Hahnville head coach Greg Boyne says time feels like it’s flying by during his team’s spring practices.
“There’s 10 or 15 minutes left and it’s like, geez, where’d the time go?” Boyne said. “Sometimes those days can drag. It hasn’t been too bad with the heat, we’ve been lucky with the clouds most days – though maybe the kids disagree with me on that one.”
Sunny or cloudy days alike, Boyne likes what he sees with this team through a week of spring practice. The Tigers are bigger and stronger – Boyne said a point of emphasis has been put on work in the weight room since the end of last season, and those gains are starting to really show on the practice field.
“We’ve made a big dedication to the weight room. We’ve been going four days a week since we lost (in the playoffs),” Boyne said. “I thought we got pushed around in the games we lost last year. We had a group that was strong in a few spots, but not across the board. You can see the kids have put on some muscle. We still have a lot of work to do, but we’re ahead of where we were last year.”
That strength will come into play in a big way as Hahnville debuts a new offensive line this spring after all five of its 2024 starters were lost to graduation. The new faces have been up to the challenge so far, Boyne said.
“It’s been a pleasant surprise,” Boyne said. “Obviously we miss the five that we lost, but the guys getting the reps are doing a good job. Our defensive line is mostly back from last season, and they’re a good measuring stick. Some days the defense is better, some days it’s the offense. It’s been a little bit of a give and take, and that’s what you like to see.”
One player garnering attention there is Frederic Downing Jr. The 6’4, 290 pound junior has caught the eye of college recruiters, and Downing is among those who have reaped the greatest benefits from the weightlifting program, Boyne said. Downing is preparing to play snaps on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball in 2025.
“He’s huge and athletic on the offensive line. He’s going to add more muscle and strength as we go along toward the season. And the confidence is growing with him,” Boyne said.
Hahnville will have to replace a lot of production with the graduation of running back Calvin Smith, who was the focus of the Tigers’ offense through an explosive senior year of production. Fabian Celestine and Patrick Jackson Jr. will be players to watch in the backfield this season.
Celestine is returning from a broken leg suffered late last season, but has worked his way back to 100 percent. Boyne said Celestine is cleared for contact, but that the Tigers will be cautious.
“He broke both his tibia and fibula … he was devastated,” Boyne said. “He loves football, loves playing for Hahnville. It’s what he’s wanted to do since he was little. He wants to jump right back into it, wants to know why he can’t get tackled. He’s cleared, but it’s more me wanting to ease him back.”
Jackson Porter and Leland Kalili – brother of Tigers alum Tylen – have also show promise in the backfield.
Defensively, linebackers Koa Romero and Carter Burns have had strong spring performances.
“Koa’s a little banged up, but every time he gets reps he makes plays,” Boyne said. “Carter Burns has had a really good first five days. He’s grown an inch or two and he’s added 15 pounds of muscle, gotten stronger.”
Quarterback Landen Teague enters year two as starter and he’s made exciting strides as well.
“The first couple of balls he threw, man, you could really see. His body has matured and his arm’s getting stronger,” Boyne said. “His lower body’s getting stronger. He’s 195 pounds right now and that’s real solid in the 10th grade. It’s been a fun few days with him. I can start a sentence and he can finish it – he’s getting that feel for what’s coming based on formation or situation.”
Hahnville will face off with Jesuit for spring game action on May 16, set to begin at 6 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.
