EDW looks to build on last year’s success

The E.D. White football team made it to the Class 3A State Semifinals a year ago.

And with a strong core of returnees from that 2009 team still on the roster, it’s “Operation: Superdome,” in Thibodaux this year, as the Cardinals look to take the next step and push for the state championship.

“The Superdome is obviously our No. 1 goal,” said senior linebacker Phillip Ledet. “Each week this year, we’re going to have an individual goal. But it all leads to the Dome.”

Last year, E.D. White rode offensive and defensive balance all the way to 12 wins and the state semifinals.

The Cardinals averaged 27 points per game during the regular season. But the team’s offensive unit reached a boiling point in the final weeks of the regular season and scored 35 or more points in four of the final five games of the season.

Returning from that group this year is quarterback Grant Chiasson, as well as All-District performers fullback Dylan Ledet, tight end Josh Jackson, offensive lineman Heath Thiel and wide receiver Jacob Rodrigue.

But the Cardinals do have to replace four starting offensive linemen up front, which head coach Kyle Lasseigne said is one of the focuses of his team’s summer practices on that side of the football.

“We have four guys that we still need to find,” the coach said. “So it’s not like we’re bringing everybody back, but we do have some guys at some of the key positions to build upon.”

So far, so good, according to Chiasson, who said the team’s new offensive line is making strides every day, and will be just as good as last year’s group.

“I’m very impressed with the offensive line and the work they’ve done,” he said. “They looked very good in the spring and summer. They really worked hard over the summer in the weight room and everything. Everyone is putting forth 100 percent effort, and I’m very confident in them and the work they’re doing.”

Dylan Ledet agreed and said there will still be holes to run through this season if the Cardinals’ young linemen continue to progress.

“Last year’s group set the bar pretty high, but so far they’re stepping up and are doing really good,” he said. “I don’t really see any drop off from last year at all.”

On defense, the Cardinals return defensive end Alex Morvant, defensive tackle Alex Becnel, as well as linebackers Josh Tardo, Chase St. Pierre and Phillip Ledet.

E.D. White allowed just more than 10 points per game a year ago, recording three shutouts in 10 regular season games.

And even with a young secondary this year, Phillip Ledet said the Cardinals defense has shown its teeth so far this summer.

“We fly around and we really keep a high tempo at practice,” the linebacker said. “We really keep things exciting and competitive in a good way.”

In total, the Cardinals have a strong, 18-player senior class, which Lasseigne said would be a big difference maker for his team this year.

After all, he said he’s been waiting for these guys to be seniors ever since they’ve been in the 10th grade.

“This is probably, from a dedication standpoint, as well as physically, one of the best groups we’ve had around here in a while,” Lasseigne said. “As a senior group, this is a group that’s stuck together and has gotten better and better as they’ve matured. I’ve been looking for big things from this group as soon as I saw them in 10th grade, so now it’s their time to shine.”

Chiasson agreed and said the senior class will make it a point to not let their coach down this season.

“Coach always knew that with us he had a big group of guys who loved the game,” he said. “We’ve all dreamed of playing varsity together even since the eighth grade. We’re just a band of brothers as we say who have come together and are excited to be here.”

A winning culture, confidence and a strong core of returning players – that’s the makeup of the 2010 Cardinals’ season – one everyone thinks could be special.

“Getting to New Orleans,” Chiasson said when asked the team’s goal this year. “That’s it.”

E.D. White Catholic Cardinals

Sept. 3 @ Vandebilt

Sept. 10 Assumption

Sept. 17 South Lafourche

Sept. 24 @ North Vermilion

Oct. 1 @ Brusly

Oct. 8 West St. Mary*

Oct. 15 @ Patterson*

Oct. 22 Berwick*

Oct. 29 @ Franklin*

Nov. 5 Catholic High (NI)*

* Denotes district game

Coach: Kyle Lasseigne

Assistant Coaches: Darin Fontz, Chris Bergeron, Lance Ford, Jason Callahan, Tommy Schexnayder, Blake Forsythe, Jonathan Keife, Shane Trosclair, Chris Martin, Roger Bimah

Record Last Season: 12-2

Returning Starters: 5 on offense, 5 on defense

Players to Watch: Fullback Dylan Ledet, offensive lineman Heath Thiel, defensive end Alex Morvant, linebacker Phillip Ledet

Primary Strength: Experience at key positions

Fun FACTS

12: The number of wins the Cardinals accumulated in 2010

1: The number of extra wins the Cardinals needed to get to the Superdome

27: Points per game averaged last year for E.D. White

E.D. White heralded returnees (from left) Dylan Ledet, Grant Chiasson and Phillip Ledet hope to build on last season’s success. The Cardinals advanced to the State Semifinals a year ago – a feat they hope to build upon this season. CASEY GISCLAIR TRI-PARISH TIMES