It was another undefeated regular season for Destrehan, a statement that should not seem as “business as usual” as it does.
But the Wildcats continue to win and perform overall as one of the state’s most dangerous championship contenders. Destrehan has not lost a regular season game since the very first contest of 2020, in head coach Marcus Scott’s very first game guiding the program.
Destrehan reached the Division I non-select quarterfinals despite losing numerous major contributors from its 2022 state title winner. This is a program that went through an emotional time late in the year as head coach Marcus Scott had to step away – Scott needed a new kidney and received one via a successful transplant, and with his new lease on life he’s eager to guide a very talented 2024 edition of the Wildcats.
Quarterback
Junior passer Jackson Fields was a revelation during his sophomore season, making an immediate impact in his first year as a starter.
Fields was the Offensive MVP of District 7-5A last season, posting full season numbers of 134 completions in 211 attempts, 2,404 Yards, 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Fields added five touchdowns as a runner.
Scott said Fields has demonstrated an understanding of what is expected within the Destrehan offense at a very early age and experience level.
“He understands that we have some very capable people surrounding him,” said Scott. “You don’t have to go out and try to do too much, try to win the game by yourself. You get it to the people who can make plays for us, and we have some very talented guys coming back to fill those roles.
“We’re very confident in his ability, which is good. But Jackson also understands that we don’t force stuff.”
Eight different receivers caught touchdown passes from Fields during the season.
Jhase Thomas will be Destrehan’s backup quarterback, in addition to his starting safety duties.
Running back
For the first time in a long time, a running back other than Shane Lee enters the season as a starter. Lee was a commanding presence in the Destrehan backfield, earning significant playing time as a freshman before starting for three dominant seasons.
Fortunately for the Wildcats, they have a pretty good idea of what to expect from his successor. Shane Ward stepped up in Lee’s absence late last season while the latter was recovering from an injury and was highly productive. Ward was also a big part of the rushing attack in general throughout the season, averaging 6.1 yards per carry on the way to 449 yards and four touchdowns last regular season, to go with six catches for 50 yards and another score.
“He had a really strong junior season for us,” Scott said. “He really did well and he’s been putting in a lot of work. I’m really looking forward to seeing him perform this season because he’s worked so hard to get himself to this point.”
Destrehan isn’t as experienced behind Ward, but the talent is there. Two sophomores, Malachi Dabney and Tony Crump, will mix in this season. Starting wide receiver Jabari Mack will also see time at running back.
Receiver
Even on a very talented Destrehan roster top to bottom, this wide receiving group stands out.
Seniors Phillip Wright III and Johnnie Thiel IV and juniors Greg Wilfred and Jabari Mack combined for more than 1,500 yards through the air and 14 touchdowns through the air in the regular season. Accurately predicting which one would have the biggest game from week to week would have been quite the puzzle to solve – and that’s exactly how Destrehan likes it, and what keeps opposing defensive coaches up at night.
Wright is committed to LSU, Thiel to Louisiana Tech. Mack and Wilfred are getting a great deal of early attention as well from the college level, headed into their respective junior seasons. And all have a wealth of chemistry built with Fields after last season.
“It’s rare to have that,” Scott said. “Jabari is probably the most versatile as to what he can do – he can play every skill position, and he’s certainly special with the ball in his hands. Phillip Wright, he gives us that vertical threat to stretch the field. Then Johnnie, Greg, those guys in the slot are kind of the safety blanket for Jackson. They give you advantageous matchups in the slot.”
Senior Brian Guichard and junior Cameron Ricks will also be key parts of the offense. Guichard will be the primary tight end while Ricks will play the H-back role. Both players are strong blockers. Bryce Bufkin will mix in here as well from the defensive side.
Offensive line
Destrehan is fairly experienced here, with three starters back along an offensive line led by senior center Michael Reed. Reed started at guard for Destrehan as a sophomore in its state championship win two years ago.
Alongside him will be junior guards Gage Schreiber and Jeshua Lazo, senior tackle Andrew Dragna and junior tackle Earl Collins. Davin Royer will be the primary reserve.
This is a group with good size across the board – Collins, in particular, is imposing at 6’3, 310 lbs.
“They bring some experience. It’s a group that’s been working together for awhile now and we’re looking forward to seeing them put it all together this year,” Scott said.
Defensive line
Junior Bryce Bufkin returns on the defensive line, and will start along with senior Noah Murr and senior nose guard Kerry Chopin. Destrehan rotates several players in to keep its linemen fresh and
Aiden Schwab, Noah Bagwell, Braylon Montero and Brent Bayonne will provide depth and valuable snaps.
“It’s a group we’ll be able to play six or seven guys regularly,” Scott said. “We’ve got some guys up on our defensive front we feel good about. We didn’t have the depth we do now in the spring, and we started doing crossover periods where some guys play both ways, so we can use a defensive lineman on offense if we need to or vice versa, as well. So, you add that to the mix.”
Linebacker
Senior Myd Gilbert is among Destrehan’s most experienced defensive playmakers, someone who earned considerable time as a sophomore before shining as a starter in his junior season.
Joining him in that group will be senior Brody Picou, who returns after playing extensively last season, and Semaj Walker, one of the team’s most versatile players. Walker can slot in at linebacker or safety alike, something that opens up several options and lineup combinations for DHS.
“He gives us the ability to move some parts around if we need to,” said Scott.
Sophomore Kyce White provides depth.
“This group plays hard. Their communication is improving day-by-day,” Scott said. “I’m eager to see how far they’ve come from the spring.”
Scott said Walker has been sidelined by injury for a bit, but will be back. His temporary absence has opened up reps for some of the team’s younger players.
Defensive back
LSU committed safety Jhase Thomas leads the way here. The son for former New Orleans Saints standout cornerback Fred Thomas, he is coming off a very strong spring and summer, and he figures to make his presence known in the secondary all season long.
That was certainly the case in Destrehan’s spring game with Karr, when a bone-rattling hit by the senior set an early-tone. At 6’1, 185 pounds, Thomas is rangy at safety and will lead what is otherwise a young secondary.
“He’s continued his growth from the spring, and especially from a leadership standpoint – he’s a lot more vocal on the field,” said Scott. “He knows we’re young. We have two talented guys at corner but they’re both first-year starters coming over from offense. So, he understands communication is critical.”
Senior Semaj Walker will mix in here as well as linebacker.
Senior Jayden Bailey and junior Damien Richard give DHS a duo of very speedy corners on the outside. Both played running back last season.
“Both guys can run and change direction – they just need game experience,” said Scott. “The more you play against good competition, the better they’ll be.”
Richard is the son of St. Charles Striders track coaches Damien and Bertina Richard and the brother of DHS girls track star Marley Richard – in addition to coming off of a strong track season himself.
“Great genetics,” said Scott. “Both of his parents, his sister, are athletes – it’s all in the family.”
Senior safety Blake Brown was chosen as the team’s most improved player after a very strong spring. He’s carried his momentum into the summer and fall, Scott said.
Sophomores Frank Harding and Jakyrin Sanchez provide depth.
Scott also said Thiel, Mack and Wright will jump over from the offensive side of the ball to see time in the secondary.
Specialists
Placekicker Jackson Harris and punter Ian Arceneaux will take on the team’s place kicking duties this season, with Ryan Comeaux punting, Beau Senior serving as long snapper and Anthony Estrada holding.
Kick and punt returners will see a mix including Greg Wilfred, Phillip Wright, Jabari Mack, Johnnie Thiel and Jayden Bailey.
