Our week five GameTime match-up in Louisiana has undefeated Denham Springs visiting the 3-1 St. Thomas More Cougars. The Yellow Jackets have the better record, but they want the Cougars championship pedigree.
STM has won three state championships with Hall of Fame coach Jim Hightower at the helm. The Cougars won in 2016, 2019 and 2020, while Denham Springs has never won a title.
A reason why Yellow Jackets Coach Brett Beard scheduled this non-district game was so that his team can face a program that knows how to win championships.
Denham Springs is 4-0 and off to its best start since 1995. It’s a team that likes to run the football. Cam Kelly leads that rushing attack with 466 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
If the running game stalls, the Yellow Jackets can beat you through the air. Liberty commit Reese Mooney is looking to finish his prep career off on a solid note after missing much of last season with a broken leg. His favorite target is H-back Andrew Goodwin.
Committed! Locked in!! No looking back. @LibertyFootball @LibertyBaseball @CoachHughFreeze @BrettBeard92 @jaxonsc @DeshawnBrownInc @wyattdalton4 @BryanSparacino6 @efrance23 pic.twitter.com/GT6P8nbhwA
— Reese Mooney (@ReeseMooney1) July 5, 2022
Denham’s offensive line has size and experience. Left tackle Tyler Kimble scored a 32 on the ACT and has a bunch of offers. While right tackle Porter Gibson will also start at nose guard on defense
The Yellow Jackets defense also has a ton of experience and they are only allowing ten points a game.
Defensive end Alex Chandler is a three-year starter who is a disruptor. There’s also Gibson who will demand double teams.
Linebacker Jude Horne is a team captain and the brains of the operation on defense.
Defensive back Da’Shawn McBryde is very talented and could go down as the best recruit in Denham Springs history.
The Yellow Jackets defense will attempt to slow down a St. Thomas More offense that’s averaging 40 points a game. The Cougars have been productive while playing two quarterbacks. Sam Altman and Will Taylor have similar skill sets, but it’s Altman who has thrown for more yards, 621, and seven touchdowns.
I will be attending University of Louisiana at Lafayette this weekend. Thanks for the invite @leg12tim @STMCougarFB pic.twitter.com/705x7v3Cu1
— Christian Mcnees (@ChristianMcnees) August 30, 2022
Three-star recruit Christian McNees provides big-play ability at wide receiver. He’s a complete player who last year had 45 receptions and this season has 15 catches and four touchdowns.
Running back Hutch Swilley is a good combination of power and speed.
STM’s o-line is a little undersized, but they are quick and tough and the group is led by Kohl Brown, who has a high football IQ.
The defensive line leads the Cougars defense. Defensive end Austin Hollier is the leader with his hard-nosed approach. Defensive tackle Holden Matthews is tough to move at 5-9, 265 pounds.
Finishers of the Week (vs Catholic-BR) pic.twitter.com/ds4UX51RS0
— STMCougarFootball (@STMCougarFB) September 26, 2022
Middle linebacker Hayden Hernandez leads the team in tackles and defensive back Nicholas Beckwith is a great tackler too and committed to Air Force.
Hightower is in his 49th season as a coach and just won his 450th game. He told me that he loves this team because of their leadership, work ethic and great attitude.
A great game is expected as these two teams get a chance to see where they stand with this great midseason test.
Kick-off on Friday is at 7 PM on Cox Cable Channel 4.
