Many poised for run at Dome in 2019

Many has been a consistently good program under Jess Curtis. It is a program that must always be taken seriously for state honors.

The Tigers won the Class 2A state championship in 2014 and played in the title game in 2013. Many has finished one win short of reaching the Mercedes-Benz Superdome the last three seasons, reaching the semifinals. Curtis has posted a very impressive record of 96-22 in nine seasons.

“It is a buy-in by the community and the kids,” Curtis said. “The commitment is huge. The kids want to match the standard every year. To stay in that semifinal to final setting annually is tough. It is a testament to all involved.”

There is no reason to believe that Many will not be a state championship threat, per usual, in 2019, despite losing five players to graduation who signed to play at the next level.

They included running back Shacori Williams (Army), offensive lineman Leonard Hickman (Nicholls), defensive lineman Myron Warren (Texas), linebacker Nikendrick Carter (FIU) and defensive back Tavier Williams (ULM).

Despite those losses, the Tigers will amass a lot of wins this season with 14 starters returning. That includes eight on offense.

“We feel good about what we have back,” Curtis said. “We feel strong about our running backs and the guys stepping in are role players who are solid. We feel pretty good about it overall.”

Junior quarterback Cadillac Rhone (6-2, 173) is back to lead the offense while junior running back Terrance Williams (6-0, 220) is special. Williams already has three Division I offers and is certain to attract many more this season. He has invited comparisons to former Tiger running back AJ Carter, now at Arizona State. Williams will be joined in the backfield by junior Shamarion Wiseman (5-8, 220), who provides additional punch.

“It is rare you have two NFL-size running backs,” Curtis said. “They are downhill, physical, athletic bruisers. That is out mindset here. They live in that weight room. We sent one most recently to Arizona State and one to Army and these two can be as good or better. Cadillac may be one of the best kids I’ve ever coached. He’s a great basketball player as well. With a year under his belt, the difference is huge. He’s a true leader of the offense and he is throwing it well now.”

Both wide receivers return, including talented two-way star Drake Dye (6-3, 191 Sr.) and junior Keelen Williams (5-9, 144). Also returning is junior Landon Hendon (5-10, 185).

“Dye is a kid that is a bid track guy, a state finalist in the 400 meters,” Curtis said. “We’re kind of fighting over him on what side of the ball to play him on. He will make you account for him wherever he is.”

The offensive line is solid as well with three returning starters. They include senior Josh Glynn (6-2, 290), junior Stone Adair (6-2, 220) and senior Jacob Consenza (5-11, 199). The duo of junior Ethan Knippers (5-11, 185) and junior Braxton Ebarb (5-11, 216) will join them in the starting five.

“They understand what we are about,” Curtis said. “It is all about coming off the football and striking somebody. They are hard and tough and come off the ball in a bad mood. We like our offensive line group overall.”

The defense is solid as well with six starters returning. Many has made its mark on defense with at least five shutouts posted in each of the last four seasons.

Up front, senior end Roy Miller (6-1, 260) and senior tackle Jerimiah Hill (6-1, 345) return to lead the way. Sheldon Eaves (5-11, 173) will join them in the starting lineup.

“We have a lot of experience up front,” Curtis said. “They are physical and can play at the point of attack with passion, pride and being physical. Hill has the size and the quick feet that you need. He had a senior ahead of him last year but he played. He is so hungry to step in and be that dominant nose in our stack defense. Miller has been a good, productive player for us. He jumps into a huge role at defensive end and step into the limelight. We expect him to have a good year.”

Two of three starting linebackers return, led by Justin Greer (6-0, 228) and senior Abrahm Strahan (5-9, 210). Senior Travis Adamson (5-10, 170) is the other starter.

“We love our linebackers,” Curtis said. “Greer played for us last year and he is good. He has college-size. We’re so excited to see what he will do this year and we feel the same way about Strahan.”

The secondary will be led by strong safety Reggie Williams and senior corner CJ Woods (5-9, 153). The other starters include Keelen Williams at the other corner, along with safeties Tackett Curtis (6-1, 180 Fr.) and Jamarlyn Garner.

“We have youth mixed in with experience in the secondary,” Curtis said. “We have some very athletic kids. I’m an old defensive backs coach and I am really excited about our group. We can play man and load the box and that will be huge. Our secondary will be very good.”

Junior Trotter Lafolletee (6-0, 146) will handle kicking and punting duties.

The schedule has Many playing up in classification the first three weeks, starting at always tough 3A program Union Parish before hosting crosstown rival Natchitoches Central, a 5A school. A trip to 4A North DeSoto follows.

“It is about power points with playing up and we have struggled to get games with schools our size of late,” Curtis said. “We scrimmage 3A Jena and play 4A Leesville in jamboree action. We will play teams with size, speed and numbers the first several weeks. I’d rather find out about the team early and see what you need to fix and this schedule will do it. Union Parish is a favorite in 3A. We’re both physical.”

The Tigers will open District 3-2A action at home against Red River on Sept. 27 before traveling to Holy Savior Menard. After traveling to Lakeview, the Tigers will entertain Avoyelles Oct. 18. A road trip to Winnfield follows in week eight before a non-district contest against 3A Loyola Prep. The regular season closes on Nov. 8 at home against Bunkie.

“Red River has developed into a rivalry,” Curtis said. “They are on the rise. Winnfield is a long-time rival and they got Tommy Tharp from Mangham. Avoyelles comes down from 3A. We take pride in being unbeaten in district the last several years. We want to keep it that way. We will play up against Loyola and they are well coached. They will make us play well.”

With a talented, experienced team and proven head coach, Many will definitely challenge for the 2A state title in 2019.

“It’s been brutal coming so close the last three years,” Curtis said. “The fans ask every day about making reservations for New Orleans. We’ve had some agonizing losses in the semifinals. These guys come to work every day and they want to validate themselves. They see the rings and the banners and they want one. I want to do it for them and get back to the Dome. It would be nice. It is the goal.”