In five years under head coach Russ Sutherland, the Sam Houston Broncos have been to the playoffs each year.
With just 10 starters returning, some teams might lower their expectations but not the Broncos who would like to erase last year's first round exit from the playoffs.
“Our kids understand that it is expected regardless how many starters are back,” Sutherland said. “It is expected of us to make the playoffs and we don't just want to make the playoffs.
“Last year I thought that we had a decent football team and the injuries just kept mounting. By the end of the year, we probably had 10 guys out. It just took a toll. You have a pretty good year at 7-3 and get bounced in the first round. That is not good. You want to get to the playoffs and it would be nice to win a few. It was a bad taste. When you host you are in the top-16 and you are supposed to win that game. Of course this is new team but they were a part of that team.”
Over the last few years, the Broncos have had no problem throwing the ball with quarterbacks like Orlan Lockhart and current McNeese Cowboy Zack O'Quinn but Sutherland wants to see more action on the ground this year.
“I know that we don't have a lot of returning starters offensively but I do think that we are going to be a lot better running the football this year,” Sutherland said.
Taking over for Lockhart this year will be senior Evan Powell who will be moving to offense after starting at linebacker and safety the last three years.
Powell may be better known as the Broncos third baseman and has committed to LSU to play baseball but along with tailback Osha Jackson and fullback Rafer Hubert, Sutherland hopes they can bring balance to their offense.
“Osha will be projected as the starting tailback,” Sutherland said. “He has a lot of ability.
“He is a slashing type of runner. The fullback will be Rafer Hubert. He is a big ol' body. He can play some one back when we needed him to.”
As valuable as he is on the baseball diamond, Powell may be even more valuable on the gridiron where he may end up playing at safety, punter and special teams as well as under center.
“He is valuable to the team,” Sutherland said. “He brings a lot to the table.
“We feel good about him being the quarterback. He throws the ball well and he runs really well. Defensively he has been starting since he was a freshman. We are going to get him in there when we can. He is also our punter and he is also on some special teams. He will be utilized in many ways.”
If ever there was a secret weapon for the Broncos on offense it might just be senior wide receiver Donovan Landry. He might be just 5'5” and 165lbs but will be starting for the third year and reeled off several big plays last year.
“Donovan Landry is a three year starter at wide receiver,” Sutherland said. “He is little in size but he is a good football player.
“He finds ways to make plays. He is just like his two older brothers that came through here. He is a guy that you can count on.”
With senior Matt LeBlanc and junior Jacob Decker returning, the offensive line will be key to getting the Broncos offense going.
“We feel good about the (offensive) line even though we don't have a lot of returning starters,” Sutherland said. “They have good size.
“We feel like they are going to be able to jump start our running game.”
There will be a lot of position switching on the offensive line depending on the situation. Others expected to fight for starting positions are Tyler Leleaux, Dalton Huber, Clint Robbins, Grant Dunn, Justin Brown and Austin Vincent who are all getting time with the first team offensive line, there will be a lot of shuffling around to get the best combination.
After playing on the offensive line last year, senior Billy Sommers will move to tight end as the Broncos plan to use the position more in their schemes.
Sam Houston came into the season with six returning starters on defense but they will have to do a little shuffling with Powell moving to quarterback and linebacker Jacob Marshall recovering from an injury.
With the loss of defensive coach Charles Smith to DeQuincy, the Broncos will move from a 3-4 to a 4-3 formation under defensive coordinator Neil Martin.
Returning on defense for Sam Houston is cornerback Daniel Ellis, middle linebacker Justin Chesson and a pair of linemen in Dakota Finn and Trey LaVergne.
Four out of five teams in District 5-4A made the playoffs last year and Sutherland doesn't expect it to get any easier after tying with St. Louis for the district championship.
“Jennings returns two 1,500 yard rushers and their quarterback,” Sutherland said. “All three have the potential to sign with somebody.
“DeRidder has a lot back off a very good football team. The past few years St. Louis has done very well and made a little run in the playoffs. Freddie (Harrison) is taking over at Washington-Marion where they have a ton of athletes. There won't be an easy one in district. It has been very competitive the five years that I have been there and I see the same thing.”
THE ESSENTIALS
Mascot: Broncos
Colors: Purple and gold
Homefield: Wayne Hooper Memorial Stadium
Head coach: Russ Sutherland (6th year, 28-23)
2009 record: 7-4 (3-1), lost to Vandebilt 10-0 in first round.
Offense: Multiple spread
Defense: 4-3 (3-4 last year)
Returning starters: Offense 4, Defense 6
Key losses: QB-Orlan Lockhart,RB-Kip Carter, DL-Keithon Parker.
Top returning playres: WR-Donovan Landry, QB/DB-Evan Powell, DL-Dakota Finn, LB-Justin Chesson, LB-Jacob Marshall.
Schedule
Sept. 3 @ St. Martinville
Sept. 10 vs. Leesville
Sept. 17 vs. Westlake
Sept. 24 @ Barbe
Oct. 1 @ LaGrange
Oct. 8 @ Jennings*
Oct. 15 vs. Wash.-Marion*
Oct. 22 vs. Tioga
Oct. 28 @ St. Louis*
Nov. 5 vs. DeRidder*
*Denotes district game
