Lutcher poised for deep playoff run

Expectations are always high at Lutcher, where the Bulldogs have won eight state championships, tied for eighth most in Louisiana prep football history.

Fervent fan support is even higher.

For the Bulldogs to ascend to the highest level as they have many times in Louisiana prep football history, a good coaching staff must be met with good talent.

That could be the case in 2022, though the Bulldogs will be young in a few spots.

Lutcher reached the Class 3A quarterfinals a year ago, losing a shootout to St. Martinville.

Dwain Jenkins enters his seventh season on the job with a record of 43-26. Previously, Jenkins led St. James to a state title game before returning to Lutcher, where he led the Bulldogs to a state title in 2016, the second straight for the storied program.

Jenkins played at and served as offensive coordinator for under legendary coach Tim Detillier.

“We knew coming off consecutive state championships that it would not be easy,” Jenkins said. “We did not quite have the team we needed to be a contender. We have lost close playoff games. Moving D’Wanye Winfield to quarterback really elevated things last year and we like where we are going into this season.”

The Bulldogs graduated 12 starters but still have talent on hand with 10 starters return.

Lutcher moves up from 3A to Class 4A in 2022.

Winfield (6-2, 215) is a senior now and ready to roll.

There is solid experience at the receiver spots, including a returning stater in senior tight end Gavin Gill (6-0, 200) and two returning starters at wide receiver in senior Carson LeBlanc (5-11, 165) and sophomore Dameium Marcell (5-11, 165). Tylin Johnson (6-2, 180) is very talented.

“We really like our receivers,” Jenkins said. “Gill is a good target. He was productive early last year. He lost a little weight as the season went on but he is solid and poised for a great season. LeBlanc does exactly what he is supposed to do. Johnson is a true No. 1 receiver. Marcell got a lot of experience last year. D’Wayne Winfield will factor in as well.”

One starter returns up front in senior Donovan Arbuthnot (6-2, 300). He is joined by seniors Ben Clement (5-10, 220) and Khalion Johnson (6-0, 220), along with junior Terryene Harris (5-10, 240) and freshman Jayden Michael (6-1, 255).

“We lost quite a bit of talent and players on the offensive line,” Jenkins said.

The running back spot will be manned by sophomore Trenton Chaney (5-8, 165) and senior Tyrek Brown (5-7, 165).

“We’ve had bigger backs most recently but Chaney is smaller and quicker and more electric in space,” Jenkins said. “He is a threat when he touches the ball.”

There are five starters back on defense as well.

Junior Colin Roques (6-0, 205) will split time between defensive line and linebacker.

On the second level, Roques will see action as well, along with two other returning starters in junior Kai Brown (5-11, 200) and senior Mattieu Garon (5-9, 165). Sophomore Tariot Snowden (5-8, 175) will be the other starter.

“We have guys leading our group on defense who have experience,” Jenkins said. “Kai Brown started a lot of games last year and he has good size and run well. Roques has started since his freshman year. He will play more at outside linebacker. Garon is one of our leading tacklers.”

The secondary has a pair of starters back in the fold, including senior cornerback Craydon Long (5-8, 165) and sophomore safety Brock Louque (5-9, 160).

Others who will play include sophomores Dequincy Alexander (5-10, 165) and Jamari Taylor (5-9, 155), along with juniors Dax Caldarera (5-7, 145) and Chaduthaddeus Carter (5-9, 155), who is a fine baseball player as well.

“Brock had a great sophomore year in football and he was the MVP of our baseball state championship team as well,” Jenkins said. “Alexander can play safety or corner. Babin can play some at safety. We have others competing at the corner spot.”

Up front, junior Brody Louque (6-0, 205) will be joined by sophomore Reshad Sterling (6-3, 215) and junior Dale Smith (6-3, 215).

“We are not really big on defense and Brody makes up for that with his athletic ability,” Jenkins. “He is one of our strongest players and one of our fastest players. Smith and Sterling are like clones with long arms and athletic. We are looking for big things from both.”

The schedule opens with two tough road games at Thibodaux and at St. Charles Catholic.

A home game with Helen Cox follows before the Bulldogs open District 7-4A play at home against Vandebilt Catholic on September 23.

Road games at South Lafourche and South Terrebonne are next.

Before a difficult non-district game at Hahnville.

“We got into a big district with the reclassification,” Jenkins said. “We start district play early. Hahnville had the same open date. That is a traditional river parish rivalry. We have played Thibodaux a lot. St. Charles Catholic is a state champion and will be a great game.”

The Bulldogs return to district play in week eight at Assumption before closing at home against Morgan City and Ellender.

“It is a schedule that will test us early on,” Jenkins said. “It should have us ready for the league and for the playoffs.”

Despite moving up in class, Lutcher is a threat in Class 4A in 2022, particularly with Karr and Carencro now moving up to the 5A level.

“I think we just have to focus on what is in front of us with the uncertainty of what the playoffs will look like,” Jenkins said. “Warren Easton will be tough in 4A, as will Neville. Westgate jumped up and won it all last year. I feel there are quality teams at the top. We are used to going up and down in class.”

With a championship pedigree, coach and good players, look for the Bulldogs to make a solid, if not a deep run in the playoffs in 2022.

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