Shaw impressive in scrimmage at St. Amant as Tierney returns

It had been over two decades for Hank Tierney but Thursday night marked the first time he has led an Archbishop Shaw football team on the field to compete with an opponent. It was something very few people, including Tierney, thought would ever happen.

David Kency is one of the fastest players in the metro area.

For that matter, Kency is one of the fastest players in Louisiana.

That speed was on full display in Gonzales as Archbishop Shaw scrimmaged St. Amant.

Kency broke off a 62-yard touchdown run on a sweep to the right.

RT @MrFlash_8: Correction. Better angle of my 63 yard TD last night💨💨💨@JPrestonSports @samspiegs @Rivals @247Sports @PrepRedzoneLA @dandydonlsu @RecruitLouisian @CoachJayUConn pic.twitter.com/gljo695vWr

— Archbishop Shaw football (@awestbankthing) August 19, 2022

Shaw scored on both of its possessions in the 12-play phase of the scrimmage.

“I was very pleasantly surprised on how we executed on both sides of the ball,” Tierney said. “We were able to generate two long drives. We scored both times. They were old, Shaw-type drives, more running than passing, being physical up front. Defensively, we really played well. We’ve got a lot of guys back on defense.”

Tierney knows he has a gem in Kency.

“He’s a special guy,” Tierney said. “He’s a complete back. That’s probably the best compliment I can give a back. He blocks as well as he runs. He runs very physical and he’s one of the fastest guys in the state. If he can get out in the open, I don’t know if he’s going to get caught. David is a great kid, too!”

The Eagles host their own jamboree next Friday night with Brother Martin taking on West Jefferson at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Eagles taking on Riverdale.

Shaw will open its season at Thomas Dupuy Stadium in LaPlace against defending Division III state champion St. Charles Catholic in an intriguing matchup which you can watch live and via replay, always free at CrescentCitySports.com.

“Wayne Stein has done a great job,” Tierney said. “I know how hard it is to win a state championship and Wayne did it in two sports. He worked all those years under Frank Monica who I consider to be one of the best coaches in the history of Louisiana prep football. It’s certainly a tough opener. We look forward to it.”

The Eagles are returning to Division II playoff competition this season and for two seasons, by choice.

Tierney is back and the Shaw football program appears well on its way to being back as well.

“That is the goal, to get Shaw Eagles football back to being a championship contending and winning program,” Tierney said.