Youthful Pineville looks to build under Bell

Pineville is a Class 5A program looking to take the necessary steps toward becoming a winner. That began last year with the hiring of Bryant Bell as the head coach of the Rebels.

Bell returned to Pineville after serving as assistant with the Rebels from 2011-13. He had a solid stint as defensive coordinator at Tioga over six seasons with the Indians.

Pineville had been a revolving door, with four head coaches in three years.

Bell, now home again, looks to change that dynamic.

In his first season, Bell guided the Rebels to a 3-7 mark.

Pineville lost several key players to graduation, including Tylen Burch, wide receiver Cody Riggs, linemen Kaden Moreau and Ethan Clark, running back Bruce Jackson, tight end Evan O’Brien, linebackers Bryant Ford and River Thompson and defensive back Kameron Miller.

In all, Pineville graduated 25 seniors and the Rebels will be in a bit of a rebuilding mode, leaning on a strong sophomore class.

There are just four starters returning, two on each side of the ball.

The Rebels will lean on junior quarterback Jaylan Witty (6-3, 185), who has size and talent.

Another player to watch is two-way star and senior Greg Willis (6-2, 200).

Up front offense, senior Alex Courville (6-4, 230) is a standout while up front on defense, Jacob Asbury (6-2, 220) is a player to watch.

The schedule opens on the road at Winnfield and at Holy Savior Menard. Home games with Tioga and Barbe follow before a trip to Jonesboro Hodge.

District 2-5A play opens with a bang at West Monroe on October 7 before the Rebels host Ruston. Road games at Alexandria and West Ouachita are next before the regular season concludes at home against Ouachita Parish.

Pineville won a 2A state championship in 1960.

While that was generations ago, it can happen in central Louisiana. The 2022 season will be all about building blocks for a solid foundation for Bell and his Rebels.

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