Youth movement

MAMOU -- The most important thing on the Mamou High Demon’s mind this coming football season is to get into the win column.
After another season without a victory, procuring that first victory in over three years would definitely go a long way toward instilling some confidence in the players, the program and the school.
“In order for us to get into the win column, I am going to have to have my younger players step up and perform,” stated Mamou head coach Brian Brumfield. “We only have seven seniors this season, and out of those seven, only three have any amount of playing experience. So, we are going to have to grow up really fast.”
“If we can manage to get that first win, it would be huge for the school and the community,” he continued. “It would definitely bring a lot of belief in the program. Right now, because we have not been as successful, teams want to keep us from getting that first win against them.”
One important factor that will get Mamou moving in the right direction is the addition of some new faces on the coaching staff. Brumfield was able to pick up three new coaches with some experience. Named as offensive coordiator is James Shiver, who previously coached in the Arena League, at Sacred Heart and at Ville Platte High.
Added as the defensive coordinator is Dwight Collins, who was at Opelousas High last season. Also added was Jimmy Ardoin, a Basile product who has coached at Mamou before and at Vidrine.
“It was big to be able to add some guys to the coaching staff that have some years of experience,” said Brumfield. “The only thing was we got them on staff later than I would have liked, so we are just getting things installed.”
Offensively, the Demons return five starters which includes two offensive lineman, Parker Granger and Devin Messer. Also coming back are skill players Jaylen Griffith and Nakrien Jack. Quarterback Landon Deshotels was did start in some games last year.
“We are planning to be in the spread again this season,” commented Brumfield. “I talked it over with my offensive coordinator and we decided to stay with the same offense as last season because I did not want to have to change offenses at the last minute with him coming aboard so late.”
“He has coached in arena football and know sthe passing game,” he continued. “We are going to be able use the same terminology, just with his twist on it.”
Defensively, the Demons get Messer and Parker back on the line, along with Daylen Ardoin at cornerback, and finally Griffith in the defensive backfield.
“We have some guys that did not start last season but do have some playing experience,” stated Brumfield. “Coach Collins and myself both like to run a 3-4 scheme, so we are going to stay the same on defense this year. The only difference is that we will go to more cover 2 looks than normal.”
“We are looking to be more aggressive this year,” he continued. “We want to be able to fly to the ball and make sure that we make the tackles. Coach Collins has been really instilling those intangibles in our practice sessions.
With the amount of youth that will be on the playing field for the Demons this season, the future looks bright for Mamou. Hopefully, that future will show itself in the present in order for the Demons to get that win and more this season.