colin Boldt (6-1, 200), who brings very good size to the position.

The new quarterback should be good as senior Jackson House (6-0, 185) is a transfer from a state championship team in Kansas. House will provide great leadership and proven ability for the Tigers.

The defense has outstanding experience, with seven starters returning.

The defensive front should be outstanding, with all six starters returning in the 3-3 scheme.

Senior end Jake Rizzo (6-4, 240) and junior end Laramie Guidry (6-6, 215) are back, along with Jackson at tackle.

All three starting linebackers return, including seniors Garrett Coates (6-1, 185) and Pena Albert (5-10, 200), along with junior Sione Albert (5-11, 235).

The secondary lacks that experience with just one starter back in Boldt.

The others expected to start include senior Vinny Rotolo (5-11, 155), junior Drew Bourgeois (5-9, 160), sophomore Jack Higginbotham (5-9, 155) and freshman Trevor Haman (5-9, 175).

Senior Hayden Harman will handle kicking and punting chores.

The schedule opens with a tough game at home against Parkview Baptist on Sept. 2 before road trips to Live Oak and St. Helena. Ascension Catholic then visits Dunham before a very tough challenge at defending Division IV state champion Southern Lab.

District 6-2A play begins with home games against Northeast and Episcopal before road games at East Feliciana and Baker. The final regular season game is at home against Capitol.

With a proven pedigree of winning, with a talented new quarterback and outstanding fronts on both sides, look for the Tigers to be a favorite to win its district and look for a deep run in the Division IV playoffs in 2022.

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