Trojans lead All-Parish Baseball squad

It was an amazing season for Evangeline Parish baseball teams and one that will not be forgotten. The Sacred Heart Trojans shocked Class 1A and posted a 23-9 record en route to a state runner-up position. It was the first time in 21 years the Trojans made it to the title game. They were also the runner-up in District 5-1A.
The Mamou Demons went 18-15 on the year and nearly upset the top seed, Oak Grove, in the second round of the playoffs. Pine Prairie also made it to the first round of the playoffs.
The SHHS duo of Head Coach Cody Vidrine and Andy Lafleur headline the All-Evangeline Parish baseball team. Vidrine led the Trojans to their first state championship game since 1993 and did it with a squad that didn’t win their district. However, his ability to get the team to play above their individual talent level is a testament to why he is the Coach of the Year.
Andy Lafleur heads the pitching group. The senior hurler made first team all-district and made the all-state team as well. Lafleur fanned 63 batters on the year and went 7-3 on the hill. He also hit the only home run for the Trojans and batted .398. He is currently playing American Legion baseball in Opelousas. His overall talent level, leadership and love for the game made him an easy selection as Most Valuable Player of the Parish.
Joining Lafleur at the pitching position is fellow SHHS hurler Philip Vidrine. The junior went 9-2 on the season and worked 71 innings with 62 strikeouts. Mamou’s senior thrower, Tanner Landreneau, was the MVP of District 4-2A. He posted an earned run average of 1.42 and fanned 63 batters in 69 innings of work. He was 6-2 on the year for MHS.
Josh Fontenot, Mamou’s senior catcher, batted .320 on the year and hit six home runs for the Demons. He hit three homers in the playoff game against Oak Grove. The slugger was a strong choice for the squad.
The infield starts with Mamou sophomore Dylan Duplechain. He hit a pair of homers and batted .362 on the season. The Sacred Heart quartet joins Duplechain. Seniors Wesley Fontenot and Ellis Parrott anchored the middle infield. Fontenot hit .359 and had an on base percentage of .447 on the season. In 103 at bats, he struck out just 11 times. Parrott batted .316 and belted 10 doubles. He led SHHS with 15 swiped bags. Junior first baseman Brandon Hudspeth hit for a .351 batting average and a slugging percentage of .495. He was a solid rock at first base for the Trojans. Sophomore Keaton Tate worked the hot third base corner for SHHS. Tate hit .386 and had a slugging percentage of .477. He also swiped six bases.
The outfield starts with SHHS’ Evan Mire. The junior had an amazing season, batting .406, the top of the pack for the Trojans. He had a slugging percentage of .490 and an on base percentage of .500. He also swiped 10 bags for SHHS. Sophomore Caleb Soileau also joins the outfield group. He hit .345, with a slugging percentage of .500. Soileau was clutch for the Trojans throughout the season. Mamou senior Aaron Johnson finishes off the trio. Johnson hit .386 for Mamou and he did work on the hill for the Demons.
The senior trio of Hunter McBride (Mamou), Nigel Chatman (VP) and Isaiah Thomas (VP) each fill the utility spots on the AP team.
Players receiving Honorable Mentions include: Tyler Brown and Nicholas Vidirne (VPHS), Hunter Fuselier and Jacob Fruge (Mamou), Garrett Manuel, Garrick Fontenot and Josh LaHaye (SHHS), and Josh Fontenot, Ricky Woodruff, Colton Chaddrick, John Joubert and Dylan Doucet (PPHS).
Congratulations go out to all high school baseball players in the parish on a great season.