Tom Dodge
NEW ORLEANS – It has been 20 years since Ryan Deshotel touched the turf of the Louisiana Superdome.
Friday, Deshotel will be coaching on the sidelines as Eunice takes on Sterlington for the Class 3-A state championship.
Deshotel and the Bobcats faced John Curtis in consecutive title games in 1997 and 1998.
“I dressed out as a freshman in 1997 and when we went back the second year I played defensive tackle.”
Deshotel said he still remembers in the 1997 game when Robbie Landreneau blocked a punt and Charles Anderson returned it for a touchdown.
“We were up 7-0 going into the fourth quarter and we lost the lead to them,” he said.
“We had one of the best teams in Eunice history as we entered the 1997 game 14-0 and a bunch of seniors.
“In 1998, we only had 11 or 12 seniors – much like this year,” he said. “That group was a great bunch of leaders.”
Deshotel said the 1998 team had played with more juniors and just a few sophomores like himself.
“This year’s team doesn’t have a lot of juniors but we have a lot of sophomores starting on offense – sometimes we have seven or more starting on offense who are in the tenth grade or younger.”
The offensive line that Deshotel directs including seniors he coached when they played at Eunice Junior High.
“Our freshman center is Dylan Darbonne, while the sophomores are left tackle Kevontdraay Savoy and right guard Samuel Leblue.
“Junior Lane Devillier is the right tackle, while the seniors are left guard Zac Joubert and Tyler Darbonne is the tight end.”
Deshotel said he looked up to defensive tackle Carl Green and offensive lineman Phillip Issac the last trip to the title game.
“They were both very good at what they did for us.”
Deshotel said his is proud of what this team has accomplished this season.
“This team has a lot of guts and really wants to get it done,” Deshotel said. “We have really good senior leadership, the juniors are playing well and our sophomore group has really grown up.
“We have improved each week, especially through the playoffs,” he said. “We want to win for coach (Paul) Trosclair. “This is an incredible chance to do that.”
As he is in his 13th season of coaching, Deshotel said he wants this year’s team to cherish the moment Friday night.
“I remember running out onto the field and seeing all the green and white in the stands as the Bobcat fans cheered us on.
“The community support was incredible as it felt like a home game at the 1998 game.
“I am pretty pumped about going back,” he said. “I can’t wait to coach out there.”