Thibodaux wants to win big again in 2015
August 25, 2015
Tarpons juggle preseason adversity, but still like 2015 odds
August 25, 2015
Ellender offensive lineman Demetrius Price watched his Patriots teammates beat some of the best teams in Louisiana in 7-on-7 competition this summer.
Because of that success, the massive lineman said he and his fellow offensive linemen have created the “Three-Second Rule” to follow for the 2015 season.
Just three seconds of top-notch blocking per offensive play, and players believe that the sky is the limit and any goal can be reached.
After a successful summer in 7-on-7 drills, the Patriots will look to keep that momentum pushing forward in the 2015 season – one which Ellender looks to avenge last season’s 3-7 campaign and reach the playoffs under coach Terry Washington.
With a talented crew of playmakers back offensively, Price said he believes the key to the team’s season will be whether or not the team can hold its own in the trenches against a district that features tough, physical defensive lines like South Lafourche, South Terrebonne and Vandebilt – hence the reason for the rule’s creation.
“This summer, we learned that if we give them some time back there, they can make anything happen and we can beat anybody,” Price said. “If we can hold our blocks for three good seconds and give our skill guys time to work without someone in their face, the sky is the limit. I think we have a lot of pressure on us this season, because we know that we can reach our goals if we win the trenches.
“For us, it starts with the Three-Second Rule.”
Three seconds can feel like an eternity when an opposing player has to guard some of Ellender’s skill position players.
They are a group that are among the best in the state of Louisiana.
The Patriots return eight starters offensively – a group led by senior quarterback Curtis Anderson.
Washington said the difference between Anderson this year and Anderson last year is “like night and day,” touting that the senior quarterback is unquestionably Ellender’s offensive leader.
Last year, the Patriots utilized a spread offense that primarily ran the football. But because of Anderson’s progression as a passer, Washington said he expects Ellender to pass more often in 2015.
“We will be more balanced,” Washington said. “Curtis has worked so hard and he’s come such a long way. We will be able to open up our playbook and do more things, because he has a much better grasp and command of our offense.
“I just think I’m more confident,” Anderson added. “I believe in myself and our guys, and I’m just used to it now. I know what’s expected of me.”
If Ellender throws the ball more, that plays right into their hands. The Patriots return virtually their entire slate of skill players this season, which includes names like Richard Green, Reginald Williams and maybe even Da’vontavean Martin, pending an LHSAA ruling on his eligibility after he transfered to Ellender last spring from South Terrebonne.
“Last year, we were young with our skill guys,” Washington said. “We were all freshmen and sophomores. So this year, we’re a year younger there, and we have some guys ready to break out and have a nice year.”
Along the offensive line, Price is returning, as well as Nick Lagarde and Jace Ordone on a group that Washington said will be critical for the Patriots this fall.
“If we can stay strong, we know we’ve got the skill,” he said. “We just have to understand week-in and week-out what we’re up against, and be able to handle the length and physicality of the season.
Defensively, both Patriots coaches and players agree that the secondary will lead the way for a unit that returns nine starters.
Returning at that position will be junior Montae Smitherman, Green, Martin (if eligible) and even Anderson, who doubles as a defensive back in special situations.
“We’re strong in our defensive backfield,” Anderson said. “I think we’re going to have a lot of success there. We have a lot of our best athletes at that position, and that’s a group that we think can make a lot of plays for us.”
At linebacker, Washington said he’s excited about sophomore J’Amire Mott, as well as several other youngsters that the team has on its defensive line.
Mott said he likes the way that the team’s defense has played so far in practice.
“I think things have been going really good so far, and if we keep working hard and doing the things we’re coached to do, the sky is the limit,” Mott said. “I think we all believe that this is a team that has a chance to do special things.”
But they’ll have to do so against a challenging schedule. The Patriots will open with three-straight 5A opponents, including Terrebonne, H.L. Bourgeois and Bonnabel.
The Patriots will then take on state powerhouse Patterson and then St. Martinville before starting district play.
But to the Patriots players, the opponent on the schedule isn’t so much of a concern. The team’s success, they say, is more predicated on how they handle the pressures of the season.
Ellender proved over the summer that it has athletes that can hang with anybody.
Now, they just have to tie it all together and make it count in 11-on-11, full-padded action.
“We’re looking to come together as a team,” Anderson said. “If we do that, no one will be able to hold us back.”
“That, and them three seconds of blocking,” Price said on top of his quarterback’s thoughts as they both laughed.
“Three seconds?” Anderson quipped back. “I might only even need one and a half.” •
