Ville Platte High: Bulldogs forced to rebuild on defense with loss of seniors

By: NICK JAGNEAUX
Sports Reporter

With the loss of eight seniors, Bulldog head coach Jorie Randle has been spending a lot of time rebuilding his defense this August.
“We didn’t just lose seniors,” Randle explained. “Those players were veterans, players who filled their positions for a couple of seasons or more.”
Consequently, the Bulldogs are expecting a crop of untested defensive players to make huge strides in development over the course of the non-district schedule.
“This new set of guys don’t have a lot of football minutes under their belts,” Randle said. “That’s always a scary thing.”
One positive that the new players have going for them is that they’re athletic and versatile, able to make up for their inexperience with speed and quick reactions.
“We’re going to run a 4-2-5 defense,” Randle noted. “This works well for us because of the type of players we have. We don’t have many true linebackers or true cornerbacks.
“Our players fall into that hybrid zone, where they’re kind of too big for the corner, but just a little too small for linebacker,” he continued. “But, they’re perfect strong safety size.”
Just like on offense, the defensive line is going to be the anchor for the squad.
Without a doubt, Vondarius Freeman will be drawing the most attention from his defensive end spot – attention from opposing offenses and from college scouts.
Freeman has already been offered scholarships by McNeese, Southern Miss, Stephen F. Austin, and Grambling. He’s drawn the interest of SEC powerhouses LSU, Auburn, Miss. St., and Ole Miss, as well as Texas Tech and UL-Lafayette.
Jalen Edwards (“heart of a champion”, says Randle) and Jamerson Leday will also apply pressure along the defensive line.
In the defensive backfield, Jaishaun Doucet will provide leadership and playmaking ability.
“He’s a great tackler,” Randle said. “But, he can also cover for us, if we need extra help on the pass.”
Rondurkus Ben and Earl Arvie will be filling in the other strong safety-type positions.
On the corners, Davon Vallier, Brandon Vizey, and Javian Freeman will be locking up with opposing receivers.