Spicer takes reins of young L.B. Landry squad in 2023

It is another new start for L.B. Landry in 2023.

After serving as offensive coordinator previously, Carl Spicer Jr., who played at St. Paul’s, steps in to run the Buccaneers on an interim basis this season in the absence of Noel Ellis, who is under suspension by the LHSAA this season.

“I’m blessed to have this opportunity to coach at Landry with such a rich history and with such a history of great head coaches,” Spicer said. “I’m honored to be here. I’m looking forward to continue to grow and build the program.”

Last season, Landry went 4-6, though the Buccaneers were competitive most of the way.

It was not very long ago that Landry won the Class 5A state championship, taking home the title in 2016.

The biggest challenge is replacing quarterback Brandon Edinburgh, now at Langston University, along with a host of wide receivers who graduated in Ronja Delaney, Tycen Grant, JaChristopher Johnson and Jaylin King.

In all, 28 seniors graduated last season.

“We’re a very young team,” Spicer said. “I’m excited about coaching up the young guys.”

Senior Jerome Stewart (6-0, 205) steps in at quarterback, where he served previously. Stewart started the 2022 season but was injured in the opening game. He is healthy now.

Senior Damar Williams (5-11, 150) may also see action after playing in games a year ago. Williams led the Buccaneers to a game-winning drive against Booker T. Washington last year. He should see action at wide receiver as well.

“I like Jerome,” Spicer said. “For the three years I’ve been here, I’ve seen growth and maturity in him. He started as a freshman but had an unfortunate injury last year which sidelined him most of the year with a broken clavicle. He has come back solidly and is working hard. He’s a great kid with a great GPA.”

At running back, junior Lavon Hogan (5-7, 175) returns as a starter.

“Hogan is a primary guy but we have some young guys who are promising behind him,” Spicer said. “Hogan started last year and we expect him to take a step forward. He was hampered by a wrist fracture last year. He’s back pretty healthy.”

Sophomore Rikeme Scott (5-7, 146) is a speedy receiver who will double as a return specialist. He is joined by Kareem Alexander, junior Tyrin McGinnis (6-4, 178), senior Kirklin Woolridge (5-11, 170) and Williams.

“Wide receiver was filled with seniors last year so we lost key guys with speed,” Spicer said. “We feel this is still one of our strongest position this year. We’re expecting McGinnis to make a leap. He has the height and size. Scott started some games last year and we have high expectations for him.”

Up front, Landry has a pair of returning starters in senior Elijah Mason (5-11, 232) and Calvin Solomon. The new starters are Kaleb Conley, sophomore Kevin Mayes (5-11, 255) and sophomore center Doryan Smith (5-11, 210).

“Our offensive line is young,” Spicer said. “We have one senior in Mason returning to start. Otherwise, it is a young group.” I’m confident they will develop.”

The defense returns just three starters, including senior Ron Ragas (5-11, 219) up front. Joining him on the defensive line are Davieon Lampton and sophomore tackle Dominick Ruth (5-10, 240).

“Ragas returns at end and he is the leader of the group,” Spicer said. “We expect Ruth to step up. He started some games last year.”

The linebackers are all new starters, including Andrew Booker, junior Leroy Miller and Tory Young.

“We have new guys starting at linebacker,” Spicer said. “It is a completely new group with a host of seniors graduating. There are holes to fill. We’re expecting Miller to take a leadership role for us.”

The secondary is the strong point, with a pair of returning starters in senior Tyriq Fairley and sophomore safety Kristopher Griffin. They are joined by Tyrone Brown, Akiree Hogan and Donald Wells.

“We have a returning starter in Fairley,” Spicer said. “Griffin is young but he started as a freshman last year. He’s a good kid with good size. We expect big things from him.”

The schedule opens with a bang, at Behrman Stadium against powerful arch-rival Karr on Sept. 1 before another very difficult test at home against talented St. Augustine. A trip to East St. John follows before facing Booker T. Washington.

“It’s a really tough schedule to start off with against Karr and St. Augustine,” Spicer said. “I think our guys are looking forward to the challenge. They know those guys. It’s kind of like a reunion playing against them. We’re looking forward to the matchup.”

District 10-4A play begins at home on Oct. 6 against Archbishop Shaw in a good matchup. The Buccaneers then take on Higgins before non-district games at home against Riverside Academy and Carver. The regular season ends with a district battle at Belle Chasse.

“Our league has just four district games so those games are even more important to win,” Spicer said. “We expect it to be tough competition.”

The key to success for the Buccaneers is to survive the very difficult early season schedule, to stay healthy and to see its younger players mature in the process.

“Our goal is to win the district and make the playoffs,” Spicer said. “Our expectations are to see the team progress as the season goes on and to take a leap forward from last year. We are very young in many spots but we have enough playing experience.”

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