Spring ball breeds storylines

This past week reminded me of something that I already knew, but that I’d denied for a long time.

I can’t wait for the 2016 prep football season.

I’m a basketball guy, but football is always near and dear to my heart – if for no other reason than because of the intensity that surrounds the sport.

Look, I may be a basketball fan at heart, but I’m also no dummy. I know that football is the king around these parts. It’s the sport that attracts the most attention and is the main attraction for folks about the Houma-Thibodaux area.

So with that said, I studied some of the spring football storylines this week and I’ve decided to detail the things I’m paying attention to in this column.

Some are obvious. Others aren’t.

Either way – I can’t wait for the pads to pop under those Friday night lights in the 2016 season.

TOP 5 STORYLINES TO FOLLOW IN 2016

1. WHAT WILL McCORMICK DO AT ELLENDER?

There are two new prep football head coaches in the Houma-Thibodaux area. One is at South Lafourche where Brandon Nowlin will take over a Tarpons football program that’s loaded with tradition and has tons of returning players. But the other is in East Houma where the Patriots replaced Terry Washington with David McCormick – a move that generated a lot of headlines in the community. McCormick is a good guy and a pretty good coach. But the Ellender job has been considered by many to be mission impossible – a problem with loads of potential, but without a pedigree for success to compete at the highest level. I don’t know if Ellender will win in 2016, but my eyes are peeled. I, for sure, can’t wait to see how it all plays out. The Patriots have athletes. There’s never been any doubt about that. Now, they have some new blood in place who can give the team renewed discipline.

2. CAN THIBODAUX STAY KING?

The past two seasons, Thibodaux High has rocked the area – establishing themselves as one of the top football programs in Louisiana. But guess what? The Tigers are still loaded with talent in 2016 and could easily replicate their successes of the past few seasons. Can Chris Dugas lead the Tigers to the top of the local totem pole again? Or will Thibodaux take a step back and succumb to the powerful 5A that is loaded with some of the best teams in Louisiana? Time will tell. With the talent the Tigers have coming back, it’s hard to expect anything less than another season loaded with victories and another Class 5A playoff push.

3. CAN THE GATORS BOUNCE BACK?

South Terrebonne had a rare off year in 2015. The Gators were young, took some lumps and finished near the bottom-half of the District 7-4A standings. But, it’s a new year, and rarely does South Terrebonne falter two seasons in a row. With a ton of returning starters and Louis Blanchard coming back, I’d be willing to bet my last dollar that the Gators will be back in a big way in 2016. Will it be enough to make the playoffs? Maybe, maybe not. But South Terrebonne football will be fun to watch in 2016 – one way or another. I’ve learned to not bet against Richard Curlin. He has a way of proving reporters like me wrong. My money is on South Terrebonne making the playoffs.

4. WILL MELVIN PUSH BRAVES INTO PROMISED LAND IN YEAR 2?

When H.L. Bourgeois hired Carey Melvin, I knew it’d be a good hire, but I didn’t know that the new coach would be quite the first-year phenom he proved to be. The Braves went from a cellar dweller in 2014 to a contender in 2015 under Melvin, who is a rising star in Houma-Thibodaux prep football. In 2016, I’m curious to see what the Braves have up their sleeves. The local 5A district is ridiculously tough, which doesn’t do Bourgeois any favors. But Melvin is a top-flight coach. I have absolutely no doubt the Braves will be ready every, single time that they take the field next fall. Times are a changing and Bourgeois is no longer one of the bottom teams in the area. They are on the way up, and I have a feeling it’s going to stay that way for a long, long time.

5. CAN VANDEBILT FIND EARLY-SEASON MAGIC?

Under Jeremy Atwell, Vandebilt has developed a trend. For two-straight season, the Terriers have started the season slow, but have rallied late to make a postseason push. But Vandebilt has a ton of returning players in 2016, and I have every reason to believe that the Terriers will be in contention for the District 7-4A crown. Remember this name: Drew Robison. The freshman phenom in basketball is also a standout football star. He sat out last season, but will make his prep football debut next fall. From what I hear, he’s the real deal. I can’t wait to see him show his stuff.