Ernest Deroche Sr.
December 16, 2008
Whitney Nicole "Black" Jones
December 18, 2008
Even with no logo, colors or players to show off, Houma’s latest indoor football team was introduced to the community last week.
Team owner and head coach Franklin Thomas announced the team’s name, the Houma Conquerors, at a press conference last Wednesday at their future home site, the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.
The Conquerors are one of six charter members of the newly-formed Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL).
“When you look at the Conquerors and what the city of Houma has been through with the storms, it was a good fit with this town,” he said.
He also presented Doug Coleman as the team’s offensive coordinator. Coleman is a former quarterback of the defunct Bayou Bucks of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL), which called Houma home from 2002-04.
“I want to bring some excitement back to this town,” Coleman said. “I was very interested in coming back. Woooo, I’m getting goose bumps here.”
Another former Buck, center Troy Davis, has been asked to play a role with the team, either on the coaching staff or on the field. A defensive coordinator has not been hired.
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback John Fourcade (1987-91) has been brought in as a team consultant. Fourcade has spent 12 years in indoor football as a player, head coach and general manager.
“I’m going to give (Thomas) a lot of advice about what to do in indoor football,” Fourcade said. “We’re discussing the possibility of coming onboard, but right now, I can’t commit to Franklin and the organization.”
It has yet to be determined whom the Conquerors will play or when. However, what is known is the Conquerors will be on the road for the first two games of the season, which starts the week after Easter.
Their first home game will be Sunday, April 26. Because of prior engagements at the civic center, the Conquerors will probably be on the road the entire month of May. They will have home dates the whole month of June.
A lease agreement between Thomas and the civic center will not be finalized until the league releases its schedule and dates are confirmed.
Thomas said that the Conquerors will be a positive force in the community and on the field.
“My philosophy off the field is to make sure they are prepared for society when they leave the franchise and go on to the next level,” he said. “My philosophy on the field is to be disciplined and teach fundamentals to make sure we’re in every game.”
Thomas added, “We will be going into schools mentoring kids and holding different programs. We’re going to be here for all the nonprofit organizations in this community. We’re going to do some prizes and give away some certificates to teachers and kids who turn their grades around in school. We’re going to be involved mostly with the youth. That’s where we really want to make the impact.”
Thomas, who was also a player and coach for the Bucks, said his coaching style is not a “one-man show.” He will stay behind the wall and let his coordinators go onto the field to deal with players.
“I’m really looking for a football player. I’m looking for a versatile athlete who can play different positions,” Coleman said. “My philosophy as an offensive coordinator is to take what the defense gives you. In the Arena League, you pick defenses apart, nickel and dime them.”
Fourcade believes the regional league idea that the SIFL is building will lead to a long, fruitful future.
“It looks like in 2010, there will be six to eight more teams (added) along the I-10 corridor,” he said. “The concept that they’re trying to do with this league is phenomenal.”
Thomas insisted the Conquerors’ fan base will extend beyond Houma. He wants to reach out to the smaller surrounding communities, and even New Orleans now that the Voodoo has ceased operations.
For anyone who was not around when the Bucks played, the Conquerors’ brass assured potential supporters that indoor football is a unique, family-friendly experience they will enjoy.
“It is the only sport where fans get to interact with the players,” Coleman said. “In any other league, when you run off the field, security makes sure (fans) can’t get to you. What is that? The players are just like the fans. That’s very important for the fans to see. You won’t see the players driving the fancy cars. They’re not above the fans.”
Franklin Thomas, owner of the Houma Conquerors, introduces the team to the community at a press conference held in the team’s future home, the Houma Terrebonne Civic Center, last week. * Photo by KEYON K. JEFF
