Ruston faces challenges on, off the field in 2019

Challenges and adjustments are nothing new for the 2019 edition of Ruston High School Bearcat Football. But this season brings more adversity than usual.

The program and its facilities were severely damaged in the April EF-3 tornado that blew through Ruston. Among the devastation, the press box was gone plus two light standards bent in half and blown down. The game clock had been ripped from its moorings. Damage to the artificial turf, track and the stadium seating was another byproduct.

Thus, with the extensive reconstruction on the docket, the Bearcats will play the bulk of their home games this season at Louisiana Tech.

“It has been a challenge for the coaching staff and players but we are resiliant here at Ruston.” said head coach Jerrod Baugh.

The fact that the Bearcats are also replacing 12 starters from the 2018 team including LSU signee Ray Parker doesn’t make the adjustment any easier.

“We can be a good football team, but alot of our early success will be determined by how quickly our new faces get up to speed on the varsity level.” said Baugh.

The Bearcats have quality returners on the offensive line with seniors Ray Kelly (6’2 265) and Jordan McClaine (6’3 265). On the offensive side, All-State wide receiver Cam Crowe (6’5 210) and honorable mention All-Stater Marcus Harris will team up with returning running back Deontre Griffin to help support new Bearcat quarterback Jaden Procell.

A senior who transferred to Ruston from North DeSoto along with his younger brother, Jaden may have the chance to throw to receiver Jackson Procell.

Baugh sees alot of potential excitement with the addition of the Procell brothers.

“The biggest challenge right now is the overall talent and speed difference between what they played against at North DeSoto and what they see here. Once they make that adjustment they will be fine and we expect big contributions from them in 2019.”

Special teams will be anchored by kicking specialist Caleb Phillips, a junior who will once again handle all kicking and punting duties for the Bearcats. Phillips was highly touted during the summer in kicking camps throughout the region . His game-changing talent will be a huge help in winning field position battles.

“Caleb can flip field position easily with his punting and his leg strength from a field goal perspective has increased dramatically from last year as a sophomore,” noted Baugh.

The young Bearcats will be thrown into the fire quickly as the early schedule for Ruston is ranked as one of the toughest in the state. Ruston starts the season on the road at Class 4A powerhouse Neville, and then follows that up with a trip to Lafayette to take on the Wreckin’Rams of Acadiana.

Week 3 sees the first home game in Joe Aillet Stadium at Louisiana Tech against a fine Airline Viking squad in a Thursday night contest. The road warrior Bearcats then face a five-hour trip down to Metairie to face a state title contender, Archbishop Rummel.

District 2-5A has few weaknesses with the likes of Alexandria Senior High, West Monroe and Ouachita awaiting the Bearcats after the aforementioned non-district tests.

Many challenges on and off the field are part of the story to come during Ruston’s 2019football season. But, with the leadership of Baugh and his staff as well as the hard-nosed work ethic of the players, the Bearcats will be right there at the end of the season ready for their annual playoff run.