SL hoping to build off 2012 undefeated year
August 29, 2013
CCA excited about playoff possibilities
August 29, 2013
Terrebonne High School’s football team peaked toward the end of the 2012 season.
In their first-round playoff game, the Tigers gave No. 2 Barbe a stiff test – falling in a 24-7 contest that head coach Gary Hill said was closer than the score indicated.
“We fumbled twice inside their 5-yard line,” Hill said. “If we score there, maybe we do have a chance to steal that one and make a run.”
The result proved to be noteworthy a few weeks later as the Buccaneers went on to finish as Class 5A’s State Runner-Up.
With knowledge that they can compete with the best, the Tigers are looking for more.
Building on the back half of 2012 is on the minds of everyone in Terrebonne’s locker room this fall as the Tigers aim to make a run at the Bayou District Championship.
“The numbers are high. The energy is high,” Hill said. “I’m pleased with the work that we’ve put in. Football is about fighting adversity and getting better each day. You’ve got to be ready to hit the ground running with these power points. … We finished well last year, but we have a lot of hard work to do to get back to the level we were at last year. But we’re certainly looking to build onto that.”
“We have confidence,” quarterback Colby Stewart said. “It feels good knowing that you can play with anyone. That game with Barbe proved that to us. They went to the Dome. But we were right there with them until the end.”
Offensively, Terrebonne will have an experienced playmaker returning under center.
Stewart returns to the Tigers after guiding his team to a six-win season in 2012.
Hill said Stewart’s return is a huge plus to Terrebonne’s offense, which has five other returning starters, including tight end/receiver Philip Coleman.
“He did a great job learning how to play the position last year,” Hill said. “So I think we all look forward to seeing him build on that and having another great year.”
Stewart agreed with Hill and said that the difference between year one and year two of being a starting quarterback is huge.
The quarterback said he understands the team’s system better and will be more equipped to attack opposing defenses in 2013.
Coleman agrees and said he sees the change in his quarterback’s play.
“He’s much more comfortable,” Coleman said. “He was good last year, but I think this year, he has a much deeper understanding of what we’re doing. It’s going to be a big year for him I think.”
But the Tigers’ biggest offensive strength will likely come in the trenches.
Hill said Terrebonne returns four of its five starting offensive linemen from last season – a group consisting of Gabe Aucoin, Cameron Moreaux, and 300-pounders Zach Chapman and Alex Bonvillain.
“This is the first time we’ve ever had four returning lineman,” Hill said. “That gives us something to work with. But it’s like I told them – the onus is on them to improve from last year and to make that next step.”
Stewart said having his line back is a source of comfort.
“It’s pretty nice to be able to sit back there and know that I can trust them and they’ve got my back,” Hill said. “We’ve been together since eighth grade. The chemistry is there. I trust that they’re going to protect me and allow me to make plays for our team.”
Defensively, Terrebonne brings back five starters from last year’s group, Hill said.
That group is filled with experience at linebacker, as Ramon Hartfield, Storm Chauvin, Charles Clark return.
2012 starter Daylan LaCoste will also play linebacker after starting at safety last season.
Safety Quinn Malbrough also returns, as well.
“I think defensively we look pretty good,” Malbrough said. “We’ve been working real hard over the summer, and I think we will be able to get the ball back for our offense.”
“We’ve been solid,” LaCoste said. “I think that everyone is excited to hit someone on another team. But when we’re able to do that, I think we’ll be fine.”
So now, Terrebonne’s focus is staying hot.
The Tigers won four of their final five games last season to make the playoffs.
The team wants to rekindle that success and treat every game like they did the Barbe game.
If the Tigers do, they believe they have just as good a chance as anyone to win the new-look Bayou District Championship.
“If we can stay healthy, I know that we’re going to go out and compete every Friday night,” Hill said. “I trust that my guys will compete. When they do that, we’re pretty tough to beat.”
“We like the chemistry we have,” Coleman said. “We’ve been playing football together a long time. I think we are going to build on what we did last year and be even better. I think this will be a great season for us.”
Terrebonne High School football players (from left) Colby Stewart, Daylan LaCoste, Quinn Malbrough and Phillip Coleman pose in the team’s gymnasium prior to the start of practice. The Tigers are hungry to carry their 2012 momentum into the new season. Terrebonne closed the season strong and pushed No. 2 Barbe in the playoffs.
