Morganza to the Gulf on Six on Your Side
August 20, 2007Primary care doc shortage epidemic
August 22, 2007Twenty years ago, Blyght Wunstell led South Lafourche on the gridiron at starting quarterback.
This fall, he’ll lead the Tarpons from the sidelines as head football coach.
“This is a dream come true,” said Wunstell, who was hired earlier this summer. “It was always my dream to lead the Tarpons as a head football coach, and I’m just grateful that the administration has enough confidence in me to turn this program around.”
Wunstell inherits a team that posted a 9-20 record through three seasons under Tommy Gisclair. Furthermore, the Tarpons haven’t tasted the playoffs in more than seven seasons.
Nonetheless, Wunstell is determined to restore order at South Lafourche, a program that once commandeered a high level of respect throughout the southern Louisiana football ranks.
The Tarpons boast a rich history that includes two state titles and a slew of district championships.
Wunstell contributed to this winning tradition as a player from 1986 to 1988.
He remembers those days vividly.
“Teams used to be scared to come to South Lafourche, because they knew they’d be in for a battle,” Wunstell reminisced. “They’d say ‘Oh lord. We’re playing South Lafourche.’ That’s the feeling I want to bring back here. I’m looking forward to bringing back that tradition.”
The first-year coach aims to accomplish this with quarterbacks Zach Fillinich and Tyler Guidry.
Fillinich will start the season while Guidry rehabs an injured knee.
“Guidry will more than likely be back (in pads) by week three,” Wunstell said. “He’s more of your prototypical pocket passer. He’s a strong-armed kid who is very intelligent on reads. Zach is a great athlete who throws the ball really well, but he’s more of a running type of quarterback.”
Both will operate a multiple-spread offense.
“Having two quarterbacks will definitely change things up,” Guidry said. “They (opposing teams) will expect to see a more agile quarterback in Zach, but then I’ll come in and throw the ball a little more.”
Wunstell expects Clint Shicksnider and Joey Allegmagne to compete for starting spots at receiver. He thinks Shicksnider is a great route-runner with good hands.
The Tarpons backfield will probably include Wade Bagala, Justin Danos and Jordan Ledet.
The offense will also get a boost from scatbacks Caz Pitre and Brett Dardar. Pitre is being recruited by Division I schools.
But the offensive line is shrouded in ambiguity.
“We have a couple of big guys, but they have to get better with their feet,” Wunstell said. “In today’s game, it’s not only about strength, but about quickness.”
Defense will be another question mark.
Wunstell will likely start Ledet, Quenton Bruce and Ryan Jackson at linebacker, and Jesse Adams and Blake Compeaux at defensive end.
Rafe Plaissance and Brenden Bouzigard will fill positions on the line, and Brenner Callais will suit up at free safety.
The remaining spots will be filled by newcomers.
“On defense, we lack depth for a 5A football team,” Wunstell said. “But if we can stay healthy, we’ll be competitive in our district. I know these guys will work hard and they’re buying into our system. They’ll be ready every Friday night.”
So will the rest of District 8, he realizes.
“Central Lafourche is tough, and so is Thibodaux,” Wunstell said. “Each week will give fans something to look forward to. The favorite has to be Assumption and Terrebonne.”
Nevertheless, Fillinich is optimistic about South Lafourche’s chances of rekindling its winning tradition.
“We brought in a new coach and we’re pumping things up,” he said. “It ought to be a good season.”
The Tarpons kick off their season Friday with the South Lafourche Jamboree.
