Pearl River poised to continue progress under Collins

To have success, it starts at the top with the head coach.

Eric Collins enters his second year at Pearl River, seeking to make his mark on another program.

Collins is a proven winner, having accumulated an extremely impressive 236 wins as a head coach in his illustrious career spanning well over three decades with half of his career spent coaching in Louisiana.

The resume includes head coaching stops at East Central, Bay High, d’Iberville, Pearl River Central and Tupelo in Mississippi, along with running programs in Louisiana at Trafton, Archbishop Hannan and Chalmette.

In his first year, Collins took the Rebels to the Non-Select Division II playoffs, falling to Leesville in the opening round.

“Last year, I officially did not get hired until July,” Collins said. “I spent a large amount of time trying to establish a solid offseason program. The season happened fast. I walked in and we were playing. I barely knew our kids early on. It was a big adjustment for me and for the kids. We were in that process. We got a lot better as the season went on. We have most everyone back.”

The second year appears to be even more promising.

The Rebels return 10 starters, including seven on offense, and have a small senior class with room for growth.

At wide receiver, junior Sean Jenkins (5-8, 165) returns after a sophomore season with 28 catches for 432 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Nolan Singletary (5-11, 150) is the other starter.

“Sean is one of the strongest guys in the weight room,” Collins said. “He is young and runs great routes. What makes him a winner is his character. He has the whole package. I think he will have a special year.”

Junior tight end Dalton Sabathe (6-2, 180) is back after a sophomore year with 24 receptions for 225 yards and a touchdown.

“Sabathe is a two-time All-District player who is a difference maker,” Collins said.

Senior Trey Turnage (6-2, 180) returns as the starting quarterback with Austin Wadsworth having graduated.

“Trey played a lot last year and I am looking for great things from him,” Collins said. “He is a coach’s dream in terms of leadership and character. You never have to worry about him.”

In the backfield, junior Tashod Badon (6-2, 210) and sophomore Noah Benson (6-0, 195) are back to pick up the load which Brian Jenkins carried.

“Badon has really improved and he is he real deal,” Collins said. “Benson is good as well. Pearl River can always come up with a good running back.”

Up front, three starters are back, led by juniors Joe Seghers and Gavin Ruble (5-11, 227), along with sophomore Hayden Mitchell (5-11, 270).

“In the beginning of last season, we didn’t block anyone but we have really improved up front and I’m excited to see where that is going to carry us,” Collins said.

On defense, senior John McQueen (6-2, 270) is the lone returning starter up front at nose guard. McQueen was outstanding in 2022, recording 50 tackles. He is joined by junior Izreal Pichon (5-10, 225) and sophomore Payton Penton (6-0, 210). Gage Durand will also play end.

“McQueen was an All-District player last season and he is a force,” Collins said. “He is exactly the kind of kid you want at that position.

The linebackers are led by a returning starter in junior Blake Palmer (5-8, 150). He is joined by junior Elijah Morse (5-10 160), along with sophomores Durand, Phillip Huth (5-5, 150) and Javontae Rogers (5-11, 155).

“Palmer is solid, with experience and will be a leader for us,” Collins said.

The secondary features a returning starter at cornerback in sophomore Cameron Thibodeaux (6-1, 150) while junior Dentrell Doliolle (5-10, 172) will occupy the other corner.

The safety is senior Charlie Carraway.

“We had to replace Turnage after moving him to quarterback but everyone else is back,” Collins said. “Thibodaux is certainly the best player and one we are very happy with.”

Junior Keaton Finn returns to handle kicking and punting duties.

“Finn went to the Ray Guy kicking camp recently and finished in the top 10,” Collins said. “He returns as a junior and he has gotten stronger and better.”

The schedule is very welcoming early, with four consecutive home games. The Rebels open at home against Pope John Paul II, East Jefferson, Pine and Independence.

“What I like most is the four straight home games,” Collins said. “I love that. We will be competitive in every game with our non-district opponents.”

District 8-4A play opens at home against Loranger before three straight road trips to Franklinton, Lakeshore and Salmen before closing at home against Archbishop Hannan.

“You have to talk about Lakeshore first,” Collins said. “They have won it every year for many years now. They are the team to beat but Salmen returns a whole lot of players and Hannan is improved. I know what kind of athletes Franklinton has and Nick Saltaformaggio is an excellent coach. We return a lot. It is solid, competitive.”

With a proven head coach in the second year of a program, the outlook for the rebels is good for this season and beyond as Pearl River looks to win a playoff game for the first time since 2018.

“The year in the weight room has really helped us,” Collins said. “You can see the growth in our young men. I am really excited about the progress. We just have to apply that on the field now and gain the confidence needed on the field to help us win consistently.”

Collins sees one obstacle which the Rebels must deal with.

“We have to overcome ourselves,” Collins said. “We are trying to raise the bar and create a culture of winning and believing in winning consistently. The kids are here. We can make this into something special. The kids just have to continue to work hard and believe in themselves.”

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