Sophie B. Wright looks to build on winning season

Sophie B. Wright has made its mark in basketball with a consistent, winning program.

The Warrior football program is seeking the same kind of success.

In his first year on the job, Kenneth Dorsey did a solid job of laying a solid foundation, posting a 4-3 record.

“I think we are heading in the right direction,” Dorsey said. “Our numbers are improving and we have a great coaching staff.”

The Warriors must replace quarterback Trevontay Alford and a good defensive back in Jeramiah Simon but there are good players returning.

There are four starters returning on offense.

Senior Edward McKinnis (6-0, 195) had 20 catches for 450 yards and four touchdowns last season. Edward moves to quarterback to run the offense this year.

“McKinnis was second team at quarterback last year and played a little bit and he has taken ownership in that role,” Dorsey said. “He is doing a phenomenal job for us.”

Sophomore running back Avante McKinnis (5-10, 230) is back and he packs a punch.

“Avonte lost a little weight this offseason which will help and I am excited about what he can do,” Dorsey said.

The wide receivers are all new, including senior Elijah Carter (6-1, 180), along with juniors Osirin Scott (5-9, 180) and Enos Jones (5-7, 150). Senior Donte Glass (6-2, 185) could see action as well as a two-way player.

“We have Scott and he had a great spring and was really good in the scrimmage against Douglass,” Dorsey said. “Donte Glass will play both ways and he is a big play guy.”

The offensive line returns a pair of starters in senior Roddrick Bowsky (5-10, 260) and Cedric Thomas (5-11, 250). They are joined by seniors Lance Williams (6-1, 250) and Semaj Morgan (6-0, 255) and sophomore Shakeem Cox (6-3, 250).

“Our center and left guard are back and our right guard got a little playing time last year,” Dorsey said. “Thomas and Bowsky will be solid.”

Five starters return on defense.

Along the defensive line, senior Dennis Wells (6-2, 275) was outstanding a year ago with 48 tackles, including 11 for loss with nine sacks. Dennis is joined by sophomores Reggie Noel (5-9, 200) and Girard Clanton (6-0, 240). Senior Rassan Mitchell (6-3, 200) will also play.

“Dennis is big and talented,” Dorsey said. “Mitchell transferred from McMain and he is a good player and bolsters our front.”

The linebacker spot is strong. Senior Donald Bissant (6-0, 195) is back after posting 75 tackles, including six for loss with four sacks and a fumble recovery in 2021. Also returning to start is junior Jarius Stephen (6-0, 215) and the third linebacker is Brett Temple (5-10, 175). Senior Levar Humble (5-9, 180) will play as well.

“Donald is our middle linebacker and the anchor of our defense,” Dorsey said. “Humble started last year and Jarius played defensive end last year and has moved to linebacker and has made the move well.”

The secondary features a returning starter in junior Dallas Hughes (6-0, 175). The two new starters are seniors Damon George (6-2, 170) and Jarred Jones (6-0, 185). Donte will also see action there. Glass will play in the deep as well.

“Dallas is our free safety,” Dorsey said. “The other guys are new players.”

Senior Juan Izzaguire (6-1, 195) is back to handle kicking and punting duties.

The schedule opens with a pair of home games against Collegiate of Baton Rouge and Jefferson Rise Charter before playing at The Willow School. A home game with Higgins precedes a trip to Kenner Discovery.

District 9-3A play begins with a road game at Haynes Academy before the Warriors host Patrick Taylor Academy. Road games with Livingston Collegiate and Sarah T. Reed are next and the regular season concludes at home against John F. Kennedy.

“I think we have a schedule that our guys will compete well in,” Dorsey said. “We are not familiar with many opponents. It is a brand new district. We played Livingston Collegiate in a fall scrimmage last year. We are kind of familiar with them. Kennedy has a lot of talent. Sarah Reed is new but has talent. It should be wide open in district.”

With a solid coach and foundation, look for Sophie B. Wright to make a run at the playoffs in 2022.

“I think we will have our best season that the school has had,” Dorsey said. “We have talent, a good staff and some experience. The kids are buying into the program. I’m excited about the possibilities.”

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