Area filled with outstanding prep football coaches

    Post-Katrina, a Louisiana high school football coach who lived in another state said the following: “I can’t believe how poor the coaching is here (state not to be identified). The coaching in Louisiana is outstanding.”
    There were some tremendous coaching jobs being performed this season in southeast Louisiana.
    Like the one done by Richard Wood at Country Day School. The school in Old Metairie is known for its basketball prowess. But each year, Wood and his capable staff produce quality teams. The Cajuns run the split-back veer offense quite well. And this season, their defense was nasty. The Cajuns reached the second round of the 1A playoffs.
    At Edna Karr, head coach Jabbar Juluke has the good fortune of tutoring many talented players. But Juluke and his staff do a great job of developing quarterbacks (Munchie Legaux, Tonka George and Speedy Noil). Juluke also plays a tough pre-district schedule. That has paid off as the Cougars aimed for their third straight trip to the 4A finals.
    Karr’s opponent in the 4A semifinals was Holy Cross. The Tigers and head coach Barry Wilson reached their first state semifinal since 1967. The Tigers have also scheduled “up,” and it has paid off with a huge 2012 season, including an outright district championship. Wilson and his coaches endured some very tough times post-Katrina. They deserve success.
    For the first time in school history, McDonogh 35 won a quarterfinal state playoff game. Head coach Wayne Reese has won big at ’35, Carver and Booker T. Washington.
    This season, Bill Stubbs returned to coaching and led Riverside to a quarterfinal berth in Class 2A. The Rebels are led by quarterback Deuce Wallace and wide receiver Herb McGee, both freshmen. Riverside improved tremendously during the season. And the Rebs will benefit next year from Curtis’ and Evangel’s move to class 3A.
    One of the best coaching jobs in the state was once again done by Mandeville High School’s Guy Lecompte. A workaholic, Lecompte returned the Skippers to the 5A semifinals. Lecompte is one of the best coaches of quarterbacks in the South. At the end of last season, senior quarterback Matt Bergeron spoke glowingly of Lecompte.
    “Coach Lecompte is a great football coach,” Bergeron said. “I owe everything to him.” Bergeron signed a football scholarship with Lamar.
    Southeast Louisiana also has many outstanding coaches who are currently missing from the sidelines. Former Riverside coach Mickey Roussel has moved to private business. Former Ponchatoula coach Mike Baiamonte is in administration at Hammond High School. He belongs on the field. And former St. James High School football coach Rick Gaille is excelling at his new craft: media.
    Yes, he’s one of us, and he actually enjoys it. By the way, since Gaille left two years ago, St. James hasn’t won a game.
    On the west bank of St. James Parish, “letting the coaches coach” takes on a whole new depth and meaning.
    Ed Daniels is sports director of ABC26 WGNO. He can be reached at edaniels@clarionherald.org.