Vandebilt has a simple goal: Undefeated season

Vandebilt Catholic High School believes it has all of the star power necessary to make a deep playoff run.

Now all they have to do is keep their top players healthy, and everything will be all right.

One year after an injury rush that bombarded the team’s depth chart, the Terriers are hoping to be blessed with good health in the 2012 season – their first with coach Brad Villavaso, who took over for Laury Dupont this offseason.

“We want to keep everyone healthy first and foremost,” senior linebacker Colby Guillory said. “But if we do, we aren’t afraid to say that it is our goal to try and go 10-0. We believe that we have the talent to compete to win every game on our schedule, so right now, that’s our goal. … As long as we stay healthy, we’ll be fine.”

Offensively, the Terriers will be relying heavily upon the right arm and legs of standout senior quarterback Elijah McGuire.

After wowing the Tri-parish area with an array of skill and quickness as a sophomore in 2010, McGuire missed most of last season with a litany of injuries.

Now healthy, he is excited to showcase the razzle and dazzle that make him one of the top players in Louisiana.

“I’m fine,” McGuire said. “I’m better than ever. I feel like I’m stronger than I was last year, and I’m just ready to help my team do what we’ve got to do.”

But while McGuire jukes around defenders, Vandebilt also has some power in its arsenal.

Senior halfback Aaron Smith returns to provide the bulk to McGuire’s finesse.

Together, they believe they can be one of the better one-two punches in the area.

“Elijah and I, we’ve been playing with one another since TPR, so we have great chemistry,” Smith said. “We know how one another plays and everything like that. Everybody knows he packs the speed and I pack the power. Together, it’s tough for the defense to handle.”

“It’s a blessing,” Villavaso said. “Not very many schools have two players of that caliber at the same time. Elijah is a threat every time he touches the football and Aaron is a steady player who can just eat away at a defense. We’re very fortunate to have them.”

But it is Vandebilt’s offensive line that could be the true heroes of 2012.

Returning starters tackles Tyler Bourque and Blake Bowie anchor a line that also features center Chase Doiron.

Junior tight end Chase Hawthorne is also a top-level blocker when he isn’t streaking down the field on passing downs.

“Our line is better this year,” Smith said. “People want to look at me and Elijah. But without them, it wouldn’t happen.”

Defensively, Vandebilt lost its two top players from 2011 – linebacker Seth Ward and defensive back Beau Smith.

Despite the losses, the Terriers return seven starters from last season’s unit, including All-District junior safety Jordan Bergeron.

That camaraderie had Vandebilt hopeful for a more improved unit this season.

Last season, the Terriers allowed 30 or more points in five of 10 regular season games.

“Seth and Beau were both great players, but that’s not how we view our defense anymore – we want to be more than a group with a few superstar athletes,” Guillory said. “They are both great athletes and players, but that’s not what our defense is. We all have our jobs and we all know we can be good if we do what we need to do.”

“I actually think defense is the strength of our football team right now,” Villavaso said. “Having seven returning starters and an eighth guy who played a lot – that’s a luxury.”

Aside from experience, Vandebilt hopes to achieve defensive improvement through its secondary.

Jordan Bergeron is the only underclassman in a group that contains three seniors – safety Matt Bergeron and cornerbacks Jesse Martin and Duncan Prentice.

Along the front lines, senior Guillory provides the bulk for Vandebilt’s front, which is a little heftier than it’s been in years past.

“We really had a great summer,” Villavaso said. “We did a great job in the weight room. This is maybe the best summer I’ve ever been around in 25 years.”

Because of that hard work, the Terriers are pumped up for 2012.

McGuire said he believes the team can make a deep playoff run.

Smith agreed and added that the Terriers can win every game.

Villavaso stopped short of predictions, but added that he and his staff have challenged players to pursue perfection.

Every player asked listed a 10-0 season as the team’s mantra for 2012.

“The 10-0 thing is not a guarantee by any means,” Villavaso said. “But we talked about it with the kids and we just want them to know that we expect to win every game and we believe we have enough in our locker room right now to make it happen.”

With good health, of course.

Vandebilt Catholic quarterback Elijah McGuire fires a pass during practice. The Terriers believe they have a shot to go undefeated in the 2012 season. 

CASEY GISCLAIR | TRI-PARISH TIMES