Tommy Connors looks to revive once proud Shaw football program

The man certainly knows the school, its football program and traditions.

Former Shaw star and new head coach Tommy Connors (Class of 2006) has no problem singing the fight song. The only problem recently is that the song has not been played or sang enough at football games, where it is invoked after touchdowns and victories.

Both were in rare abundance in 2016.

Shaw won just one game, going 1-10 while scoring just 83 points in 11 games. The Eagles were shutout four times, a year after stars Matt Keller and Trey Ragas graduated.

Simply put, there was no firepower. Former head coach and Shaw standout player Scott Bairnsfather (Class of 1985) did not suddenly become a bad coach. He simply did not have the players to compete in 5A, particularly in the very tough District 9-5A.

“I have big shoes to fill and I am humbled by it,” Connors said. “Scott prepared me tremendously and it was a pleasure working with him. The opportunity to grow this program and get it where everyone here wants it is clear. I do believe it can be done. We have to work real hard for it.”

The task for Connors is to rebuild confidence, enthusiasm, and, more importantly, the talent level.

“That is clear,” Connors said. “I love the kids we have. On the outside, the talk is about rebuilding but on the inside, I have seniors that want to win now and they can’t do it unless they believe they can. The focus day-by-day is how we are going to win the next game with our current players. My relationship with these seniors is five years long. The focus is now and winning now.”

The offense returns four starters from last year, including both guards in junior Austin Billiot (5-11, 265) and senior Brennan Eden (6-0, 235). Also returning is senior quarterback Pete Taylor (5-11, 165). Sophomore running back Raion McGrew (5-9, 160) returns but senior Dylan Nolan (5-11, 205) and sophomore Jamon Toney figure prominently at the position. Senior Lonzell McCoy is a returning starter who will play wide receiver.

Defensively, the Eagles return several key players.

Up front, senior Perry Milsap (5-10, 305) is a massive presence while juniors Mark Smith (6-2, 255) and Kade Cardenal (5-11, 200) return as well to make this a stout group.

“We return three solid linemen and like the group,” Connors said. “When Milsap plays hard, he is really, really good. He is very strong, a solid anchor who is hard to move. Smith is talented as well and we expect big things from him.”

At the linebacker level, junior Payton Clement (5-8, 190) is back. Miles Haney (6-2, 213) has a chance to be excellent. Junior Trae Ortego (5-8, 205) moves from fullback to play inside linebacker. Ron Duncan will play outside linebacker as well after starting a few games last season.

“Clement is the vocal leader of the linebacker group,” Connors said. “He keeps everyone on the same page and brings the heat on a daily basis.”

The secondary should be strong, with a lot of experience returning. Senior Ryan Taix (6-0, 160), senior D’Quan Charles (5-11, 180) and senior Brock Davis (6-0, 185).

“Our safety position is our strength,” Connors said. “Charles and Davis are really good and they will be a focal point of the defense.”

The Eagles open at home at Hoss Memtsas Stadium against Escambia, FL from Pensacola on Sept. 2 before making the short trip to Belle Chasse. Shaw heads to Houma to face Vandebilt Catholic on Sept. 15.

“The transfer rules in Florida are different than ours and Escambia got some guys in over the summer and they suddenly are really good with a good running back, receiver and defensive end,” Connors said. “They are a 6A Florida program with great tradition. Belle Chasse is expected to be better this year and will be a tough game. Vandebilt Catholic has an excellent quarterback who can control games.”

Catholic League play opens as the Eagles face Holy Cross on Sept. 23 before traveling to Metairie to take on rival Archbishop Rummel for The Megaphone. The Eagles play at Tad Gormley against St. Augustine in week six before they host Salmen in a non-district contest on Oct. 14. Shaw entertains Jesuit Oct. 21, travels to New Orleans to take on Brother Martin week nine and the Eagles close out the regular season by hosting defending league champion John Curtis on Nov. 4.

“Holy Cross is better than anyone thinks,” Connors said. “Their defense is pretty good and Kym Wimberly is a very good receiver. That is a tough game to open district with. I expect a tight finish at the top of the league. You need upsets to give multiple people a chance at the end of the season. I foresee not knowing who the district champ will be until the final two weeks. You have to bring your best game every week. There are no weeks off in this league.”

With the strains of “On, Shaw Eagles” ringing in his ears, Connors approaches the starting gate with youthful enthusiasm born of a new approach and beginnings.

The old saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” certainly applies to Shaw but with a fine young coach who is homegrown and a new approach, the Eagles should take the first steps toward becoming a reputable program on the road to being relevant once again in the Catholic League and statewide in Division I.

Connors is the perfect choice as a homegrown talent and hero and one who understands what it is like to go from the outhouse to the penthouse. In Connors first year at Shaw, the Eagles were 0-9 in the regular season. By his final season at Shaw, they lost just one game before reaching the state championship game the next three seasons after he graduated.

“I feel strongly that we can win here,” Connors said. “We have some good players. We have to find a way to score points. We need to bring belief and energy to the field on a daily basis. If we do, we can turn some heads.”