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VOLLEYBALL: FIRST ROUND IN THE BOOKS
RUMMEL, SHAW TO DECIDE CATHOLIC LEAGUE TITLE
LUTCHER WIDEOUT LANDRY TOPS IN STATE
NewOrleans.Com/Sports Top 10s (Nov. 2)
Whether in Hahnville or Boutte, you bleed purple and gold for the Tigers. Of course, there are many LSU fans in those parts but we're talking about the Tigers of Hahnville High School.
With one of the richest football traditions in the state, Hahnville is a bastion of excitement, support and winning on Friday nights. Fans begin tailgating early in the afternoon on game days. Seats are staked out hours in advance. Victories are expected and delivered with regularity.
Legendary coaches such as Elroy Scott, Bob Gros and Darren Barbier have paved the way, combining for five state championships overall. Under Lou Valdin, the tremendous level of success has continued.
In ten seasons, Valdin has posted an impressive 89-33 mark (73 percent). Under Valdin, the Tigers won the state 5A title, beating super-power Evangel 41-35 in a thriller for the school's sixth state championship. The 2009 Hahnville squad may be the best since the run to the 'Dome.
"I think it is our best team since the 2003 season because of the running back position and defensively, we are a little bit better than we have been. This has a chance to be the best team since the 2003 team when we were really loaded," said Valdin.
While the Tigers have only seven starters returning from 2008 team that went 6-4 and lost in the playoffs in a rematch to district rival Dutchtown , there is a tremendous amount of skill and speed and good size as well on the 2009 squad.
Offensively, Hahnville will have an outstanding running game, led by a pair of big, talented running backs. Alfred Blue is a major Division One prospect. At 6'2, 205, Blue runs in the 4.55 range and leaves opponents feeling blue. A year ago, Blue rushed for 603 yards on 87 carries and 10 touchdowns and caught seven passes with two touchdowns for the Tigers.
Lloyd Richard (6'0, 215 Sr.) is the bookend running back for Hahnville who also packs a wallop. Alabama, Ole Miss, Tulane, Colorado, Mississippi State, Florida International, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Tulsa and McNeese State are all recruiting Blue.
Brian Ensminger, Jr., the nephew of former LSU quarterback Steve Ensminger and the son of Hahnville assistant Brian Ensminger, Sr., is the Hahnville quarterback. The 6'1, 205 Jr. is a drop-back passer in the traditional mold. "His job is to get the ball to the guys who can make things happen. We have quite a few of those," said Valdin. "We are working on his mobility but we are not counting on him to make plays with his feet. We have depth at running back. They will have to pull the load early until our quarterback gets more seasoning," said Valdin.
Ensminger will have a wealth of talent to throw to. Another area of strength for Hahnville is the receiving corps, starting with talented tight end Byron Gautier (6'2, 185 Sr.). "He's a big guy, a good target with real good hands. He can run pretty good. He's a fine basketball player, a good athlete," said Valdin.
"All of our receivers are big guys which will help." The wide receivers are 6'2, 190 pound junior Derek Howard and 6'2, 190 pound senior James Butler, who has been offered by Tulane, Mississippi State and Tulsa, according to Valdin.
Britten Lanaux anchors the offensive line. He has moved from defensive line to offensive tackle to have a better athlete to protect Ensminger. Alvin Kelly (6'4, 385 Jr.) is a gigantic junior with lots of potential. "He has lost some weight and we just have to get him in a little better shape," said Valdin. Guard Ryne Chiasson (5'8 235) and tackle Travis Sequira (5'10 220) are seniors who return while junior Alex Brown will be the center.
Defensively, the Tigers would appear to be more athletic than a year ago. Seniors Brian Hebert (5'10 240) and Shea Majoria (5'11 220) both got valuable experience at defensive tackle a year ago. Junior Justin Hill (6'0 180) should be a standout at defensive end. "We will play some different guys up front," said Valdin.
At linebacker, Ben Taylor (6'0, 190 Jr.) and Trevel Dunmiles (6'0, 220 Jr.) are the best. Dunmiles missed some time with a thumb injury last year but came back to start later in the year. "Taylor is a solid player and Dunmiles is a big, physical kid," said Valdin.
In the secondary, Brion James is a college prospect. At 6'2, 215, the senior is a player who is getting recruiting notice. He runs in the 4.5 range. "We are getting more calls on him from Division One schools," said Valdin. LSU, Ole Miss and Miami have kept close tabs on James. Dyrenell Robinson (5'9 165) should be an asset as well at defensive back.
James will do the punting for Hahnville and will likely rugby punt out of the Wildcat formation. He will also kick off and kick long field goals. Mike Aucoin will kick extra points.
The schedule is a challenge. "We have John Ehret to open the season. They are always big and strong. Lutcher comes to town in week three. They may be the best team in the state in any class. We have to go to O. Perry Walker and Vandebilt Catholic. Those will be tough tests. I can't be real picky about scheduling. It is not easy to get games. We play some spread teams early like Ehret which should help us against Destrehan and East St. John," said Valdin.
As usual, District 6-5A is a load. Valdin has a definite opinion on where the buck stops.
"Until somebody beats them, Destrehan is the best team. They don't have a kid in their program that has lost a game. They always have athletes," noted Valdin.
"Dutchtown has more people back than anyone and they are good. East Ascension will be improved. St. Amant played all young kids last year. East St. John's quarterback (Kalen Henderson) committed to Tulsa. He is very good. It's going to be a typical year in our league," said Valdin. "I don't think there's a better league in the state. We probably from top to the bottom have the most competitive district in the state."
With the level of success that Hahnville has enjoyed over 60 years, expectations are typically very high. This year is no exception, according to Valdin.
"Any other coach in the state, it's their football team. They remind me every day that I'm the guy hired to coach their football. It's a special place."
A special place with a special coach - a combinmation that may yield a special season, Hahnville-style.
