High expectations for experienced Jewel Sumner squad

Coming off of a solid 7-4 season with a playoff appearance, confidence is high at Jewel Sumner heading into 2019. The Cowboys may have an opportunity to win their first ever state championship in school history this upcoming season under fifth-year head coach Ross Currier.

Jewel Sumner improved dramatically in Currier’s fourth year on the job in 2018 after going 1-9 in 2017.

“Last year was one of those years where we knew we had good kids coming back,” Currier said. “We had a lot of injuries the previous year and just four seniors in 2017. We had good seniors last year and our young kids got to play. They are better and we have good team speed.”

A primary source for optimism is on offense, where the Cowboys return eight starters, a very good sign for a unit that could carry the team early on.

“We went to the Wing-T and we love it,” Currier said. “We were young last year and we’ve got a host of real good players back, nearly 80 percent from a year ago. We were a different offensive team by the end of the season than we were earlier in the season once we grew into the new offense. We feel we will be strong offensively.”

Junior quarterback Laquantin Bickham (5-11, 165) returns to lead the offense. Last year the Cowboys fell short in the playoffs losing to Madison Prep.

“Bickham is a track guy, a real good athlete,” Currier said. “He played really well as a sophomore. He is bigger, faster and stronger now and he should throw it a little better. He will carry the ball a whole lot more than last year. There’s nothing like experience for a quarterback. He has confidence now.”

Another key piece on offense is senior Michael Simpson (6-1, 220) who starts at tight end and will play linebacker as well. Simpson ws a first team all-district performer a year ago.

“We expect Simpson to be good on both sides of the ball,” Currier said. “He has put on 25-30 pounds and he is stronger. He has big hands and is a good blocker.”

Senior Davonte Moore (5-9, 195) is another returning all-district player at fullback and he will also play linebacker. Junior Maleke Evans (5-6, 150) returns at halfback and is a good kick return man as well.

“Evans got hurt week four last year and he was not able to come back until our playoff game,” Currier said. “He’s a small guy but he is very shifty and hard to bring down. He runs very well, about 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. Moore was very good for us last year and will play both ways. He is a hard-nosed runner. Junior Quintin Brumfield will also see time at fullback and he is physical.”

The wingback is Michael Lee (5-11, 170) while DaQuan Carson (6-1, 160) is the starting wide receiver in the Wing-T attack.

The offensive line is a strength with four of five starters returning, including both guards and tackles. The guards are Jakiem Robbins (5-8, 220 Jr.) and Dominick Haney (6-0, 195 Jr.) while the tackles are Jaden Armstrong (6-1, 215 Jr.) and Mark Randal (6-0, 290).

“We to replace our center with Logan Harell (5-8, 225 Soph.),” Currier said. “All of the others started most of the way last year. We like our ability and experience up front.”

The defense lost a few key players to graduation but still has five starters returning and has good overall speed.

Up front, the starters are all new, including nose guard Jeremiah Thomas (6-0, 295), along with sophomore ends Michael Lee (5-11, 170) and KeyDrann Tate (6-0, 220).

“We lost Jake Fontenot (Delta State), Chester Martin (UL-Lafayette) and another player up front from last year,” Currier said. “The guys replacing them are faster. Lee is a track guy. Tate played linebacker last year and will move down to defensive end. Thomas is a true nose guard. He is big and explosive.”

The linebackers include returning starter Tylon Milton (5-9, 180 Soph.), Moore and new starters in Tyren Woolridge (5-8, 155 Jr.) and Richard Lee (6-1, 175 Jr.).

“Milton played a lot at outside linebacker as a freshman and he will move to middle linebacker this year,” Currier said. “Woodridge did not play football last year. He has been in baseball only and he surprised us in the spring with how good he can be in football.”

The secondary is experienced with all three starters returning, including junior corners Adrian Gatlin (6-0, 165) and Cedric Brumfield (6-0, 165), along with senior safety Johnny Simms (5-11, 160).

“We are excited about having everyone back in the secondary,” Currier said. “If we had a weak spot last year on defense, it was our secondary. It should be a strong point this year.”

Adrian Gonzales is the kicker while Bickham handles punting duties.

The Cowboys will open up the season against Pine on September 6th for an away game before the home opener against area rival Kentwood on Sept. 13 at “The Hole.”

A road game at St. Helena follows before the Cowboys host St. Michael and Franklinton.

“I think our non-district schedule is tough,” Currier said. “Pine has been a playoff team consistently. Kentwood is a rival game. Throw the records out the window. It is usually a tight game every year. It has been back-and-forth between us. St. Helena was in the Dome two years ago. When we beat them last year, we knew we could play with anyone. We are stepping up to play a pair of 4A teams in St. Michael and Franklinton, another rivalry.”

District 7-3A play opens at Loranger on Oct. 11 before Homecoming against Albay on Oct. 18. After a trip to Archbishop Hannan, the Sumner hosts Bogalusa and the Cowboys close the season at Abramson Sci Academy on Nov. 8 in non-district play.

“Someone has to knock off Archbishop Hannan,” Currier said. “Last year, we played them the first district game and we were even in the fourth quarter and they scored late to beat us. I told the kids we are that close. The goal is to win district and we are capable of doing so. Bogalusa has a lot coming back. Loranger is always solid. Albany has a new coach so we do not know what to expect.”

With an experienced team, Jewel Sumner has high expectations for 2019 and rightfully so.

“We talked about changing the culture after that 1-9 season and that’s what we have done and the kids have bought into it,” Currier said. “We are excited about this season.”