By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine
Everybody talks about the incredible amount of skill position talent at defending Select Division III state champion Calvary Baptist, and it’s undeniable. The Cavaliers have the best skill talent in all of Class 2A and are close to the top anywhere in the Boot, regardless of class.
What a collection of offensive threats! The headliners of course are quarterback Abram Wardell, receiver (KT the TD Machine) Kolby Thomas, WR Kaleb Tucker, WR/DB Julius Moss, WR Dylan Wilson and of course, the sensational RB James Simon. That’s just the seniors and all will sign college scholarships.
But the most important position group on the team that must excel for the program to repeat as state champs is not on offense. It’s Calvary’s defensive line, a group that I think is the most underrated on this powerhouse team.
That DL really impressed me (that got overshadowed in a 42-38 game with Thomas and Wardell putting on a SHOW) last Friday night in that great battle between the Cavaliers and the No. 5 team in Class 5A, Neville.
Calvary’s defensive front went toe-to-toe, jaw-to-jaw with one of the best offensive lines in all of Class 5A. The Neville O-line averaged over 275 pounds per player. But guess who won most of the battles at the line in the fourth quarter?
Neville’s running backs made some big-time cuts and gained a lot of yards on their own, because the Cavaliers weren’t pushed backwards. CBA’s front is not huge, but has good size. The defensive end are David Weeks (6-0, 215) and Cayden Markray (6-3, 225). The size up front is in the interior: tackles Ethan Sands (6-2, 277), Nate Young (6-0, 245) and DT Zamarian “Z” Baker at 5-11, 290.
It’s not the biggest defensive line – although in Class 2A or Division III, that’s up there — but I think in terms of performance, it’s no doubt one of the best in all of Class 2A and one of the quickest and one of the more athletic ones statewide.
The position coach, Jason Tibbett, does a great job developing these kids. He likes what he’s got to work with.
“David Weeks, a junior, has taken the next step at end. Ethan Sands was All State as a junior and is the most experienced lineman on the team. Another senior, Nate Young sets the tone for us. He and Cayden Markray are passionate players who play with great intensity and also, great length,” said Tibbett.
“Our key backups are senior DE Jonathon Blount, who is full throttle and always finishes. Senior Davis Merry has been a special teams guy who has earned his way onto the field at end,” said Tibbett.
“Sophomore tackle Conner Brookshire is the youngest player in the rotation and shows great desire and attitude,” he said. “Zamarian Baker is exceeding all expectations this fall, and you should keep an eye on sophomore DE Pierce Carrey who is making a move.”
Sands said preparation is key for the Cavs up front.
“We analyze the opponents’ every move, and use that knowledge to predict and outmaneuver them on both sides of the trenches,” he said.
Markray credits Tibbett for getting the most out of his players.
“We have an amazing coach. Without coach Tibbett, we wouldn’t be as good as we are now,” said Markray.
Having a deep position group, and playing in a program with such a rich tradition, adds to the competition in practice and makes everybody better, said Weeks.
“Playing for Calvary is a high standard and high competition. Every day is competitive, especially on the D-line with us having eight guys who could be starters,” the junior starter said.
Watching that group go at Neville’s O-line was a treat for me. I am sure as opposing coaches watch the tape, it’s more like a nightmare.
Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com
Lee Brecheen has been covering high school football and recruiting in Louisiana since the early ‘90s. He is owner of Louisiana Football Magazine and can be followed on X @LeeBrecheen. He hosts a YouTube show, The Sports Scouting Report with Lee Brecheen. Previews of all state high schools are available on lafootballmagazine.com.