Senior Hahnville quarterback Andrew Robison is the most talked about high school football player in Louisiana and he’s only played in two games this season. Prior to the start of the 2018 season, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association ruled Robison ineligible for the year, because of recruiting violations.
Robison transferred in May to Hahnville after playing three seasons at Vandebilt Catholic in Houma. Robison’s dad coached at Vandebilt Catholic and his contract was not renewed in April.
So, the family moved to St. Charles Parish, because they couldn’t afford the tuition at Vandebilt Catholic. Robison’s family claims they followed the association’s rules when it comes to changing residences, but the LHSAA disagreed citing multiple rules violations. Hahnville Coach Nick Saltaformaggio was also suspended for the first four games.
The Robison’s family filed a lawsuit and it took a ruling from an arbitrator on October 30th before Andrew was cleared to play.
Many teenagers in Robison’s situation would have just said it’s not worth the headache and they would look for something else to do.
But Saltaformaggio said Robison came to every practice, except on the day the LHSAA Executive Committee denied his appeal, attended every film session and ran the scout team offense every week.
“I’ve never coached a kid who loves playing football as much as he did,” said Saltaformaggio.
But the team struggled on Friday nights without Robison and Saltaformaggio. Hahnville started 1-4 including a 41-0 loss to Terrebonne.
The Tigers played better in the second half and Robison finally saw the field in the regular season finale, a 48-0 win over H-L Bourgeois.
I waited 357 days for this and couldn’t be happier to be back. I love my teammates and my school. #WEAREHAHNVILLE STATS: 14/18 195 yard 3TDs (1st half only) pic.twitter.com/60xYRvIcka
— Andrew Robison (@andrew_robison1) November 3, 2018
Robison showed it was worth the wait. He was 13-of-18 for 161 yards and two touchdowns.
With a 5-5 record, Hahnville entered the Class 5A playoffs as the 22-seed. They went on the road and defeated Walker 35-9 in the opening round of the postseason. Robison threw three touchdown passes and for 189 yards.
But this Friday, Hahnville faces the ultimate test, the Zachary Broncos. Zachary defeated the Tigers in last year’s 5A championship game 34-14. The Broncos also ended Hahnville’s season in 2015, beating the Tigers in the quarterfinals 55-27.
David Brewerton has led Zachary to two state titles and notices a difference in Hahnville with Robison slinging passes around the field.
“The team is playing with a lot more energy and effort, even on defense,” said Brewerton.
Saltaformaggio says Andrew has elevated the play of everyone on the team. He says the school has also rallied around Robison and named him to the homecoming court, even though it’s his first year at the school.
Robison passed for 2,341 yards and 28 touchdowns during his last season at Vandebilt Catholic. He’s listed as a two-star prospect by 247sports.com and his profile shows he has offers from Nicholls State and Northwestern State.
Saltaformaggio says Robison has the arm strength to play in the SEC, but major programs do not sign many six-foot-tall quarterbacks
“Missing nine games has been terrible for his recruitment. He missed out on showcasing his talents. In a district with 5-star Destrehan and new LSU commitment running back John Emery, Robison could have been a district MVP,” said Coach Salt.
Brewerton is glad Robison will be on the field Friday, even though the Q-B presents Zachary with a tougher challenge in the second round.
“It’s a feel-good story, a high school kid gets to play, whether you agree or disagree with the decision,” said Brewerton.
It’s been a decision that’s dominated the prep football season in Louisiana all year. Now we find out how it concludes.
Watch Zachary vs Hahnville on November 16th at 7:00pm CST on Yurview Louisiana (Channel 1004) for Cox Customers or live on YurView.com.
