John Ehret ready to build on district title

Winning is a regular thing at John Ehret, the class of District 8-5A (with an interruption by Chalmette).

The expectations are always high for the Marrero school and that is the case again in 2023.

Reggie Rogers has settled into the job nicely, going 24-9 in three seasons guiding the Patriots. He has added a very solid top assistant in long-time head coach Willie Brooks.

“We have been able to keep a lot of coaches, which is important, and we were able to bring in a very good coach and a good friend in Willie,” Rogers said.

Year four should be a good one.

Ehret faced a very tough pre-district schedule in 2022, going 0-5 to start the season. It simply made them tougher and better.

The Patriots went on to sweep through its district, winning all five games before losing a tough 31-24 Select Division I playoff game to Archbishop Rummel.

Though Royal Falgout, Jerzey Brown and Malik Brown have all graduated, the Patriots appear to be a stronger team this year.

A large number of starters return.

The new quarterback is senior Eric Cheneau (6-0, 180).

“Eric is very talented,” Rogers said. “He transferred to us last year. He understands what we want to do and he had a great summer.”

At running back, senior Damien Smith (5-8, 200) returns to lead the way.

“Damien is solid, strong and smart,” Rogers said. “He is a team player. He has handled things well. I just like the way he handles his business.”

The wide receivers are experienced with seniors Charles Coleman (5-10, 180), Raymon Lain (6-1, 185) and Darnell O’Quinn (5-11, 170) leading the way. Junior Keain Shorts (5-9, 150) is the fourth starter.

“Charles is a four-year starter,” Rogers said. “He is explosive with the ball in the hands. He can score on any play. Lain is a three-year starter and he is back after some injuries last year. Quinn transferred from Helen Cox and he is fast and explosive. He has great hands. We have a good corps.”

The offensive line is led by senior Khayree Lee (6-6, 315), a huge, talented player who is committed to LSU. He is joined by senior Karron Snyder (5-9, 260), along with juniors Davion Robertson (6-0, 265) and Christian Williams (5-9, 220) and sophomore Corey Dudley (6-4, 265).

“Lee is big, strong and a four-year starter,” Rogers said. “There is not much he has not seen. He is anxious to show just how good he is. He has come such a long way. He is more athletic. He has lost weight and made a strong commitment to be better.”

Defensively, senior Kendell Johnson (6-1, 215) is the anchor of the line. He is joined by Seniors Jayden Williams (6-0, 215) and Amon Gill (6-1, 275).

“Johnson and Gill are three-year starters,” Rogers said. “They have a lot of experience. The game has slowed down for them. Williams is strong, fast and quick and plays the edge for us.”

The linebackers are a trio of seniors, including Jashad Johnson (6-0, 200), Dylan Smith (5-9, 285) and Vincent Riggins (5-10, 180).

“Johnson has been here for a while and Riggins comes in as an All-District player from Helen Cox,” Rogers said. Coach Brooks coaches them so they will be physical and well coached.”

The secondary is superb, led by a pair of major senior talents in Florida commit Wardell Mack (6-0, 176) and Tulane commit Armani Cargo (6-0, 170). They are joined by junior Khris Coleman (5-10, 175) and senior Jaden Williamson (6-2, 165).

“Mack and Coleman are four-year starters,” Rogers said. “They have seen it all. Cargo is outstanding. He is quiet but he lets his play speak for him. Cargo led us in interceptions last season. Mack can do it all. Williamson has size and ability.”

Edis Chavez and Santiago Pineada will handle kicking and punting duties.

The Patriots again play a very tough schedule, opening at Covington before a home game with defending Non-Select Division I state champion Destrehan. After hosting Booker T. Washington, Ehret travels to another talented team in Bogalusa. It does not get any easier in week five, at home against Warren Easton before playing Higgins.

“It is a gauge to let us know where we stand with our early schedule,” Rogers said. “We had injuries last year and struggled early before getting early. The strong competition early makes us better late and we are healthier this year to face that great pre-district competition.”

District 8-5A play opens against West Jefferson before a big home game with Chalmette. After playing at East Jefferson, the Patriots close at home against Bonnabel.

“I think our district will grow by next year again,” Rogers said. “Bonnabel got some kids from Grace King and will be better. Chalmette is always competitive and EJ has a solid new coach. I think it will be very competitive.”

With size and speed, the Patriots have huge potential heading into the season. The key will be battling through the early part of the schedule to build momentum through district play and into the playoffs.

“I think the sky is the limit for this team,” Rogers said. “These are the freshmen that came in when I got here in 2020. We have been cultivating this group for the long run. Now that they are seniors, I think they are ready to make a run. If we play the way we are capable and are supposed to, I think we can go very far.”

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