Tigers ready for next step in Bayou District

The Trovon Reed era is over in Thibodaux, as the dominant quarterback has graduated and taken his game to the collegiate level with Auburn University.

But there’s a new blue chip prospect in purple and gold this year in offensive lineman Greg Robinson.

And if he has his way, his senior year will end in a way Reed’s didn’t – with a Bayou District Championship.

“I’m really not going to get too overwhelmed with the recruiting process,” Robinson said. “My focus is on this team right now and getting our guys where we want to be, which is on the top of this district.”

The 6-foot-5-inch, 300-pound offensive lineman is the premier returnee for what will be an experienced Tigers’ team.

Robinson is currently ranked among the Top 25 players in America by virtually every recruiting publication. He is expected to choose between LSU and Auburn, but also has a laundry list of scholarship offers from virtually every program in America.

But despite his collegiate future still being cloudy, Tigers coach Dennis Lorio said from the first day of summer practices, Robinson has lived true to his statement and has served as a leader among Thibodaux’s seniors.

“He’s got plenty recruiting offers, as everyone knows,” Lorio said. “But that’s going to take place in February. In between now and then, he’s committed and publicly stated he wants to be one of the leaders of our offensive line and of our entire team, and he’s made some tremendous strides to do that.”

The offensive unit Robinson will be leading is loaded with returnees, as the Tigers bring back four offensive linemen and seven starters total.

Replacing Reed will be quarterback Trent Granier, who isn’t technically a returning starter, but also isn’t a stranger to playing time, having started several games last year when Reed was injured.

Lorio said that he has faith in Granier to be a solid signal caller this year, as long as he doesn’t fully try to fill Reed’s shoes.

“Trent Granier isn’t, and no one else is Trovon Reed,” Lorio said. “He doesn’t have that escape ability. But at this point, I really think it’s fair to say that he’s a significantly better passer, so we’re hoping to take advantage of his skills.”

With Reed’s feet out of the lineup, Granier and the Tigers’ offense will have to rely more heavily on a loaded backfield that returns three halfbacks, Josh Johnson, Terry Ausama and Raheem Richard.

Having a slew of weapons at his disposal, and that experienced offensive line is what Granier believes will ease him into the early part of the Tigers’ schedule as he transitions into becoming the full-time starter.

“My offensive line, I don’t have anything to worry about with them,” Granier said. “My backs, I know they’re going to do what they’ve got to do, too. And my receivers will catch it when I throw it to them. So I just see us as a really balanced offense.”

On defense, Thibodaux will be stout up front, as they return six starters on the front seven, including all three linebackers – Dillon Landry, Kevin Cox and Trey Granier.

The Tigers’ defense was one of its strengths a year ago, as Thibodaux allowed just 12 points per game in district play.

Having a good group again this year is what Lorio said his team will need if the Tigers hope to win the Bayou District in 2010.

“Any time you’re going to win any kind of championship, you’re going to need to have a solid defense,” the coach said.

So far, the coach may be granted his wish, as Landry said the group has progressed well in the spring and summer practice sessions.

“Our secondary is a little young, but we’re going to be all right,” he said. “Up front, we’re very tough. Our defense as a whole is going to be very strong.”

Experience – it’s something not many in the Bayou District have.

But it’s something the Tigers hope ride them to another district title.

“We’ve got everything in place to get it done,” Robinson said. “We know if we go out there and play the way that we can play, we’re going to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves.”

Thibodaux High Tigers

District 8-5A

Sept. 2 McDonogh 35

Sept. 10 @ Destrehan

Sept. 17 Dutchtown

Sept. 24 @ Terrebonne*

Oct. 1 South Terrebonne*

Oct. 8 @ Central Lafourche*

Oct. 15 Assumption*

Oct. 22 @ H.L. Bourgeois*

Oct. 29 South Lafourche*

Nov. 4 @ St. Augustine

* Denotes district game

Coach: Dennis Lorio

Assistant Coaches: Danny

Carroll, Blake Trosclair, Michael Young, Putt Bernard, Thomas Lorio, Michael Murphy, Davin Dennis, Jamie Himel

Record Last Season: 8-5

Returning Starters: 7 on offense, 6 on defense

Players to Watch: Offensive lineman Greg Robinson, halfback Josh Johnson, linebacker Dillon Landry, linebacker Trey Granier

Primary Strength: Depth in the backfield

Fun FACTS

365: The number of pounds Greg Robinson can bench press, according to Rivals.com

13: The number of starters the Tigers return on both sides the ball

1: The place Thibodaux wants to finish in the Bayou District this year – the team’s primary goal

Thibodaux All-American lineman Greg Robinson (right) drives a teammate during a recent practice. With his college future still in doubt, Robinson said his current focus is on finishing his final high school season with a district title. CASEY GISCLAIR TRI-PARISH TIMES