Football Preview: Cohen roster numbers still down but improving

After playing just four games in a pandemic-riddled season in 2020, Cohen head coach Derrell Martin is hoping normalcy returns to try to build his program.

The Green Hornets will be a very young team with freshmen and first-year players having a chance to play significant roles.

There were only 13-15 players available in 2020 and that number has grown to the 20 range in 2021 as depth remains a deep issue.

“Our numbers are better, though not much better,” Martin said. “We still aren’t where we need to be. We are not game ready yet but we are better off than last year. I was hired very late last year and we didn’t even get to practice for the first time until mid September, which really hurt us. Having a full offseason will help.”

On offense, seven starters return, including senior quarterback Kymani Wyatt (6-0, 160).

“Kymani played last year but he got hurt after our second game,” Martin said. “He’s a good kid with a strong arm. He is coming along on decision-making. He is still grasping concepts that we have. If he has success early on, he is poised to have a good season.”

Junior running back DJ. Martin (6-0, 205) is big and talented and a returning starter at a different position. Martin is the son of the head coach.

“Martin played receiver for us last year,” Martin said. “He played some running back in the past. He has looked good throughout the spring and summer. He is big and has decent speed. He has a chance to have a very good season.”

A pair of solid sophomore wide receivers return who started as freshmen a year ago in Tyrell Nelson (6-0, 160) and Harold Stanton (5-11, 160). Freshman Ernest Lyons (5-9, 145) should be the other starter.

“Nelson and Stanton did a nice job as freshmen,” Martin said. “Stanton is probably the most athletic kid on the team. He just gets it. Nelson has had a strong camp and he has really grown from last year. Tyrell has good speed and go up and get it. Lyons has caught on fast. I’m excited to see what he can do.”

Senior tight end Dequincy Allen (6-2, 235) is imposing.

“Dequincy played tight end previously under Coach Ben Powell,” Martin said. “I converted him to tackle last year but with more offensive linemen, I have moved him back to tight end. He has good ball skills and is a pretty good blocker. He can have a good year.”

The offensive line returns three starters, including senior tackle Leeward Moore (6-0, 285), senior center Chance Sullivan (5-9, 195) and junior guard Dorian Cotton (5-8, 210). The other starters will be a pair of freshmen in J’Earl Paul (6-1, 320) and Travon Victor (5-9, 230).

“Sullivan anchors us as the heart and soul at center,” Martin said. “He knows all the calls and is the smartest kid on the team. Moore is back at tackle and he is the strongest kid on the team. Cotton started last year at guard.”

Eight starters are back on defense.

Up front, that includes Moore, Paul and Allen.

At linebacker, JayDaniel Williams (5-9, 175) and Sullivan return and will be joined by junior Dorian Cotton (5-8, 210).

“We run a 3-4 defense with five defensive backs,” Martin said. “Paul is big. He is young and raw but has potential. Moore and Allen are returning starters at the end spots. I expect them to provide a good pass rush and can play the run. I think our defensive line is a strength. Sullivan is the heart and soul of the defense, making all the calls. He is a tackling machine.”

The secondary has three returning starters, including Stanton, Wyatt and Martin while Lyons will join them.

“We are counting on two-way starters in the secondary,” Martin said. “Wyatt is good. Cornerback may be Stanton’s best position. Wyatt will play some free safety and he has good ball skills and Martin is the strong safety and is smart and is a good tackler. I think our secondary will be solid.”

Cohen opens with a road game against Jefferson Rise Charter before hosting M.L. King Charter. Games with Sophie B. Wright and Berwick follow before a game at Houma Christian.

“I think our non-district schedule is much more competitive for us,” Martin said. “We had to change to face teams with numbers similar to ours. I think we can be competitive and perhaps get a few early wins.”

District 11-2A competition begins at South Plaquemines on Oct. 7. Three more road games follow at Fisher, St. Charles Catholic and Newman. Cohen closes at home with a non-district game against Rosenwald Collegiate Academy.

“We’ve got to face Newman and Arch Manning, a year wiser and a year better,” Martin said. “St. Charles Catholic is a powerhouse program. South Plaquemines has some of the best athletes we face. Fisher is a team on the rise.

To have success, the Green Hornets must stay healthy, due to the still low numbers.

“I’m looking for improvement and for us to compete this year,” Martin said. “We just plan to put our best foot forward. I’m looking forward to a full schedule. I’m excited to see what our team can do. They are ready to go.”

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