Brother Martin’s head football coach, Mark Bonis, was pleased with his team’s performance in the 21-0 victory over E.D. White in the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Jamboree last Friday night at Nicholls Stadium in Thibodaux. “For the first night out there, we were pleased for the most part. We were pleased with the ones (starters). We were able to get our young guys some reps. We have to get these young varsity guys plenty of reps early in the season because, for us to be successful, these young guys have to contribute throughout the year.”
Bonis likes the depth at running back. “We have three guys who are really good football players. Junior Chris Smith was very good last year. Sophomores Ryan Rouege and Jalen Spears are very good. Joshua Payne-Morgan, who’s starting on defense this year, will be able to take some snaps. Davonn Moore, who’s playing defensive back, will take some reps later in the season. We feel very good about our running back situation.”
Senior Drew Martin starts at quarterback. “Drew knows the offense inside and out. He’s one of the smartest guys I’ve ever coached. He’s done a great job helping our younger quarterbacks’ progress. He’s not the biggest of guys, but he moves well. Ours is not an easy offense to run. He understands it. He’s a great young man, character-wise. It’s a cliché, but he’s the first one there and the last one to leave. He’s truly a student of the game.”
Nick Turner played well at both free safety and wide receiver in the Jamboree. “During the off-season, we trained nine guys to play both ways. It comes down to the type of offenses we will see as to how we utilize those guys offensively and defensively. It’s all about getting our best athletes on the field.”
As in 2018, the regular season opens against Petal High School, located in an eastern suburb of Hattiesburg, MS. The Panthers came to the Crescent City last year and took home a 40-13 victory over the Crusaders.
How does this year’s Petal team compare to last year’s? “Very similar. Very fast. Very athletic. Our biggest challenge is that they’re in Week 3 of their season, and we’re in Week 1. They’ve played a jamboree and two full games. They’re 0-2, but they’ve lost to two top teams in their division.”
The Panthers have a new quarterback. “He’s a really tall guy that can throw the ball. He also runs well. They like to keep the ball on the ground. They also have three really good running backs. Defensively, they use the 3-4 defense. They’re big up front and fast and athletic everywhere else.”
What’s our injury situation? “We held Brady Faust out last week. He’ll play this week. The only starter who’s out is wide receiver Victor Tomlinson. Fortunately, we’re comfortable with our depth at receiver.”
Come out and support your Crusader Football team as they take on the Petal High School Panthers in Petal, MS. Good luck to our Crusaders!
Article written by Bro. Neal Golden, S.C.
