Hilda Voisin Buquet
August 25, 2009
Mary Little McFarland
August 27, 2009
The South Terrebonne Gators’ 2008 season can be best described as one of close calls that didn’t go their way.
There was the last-second field goal by Comeaux; a blown coverage that led to a long touchdown pass against Thibodaux, and the failed fourth and goal attempt on the last play against Terrebonne.
The 26 Gator seniors hope to provide the right leadership to get the team over the hump and back in the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
“We were just a couple of plays away from being in the playoffs or even being district champs last year,” said Gators coach Richard Curlin. “That could have been a totally different season.”
The Gators went 4-4, 4-2 in District 8-5A play last season.
South Terrebonne returns four offensive starters led by senior quarterback Quinton Lirette. The second-year starter will lead an offense that is expected to be more diverse while still grounded in the Wing-T formation.
“We didn’t play up to our potential last year,” Lirette said. “I think we could have been a playoff team. I plan to step up more as a team leader. If something goes wrong, it’s my fault. I got to take control of everything and not let it get out of hand.”
Curlin proclaimed this year’s backfield of seniors Jamal Stewart, Bobby Lirette and Isaiah Vincent the fastest group he has had in 20 years at South Terrebonne.
“We’re talking about three guys that run under a 4.6 40 (yard time), and the quarterback too when you throw in Quinton,” Curlin said. “He’s going to be running the ball a lot more this year.”
While the Gators will have a big hole to fill without first-team All-District receiver Mike Barba (Nicholls), as a group, senior slot ends Mitchell Hutchinson and Robert Duplantis and sophomore tight end Trevor Lapeyrouse are talented enough to make that unit better than last year.
“I think we’re going to be more balanced as an offense this year,” Curlin said. “We’ve thrown the ball more in the last few years and we’re getting better at calling those plays. We’re probably going to be a little more open and even run some shotgun.”
The offensive line has three new starters, senior guards Tyler Billiot and Berwick Smith and junior left tackle Tyler Hatch. However, it will be seniors Tommy Fick (right tackle) and Abram Billiot (center) that bring direction and toughness to the line.
“I think Abram Billiot is the best center in the district,” Curlin insisted. “He was second team All-District last year. If we can be healthy up front, the offense should be able to take off.”
The Gators return six starters to the 4-3 defense. The talk of the spring and summer workouts has been the play of senior defensive tackles Christian Lirette and Austin Fitch.
During the spring game against Patterson, the duo were able to contain two-time first team All-State running back Kenny Hilliard to just 40 yards, one third of the total he rushed for against the Gators defense the previous year.
“They are just a dominant force. Our defensive tackles are going to be two of the best in the district. They have the size, strength, quickness and experience to overpower almost anyone,” Curlin explained.
“What impressed me the most was our defensive ends (seniors Ethan Bascle and Justin Bourg) didn’t play in that game. So our whole defensive line is going to be strong this year.”
The Gator coaching staff thinks the linebacker position will be better in 2009 despite having only one returning starter, senior Ronnie Thormas.
Fellow senior Kip LeCompte has earned one linebacker spot, and junior Blake Luke and sophomore Devin Leger are battling for the final position.
In the secondary, seniors Miles Lyons (cornerback) and Chase Price (strong safety) are back, while juniors Tyler Naquin (free safety) and Jared Ledet (cornerback) are the starters.
But Curlin will also use Lirette and Hutchinson in the secondary under certain circumstances.
“They looked pretty good playing defense in the 7-on-7 drills,” the head coach said. “They’re good athletes.”
Replacing Barba as the Gators’ kicker and punter will be senior Justin Pitre.
Curlin anticipates another tough struggle for the District 8-5A title in 2009. With a big senior class and talented newcomers, he expects the Gators to be in the hunt.
“If we can get some continuity on offense during the non-district schedule and get some confidence in defense, I think it’s going to be a good year in the district,” he said.
“The team that makes the fewest mistakes and makes key plays is the team that is going to come out on top,” he added.
Senior quarterback Quinton Lirette will lead a more balanced Gators’ offense than in years past, which should mean more throwing for the normally running QB. * Photo by KEYON K. JEFF
