Video: Air Roth? Fields ignites Rummel passing game in scrimmage with H.L. Bourgeois

Video: Jay Roth, Ja’Marr Chase, Chandler Fields post-scrimmage interviews
Scrimmage Photos
In his 22 years as head coach at his alma mater, Jay Roth has developed a hard earned, well deserved reputation as a coach whose teams are physical, play sound defense and pound teams with a ball control running game. His 23rd year will have a distinctively different look and feel on offense.

While the Raiders have thrown the football well in recent years with quarterbacks Damian Williams and Chase Fourcade, they have a chance to turn a new leaf with a dynamic passing game in 2017.

That was on full display Wednesday evening at Joe Yenni Stadium in Metairie as the Raiders scrimmaged H.L. Bourgeois and dominated scoring six times while the Braves were held scoreless.

Junior transfer Chandler Fields was superb, completing 12-of-15 passes for 380 yards and five touchdowns with an interception and rushing for the 29 yard score.

“It felt great,” Fields said. “It’s great to be here, surrounded by great players and great coaches. It’s incredible to have these weapons. It’s a dream come true. We’re still working hard. We didn’t have every play in today. We were just working the basic plays. We have the capability of winning a state championship. We just have to keep improving weekly. I love being on a winning team. It’s a blessing.”

Fields connected with Florida commit Ja’Marr Chase on touchdown passes of 70, 33 and 54 yards, hit speedy Jermie Walker with a 49 yard scoring toss and connected with Evan Francioni (pictured right) on an 11-yard touchdown pass as Rummel dominated the Braves. For good measure, Fields showed excellent running ability on a 29-yard touchdown jaunt, making defenders miss en route to the end zone.

Chase caught seven passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns. Francioni had four catches for 57 yards.

“Me and Chandler were working out with each other the entire offseason,” Chase said. “Having a guy like Chandler makes a big difference. We have other receivers who are excellent who can hurt the opponent and take pressure off of coverage on me as well. We are looking forward to a very good season.”

Senior Keirell Jackson rushed six times for 41 yards and senior Dwan Trufant rushed six times for 17 yards. Sophomore Jalen Sturgis rushed four times for 30 yards. Walker finished with one catch for 49 yards and a score and rushed once for nine yards.

“I was pleased with how we performed the first time out on offense,” Roth said. “We executed well with our first team early. It sure is a departure to not take a snap under center. You change to adjust to your talent and that is what we have done. Chandler did a good job running the offense and throwing the ball and Ja’Marr is very talented. We have a veteran quarterback and veteran skill guys. That was the whole point of this offense being installed. We had youngsters out there on defense and they played fast.”

The Raider defense allowed just two first downs in the first-team segment of the scrimmage. H.L. Bourgeois made just five first downs total against a fast Rummel defense which came up with four turnovers. Donovan Kaufmann had an interception and fumble recovery, Malik Woodery had an interception and Sophomore Jordan Williams recovered a fumble as well for Rummel.

D’ND Wright has had a pair of interceptions to highlight the scrimmage for Carey Melvin’s Braves. Junior quarterback Connor Verdin had a few completions but was harassed throughout and had no running game to support him.

Another indicator of how the Rummel offense will be different is the fact that Fields never took a snap under center in the scrimmage.

The only negative, if there was one, was four holding penalties against the Raiders. Rummel reserve quarterbacks each suffered an interception. Chris Freibert converted five of six extra-points.

Rummel plays at St. Paul’s in jamboree action next Friday night at Hunter Stadium while H.L. Bourgeois entertains Terrebonne at Tom B. Smith Stadium.

“I think St. Paul’s is one of the top two teams in the state,” Roth said. “We know they will be a very tough test and will prepare us well for the regular season.”