Ricky John Bergeron
June 2, 2008June movie releases
June 4, 2008Installing a new offense takes time, just as South Lafourche Head Coach Blyght Wunstell learned firsthand this past spring.
After the Tarpons finished last season 1-9 overall and 0-6 in district play, Coach Wunstell decided it was time for a change.
Last season, former Tarpon Head Coach Tommy Gisclair stepped down after the spring game. Wunstell stepped in but really had little time to prepare his team.
This season, Wunstell decided to change things up both offensively and defensively.
While his team made some mistakes in their 31-26 loss to Vandebilt in the spring game, Wunstell was not discouraged and feels once the players adapt to the new system, things will work out fine.
“This season we are running a double slot veer offense and a stack (5-2) defense,” Wunstell said. “We took it slowly to get everything in because it’s a lot of reading by the quarterback. It comes with time, but it will all come together.”
By the time the season starts, the Tarpons should be in full force with their new system and Wunstell hopes that in turn leads to more wins and possibly a district championship somewhere down the line.
“We want to compete for a district title,” Wunstell said. “These young men have the heart to do that. If our offense can come around then we very well could be playing week 11 of the season, it’s not something unachievable.”
Certainly, Wunstell has the tools to compete in District 8-5A this season.
The Tarpons finished their spring with nine offensive starters returning from last year’s team. Quarterback Cameron Esponge is expected to be the leader of offense as he takes over the reigns under center.
“He (Cameron) does a great job as our leader,” Wunstell said. “He’s a model student with a 3.9 grade point average. He’s definitely a young man who will lead by example.”
The strongest part of the Tarpons spring has been their defense. Although only four starters return on defense, the coach has confidence in his defense.
Wunstell will look to his leaders on defense such as: Logan Harris, Simon Bruce, Jesse Adams, Brett Dardar and Jean Blanchard, to carry the Tarpons until the offense is ready to go in full force.
“We are still trying to establish ourselves,” Wunstell said. “I am satisfied with where we are defensively, it’s just a matter of getting the offense together. We have all summer to work on it. When the season gets here we should be right where we need to be.”
