Loranger squad young, seeking improvement

When you think of Loranger football, you immediately think of the head coach.

Sam Messina is a fixture at Loranger, entering his 21st year on the job with the Wolves.

Last season was a tough one as the Wolves struggled to a 2-6 mark, though they were a competitive 2-2 in District 8-4A.

The 2022 Loranger squad is a young one, with only seven seniors.

The offense is led by sophomore quarterback Colton Morris (6-1, 175).

The running backs are junior Ricky James (5-9, 185) and sophomore Landon Chavers (6-0, 175).

There is experience at wide receiver with three seniors, including Jonathan Lewis (5-9, 160), Latadran Hills (5-9, 165) and Riley McClendon (5-10, 170), along with junior Austin Hayden (5-10, 170). Hills is an outstanding athlete who can play many spots and could take snaps at quarterback.

Up front is just one senior in right tackle Brandon Harper (6-0, 230) while the left tackle is junior Jalon Ard (6-2, 225). Sophomore Bryce Triguero (5-11, 205) is the right guard while at left guard, there is competition between juniors Dynan Burnthorn (5-11, 185) and Andrew Dreher (5-11, 195). The center is junior Blayne Bankston (6-3, 255).

Up front on defense, the Wolves feature three sophomores, including nose guard Galvin Stevenson (6-0, 230), along with ends Devin Joseph (6-1, 215) and Damonte Muse (6-2, 220).

The linebackers are juniors Jordan Mendoza (5-10, 180) and Mikah Benton (5-10, 175) inside while manning the outside spots are seniors Ashton Morris (6-1, 195) and Dorian Lusk (6-1, 205).

The strong safety is senior Jayden Triguero (6-2, 175) while the free safety is junior Tucker Chapman (6-2, 185). The cornerbacks are juniors Tycorian Bryant (5-8, 165) and Zyrcorian Bryant (5-8, 165).

Freshman Elvin Lobo (5-9, 150) is the kicker while Chavers is the punter.

The season opener is at Kentwood before the Wolves host Amite and Glen Oaks. Tough road games at St. Thomas Aquinas and Liberty follow.

District play starts at home against Pearl River and Lakeshore. After a road trip to Archbishop Hannan, the Wolves host Franklinton before closing the regular season at Salmen.

If the young Wolves can gain some confidence early, they will be a force late and a definite threat to make the playoffs.

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