Tigers hope for same start to this season – winning

2007 was a breakthrough year for the Morgan City Tigers and head coach Mark Millet.

After going 0-18 his first two years, Millet guided the Tigers to a 5-0 start last season, averaging almost 39 points in those games.

“Around here, it was time we won five games in eight years,” he said.

Then District 8-4A play began and the results were not as kind.

The Tigers went 0-5 in the final contests, allowed on average 43 points a game and missed the playoffs.

“For these kids who been through the program, it was a stepping-stone to where we want to get to and that’s the playoffs,” said Millet.

“Last year, we had a lot of experience, a lot of older guys. That’s why we did so well,” said Clint Navarro, senior 1st Team All-District defensive back and 2nd Team running back.

Navarro has been a starting running back since his freshman year. He takes his role as a senior leader seriously and wants the new players to understand what it takes to be successful.

“I’m looking forward to leading these guys. There’s a lot of young guys this year,” he said. “I’m going to try and show them how to do things right and try to get a couple of more wins this season. This is my last year here, so I want to leave on a positive note.”

Navarro has drawn some interest from colleges, but he is staying focused on the upcoming season.

“I’ve been getting a few letters, attended the Tulane camp and the ULL camp this summer, he said. “I’ll see how the season goes and go from there.”

Morgan City was the only team in the district not to make the playoffs last year.

The Tigers are a physically small team, according to Millet. They must overcome a lack of size and speed with a prodigious work ethic and perfect execution.

“When we play teams that outweigh us 70 pounds a man we have to do some things that keep our guys moving to keep us alive,” said Millet. “If we stand still for any amount of time, we’re going to lose that battle.”

On offense, the Tigers will only have four returning to the Wing-T formation. Beside Navarro are senior offensive linemen Thomas Ledbetter, an all-district honorable mention pick, and Teddy Bergeron and junior slot end Cory Navarro.

“Coach Millet would run the same play every play if he could,” said Ledbetter. “Late in season, Coach Millet will put some pass plays in. We’ll do some pass blocking, which is a little simpler.”

Cracking the starting lineup this season are seniors Jaran Bailey (fullback), Dylan Merida (tight end), O’Brien Humphrey and Barry Aucoin (linemen); and sophomores Chase Garrett (quarterback), Troy Johnson (wingback) and Derek Gros (lineman).

On defense, the Tigers will remain in the 50 defense.

Seven starters return to that side of the ball, including four of the five defensive backs – Clint Navarro, Cory Navarro, senior Devin Duval and Tremaine Francois.

“We have some tough defensive backs,” said Clint Navarro. “That are strongest part of the defense. We’re looking pretty good on defense as long as we stay aggressive, make our reads and make plays.”

Also coming back are Bergeron and senior Brock Bigler (tackles) and sophomore linebacker Troy Smith. The new starters on defense will be seniors Kyle Rhett (nose guard), Nick Guerra (linebacker) and Bailey (safety), and junior linebacker Ashton Gibson.

In the kicking game, Duval will take over both punt and field goal duties from the graduated Grant Dozar and Jared Nunez respectively.

In perhaps the toughest district in the 4A class, Morgan City will have to find a way to win district games if they want any shot at a playoff berth.

“I don’t know where we stand in the district,” said Millet. “You’re returning the state finalist (Shaw), and two quarterfinalists (Vandebilt and Shaw). Belle Chasse and Helen Cox are going to be much improved. Ellender is a hardnosed team. So, it’s going to be week-to-week battle when we get to district.”

Win or lose, Millet is most proud of watching his guys go toe-to-toe with some of the best teams around and never backing down from the challenge

“I like my kids. They’re a great group. I enjoy working with them,” he said. “They’re a tough, loyal bunch of kids. They will do pretty much whatever you ask them to do.”