Tom Dodge
MAMOU – Sometimes success is measured in small steps.
After going 3-57 over the previous six seasons, the Mamou Green Demons finished 2019 with a 4-6 overall record.
“We have hope for this season,” head coach Dwight Collins said.
Mamou earned non-district wins over Merryville (32-20), Port Barre (30-21) as well as District 5-3A victories over Ville Platte (24-20) and Pine Prairie (35-7).
The Green Demons finished 0-10 in 2017, Collins’ first season as head coach.
“We don’t have a lot of seniors,” Collins said. “But they are excited about their final season and they are doing what they can to help the team win.
“They are putting in the extra work – showing up early and leaving late,” he said. “They are positive role models.”
Sophomore Jalon Bradley has moved from running back to quarterback to lead the Mamou offense.
“He is picking up on the plays and the reads really well,” Collins said.
“We may not be as explosive as we were last year, but I think offensively we will be steady and productive.”
Joining Bradley on offense is junior wide receiver Marcraveious Roberts and senior tight end Devin Papillion along with sophomore slot receivers Devin Ardoin and junior Andre Tate.
The offensive line includes junior Isaiah Noel with sophomores Cedric Richard, Hayden Granger, Javon Williams and Alex Dick.
The defense is led by seniors nose guard A’Jean Dalcourt along with safeties Trayvon Raino and Elson Laurent.
Senior Jonathan Downs, sophomores Jace Doucet and Alijah Arvie will anchor the defensive line.
Green Demon linebackers include sophomore Ja’vonte Thomas, Roberts, junior Benjiman Ledet along with freshmen Dalaen Attle and Jonathan Hand.
Raino and Laurent will be joined in the defensive secondary by juniors Travoin Skinner and Kelby Chatelain.
In his attempt to return the Green Demons to a winning program, Collins said the coronavirus pandemic erasing spring practice and eliminating fall scrimmages and the Evangeline Parish jamboree added to the obstacles his team already faces.
“Spring practices helps us to evaluate the kids and see how they are going to react when they put the pads on,” Collins said. “It helps us to know who can contribute as part of the depth chart.
“This year we have a lot of sophomores who are going to be starting and they missed the reps we needed in the spring.
“We have some young guys who should be some solid starters for us,” Collins said. “We are excited to see what they accomplish.
“We need to get better each week,” the coach said. “But as a young team, I know we are going to make mistakes.
“We want to be sure we are a strong blocking and tackling team,” Collins said. “If we can do that, we can win some games.”
Collins said even with the uncertainity of how the season will progress because of COVID-19, he is hopeful his team will improve as the schedule progresses.
With the season delayed until at least Oct. 8 by the LHSAA, the Green Demons will not face Merryville or Basile and could open the season against their third game opponent Bunkie.
Non district games against Port Barre and Sacred Heart of Ville Platte follow before Mamou opens district play against Ville Platte.
Other district games are against Pine Prairie and Northwest before the Demons close out against Church Point and Iota.
“We know the district schedule will be tough,” Collins.
“Northwest, Church Point and Iota have good established programs who know how to win year to year.”