The prep football careers of Destrehan’s Kyle Edwards and Hahnville’s Adonis Friloux have been decorated, full of spotlight games, statistical milestones and postseason performances to remember.
And indeed, each player made sure their respective senior seasons stood out in the memories of those voting for the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 5A All-State team, each player earning a spot on that roster and further recognition of their standing among the state’s elite players.
Edwards was the engine that drove the Destrehan offense. The Alabama signee and star running back was strong all season long, but turned up his play several notches in the final weeks of the regular season and in the postseason, taking on the heaviest workload of his career and showing why his coaches’ confidence in him was warranted. He was among the chief reasons the Wildcats reached the Class 5A championship game in his final season.
Edwards rushed for 1,851 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, his first as Destrehan’s primary back after sharing carries with current LSU rusher John Emery in 2018. He added more than 200 yards through the air along with another touchdown on receptions.
He even threw his first career touchdown pass – and what better time than in the state quarterfinal round against No. 2 seeded West Monroe?
“He started in the shadow of John and just kept working hard, playing hard and waiting for his time,” Destrehan head coach Stephen Robicheaux said. “It’s just the type of kid he is. And look where he is now … headed to the University of Alabama.”
Friloux, a Houston committed defensive tackle, was long on the radar at the collegiate level. The 6’2, 285 lb. Tiger star was dominant in each of his seasons as a starter, but truly popped statistically as a senior. Freed up by a shift to a four man defensive front, making it more difficult to double team him consistently, he made the most of his extra space to roam: Friloux garnered 21 sacks and made 25 tackles for loss as he remained a disruptive force all season long. He made 60 solo tackles, 15 assists, blocked a field goal and forced a fumble.
He arrived early as a playmaker. During his sophomore season, Friloux served notice that he was indeed a force to be reckoned with, helping spur Hahnville on a memorable run to the Class 5A state championship game in 2017.
“I think he’s one of the top 3 defensive linemen in our state,” said Hahnville coach Nick Saltaformaggio. “When you line him up against guys one, two, three, four and five inches taller, he just wears them out. He has great, great punch … unbelievable strength and 20 to 30 yard quickness … there’s not one weakness in his game.”
5A’s Offensive Most Valuable Player was Acadiana rusher Dillan Monette, while his head coach, Matt McCullough, earned Coach of the Year honors after the duo led Acadiana to the 5A state championship. Defensive MVP was Donovan Kaufman of Rummel, who led the Raiders to the Division I crown.
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