Comeaux High's defensive standouts include, from back left, Zayvar Edwards, Alex Satchel, Greg Dauphiney; from front left, Cohen Jacobs, Braylon Thomas, Julian Joseph and Larry Vallier.
WHAT WE KNOW
Comeaux coach Marquis Newsome is excited about the upcoming season, especially when he looks at the strength of his Spartans team.
The defense is expected to carry the Spartans early on, but if Comeaux is going to be as strong defensively as the coaching staff believes, Newsome said the defensive line will need to set the tone.
“Everything about this season and our success is going to start and stop with the play of our defensive line,” Newsome said. “I expect that our guys are going to be playing with a chip on their shoulder.”
Led by Larry Vallier, Braylon Thomas, Julian Joseph, Cohen Jacobs, Javontrey Robertson and Levy Kestner, the Spartans defensive line is relishing the opportunity to make Comeaux stout in the trenches.
“We’re not the biggest, strongest or fastest, but we play together as a unit,” Newsome said. “Our defensive line is selfless. Our defensive line is going to make the offensive line better. Whether we win or lose, it is going to be decided by what we do in the trenches.”
WHAT WE DON’T KNOW
The Spartans have found success hard to come by over the years, especially the past three seasons. Comeaux, which is in the midst of a 32-game losing streak that began in Week 9 of the 2021 season, was close on several occasions last year to snapping the winning drought.
After being so close last year, the mantra this season for the Spartans is to learn how to finish games.
“We have to learn how to finish,” Newsome said adamantly. “Last year, we were 0-10, but out of those 10 games, we led in seven of them. Six of those we were winning in the fourth quarter. So yeah, finishing games is going to be important for us, and I hope it is something that we can learn.”
Confident the Spartans will be more competitive this season, Newsome said the players “must change their mindset.” The Spartans are excited about their skill position players, such as quarterback Sean Brinkhaus and running back Jaden Celestine.
“Last year, it just felt like we were always waiting for the other shoe to drop,” Newsome said. “It was like we were just waiting for something bad to happen. But we can’t do that. We have to finish games when we have the chance to. If we can get that one win out of the way, I think it will get us going.”
HOW WE SEE IT
Nothing has come easy for the Spartans, and although they face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot in a competitive District 3-5A, they are talented enough to put an end to the losing streak.
Expect the Spartans to earn a win and put the losing streak to rest.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jaden Celestine
Jaden Celestine
RB/DB, 5-11, 190, Jr.
Celestine is a dynamic playmaker for the Spartans. He has a great combination of vision, speed and power when running with the football. Celestine has good hands, which makes him a threat when lined up as a receiver.
Sean Brinkhaus
Sean Brinkhaus
QB, 6-1, 175, Sr.
Brinkhaus, who has established himself as a vocal leader, does a great job of reading defenses. He has a strong arm, which allows him to make all of the throws and has shown an increase in confidence this summer.
Larry Vallier
Larry Vallier
DE/LB, 6-3, 215, Jr.
Vallier, who does a good job of using his long arms, has a nonstop motor. He flies to the ball consistently and has shown a knack for getting after the quarterback. He’s a solid tackler and is improving as a run stopper.
Greg Dauphiney
Greg Dauphiney
DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.
Dauphiney, a four-year starter, is the heart of the Spartans defense. A team leader with good speed, Dauphiney has great ball skills and has proven to be a very good tackler.
Braylon Thomas
Braylon Thomas
DT, 6-1, 265, Sr.
Thomas has a mean streak and has shown the ability to be strong at the point of attack. A physically gifted lineman, Thomas excels as a pass rusher and at stopping the run.
Projected Starters
Offense
WR Cody Camacho 5-7 140 Fr.
WR Iulian Pop 6-1 165 Jr.
TE Gavin Theriot 6-5 230 Sr.
OL Braegdon Celestine 5-10 315 Sr.
OL Joel Saucedo 5-9 265 Jr.
OL D'Myrie Clay 5-10 240 Jr.
OL Gabriel Cooper 6-0 240 Jr. *
OT Reece Boutte 5-10 250 Sr. *
QB Sean Brinkhaus 6-1 175 Sr. *
RB Jaden Celestine 5-11 190 Jr. *
RB Jorden Portalis 5-6 160 So.
Defense
DL Braylon Thomas 6-1 265 Sr. *
DL Larry Vallier 6-3 215 Jr. *
DL Julian Joseph 5-11 220 Jr.
DL Levi Ketsner 5-8 175 Jr.
LB Alex Satchel 5-7 180 Jr.
LB Javian Brooks 5-8 175 Jr.
LB Aven Antoine 5-10 160 So.
DB Greg Dauphiney 5-10 180 Sr. *
DB Zayvar Edwards 5-8 175 Jr.*
DB Javonte Green 5-8 155 Jr.
DB Amontee Abraham 5-8 155 Jr.
* Returning starter
Coaches
Marquis Newsome
Head coach: Marquis Newsom (0-20).
Assistant coaches: Marcques Lewis, Desmond Woods, Jeremy Joseph, Dylan Batiste, Jack Franks, Tre'Breyian Jacquet, Rodderick Dixon, Brad Bergeron, Thei Washington, Quentin Payne.
2025 Schedule
Sept. 4 SOUTH TERREBONNE
Sept. 12 Patterson
Sept. 19 New Iberia
Sept. 26 RAYNE
Oct. 3 Teurlings
Oct. 10 NORTH VERMILION
Oct. 17 St. Thomas More
Oct. 24 NORTHSIDE
Oct. 31 LAKE CHARLES PREP
Nov. 6 Westgate
2024 Results
Lost South Terrebonne 24-5
Lost Patterson 56-6
Lost New Iberia 48-23
Lost Rayne 34-20
Lost Teurlings 48-13
Lost North Vermilion 36-29
Lost St. Thomas More forfeit
Lost Northside 41-21
Lost Lake Charles Prep 47-9
Lost Westgate 52-16
Past 5 years
2024: 0-10
2023: 0-10
2022: 0-10
2021: 4-6
2020: 1-5