Jena Giants Head Coach Jay Roark enters his 14th season as the Giants Head Coach. Coming off back-toback semifinal appearances, the team and their coach seem as hungry as ever. Last season saw the Giants finish the regular season with a 7-3 record and district runners-up to Bunkie.
In the playoffs, the Giants defeated Loreauville in the quarterfinals to make it to the semifinals for the second straight season. But for the second year in a row the Giants season would end as they would lose to the eventual state champion Sterlington Panthers.
The Giants return nine starters from an offense that last season had two 1,000yard rushers in Sedrick Wilson and Daniel Hatcher. The Giants also return senior quarterback Deuce McPherson who finished last season with 12 touchdown passes. Receiver Zadrien Coo-per, who returns for his senior year, caught 7 of those touchdown passes. The Giants return a lot of experience along the offensive line including senior starters Cale Parker, Luke Smith and Keiland Dean.
On the defensive side of the ball the Giants lost a lot of experience as they only return two starters from last year’s team. Seniors Xavier Brown, Zac Brown and Bubba Stevens look to lead a young but talented defense. Xavier Brown finished last season with 69 tackles and 2 interceptions. Zac Brown had 19 tackles and an interception. Bubba Stevens finished last year with 8 tackles for loss.
The Giants will once again have to navigate a difficult schedule with road trips to Mangham, Winnfield and Bunkie. They will also look to get revenge from losses last season to St. Frederick and Tioga as both teams will make the trip to Jena. The district looks very similar to last season with a two-team race between Jena and Bunkie. The Panthers lost a talented senior group from last season but return key starters in running back Zion Lee, defensive back Ron Patterson and linebacker Lucas Mose. Marksville maybe a dark horse candidate to contend for a district championship as they return talented quarterback Devin Lavalais.
This past Friday the Giants scrimmaged the Mansfield Wolverines on the campus of Louisiana Christian University in Pineville. The Giants offense looked as good as advertised. Running backs Sedrick Wilson and Daniel Hatcher had many long runs. Wilson had a 22-yard run where he hurdled the safety trying to make the tackle. The passing game looked good as quarterback Deuce McPherson found his big receiver Zadrien Cooper on some big pass plays. Senior tight end Adrian Sharp caught several passes and had long runs after catch. Sharp who is coming off a broken collar bone that ended his season last year looks to be another weapon for the offense this season. After exchanging plays in a controlled scrimmage with first and second teams seeing action, the two teams played a 15-minute live timed period. In that period in the scrimmage the Giants outrushed Mansfield 84-47 and outscored the Wolverines 8-0. Sedrick Wilson had 2 carries for 45 yards. Deuce McPherson had 2 carries for 27 yards. Daniel Hatcher had 7-yard touchdown run.
It looks to be another fun and exciting season for the Jena Giants. This Friday night they will have their annual Meet the Giants night starting at 6:30 p.m. in the gym. Then on Saturday, August 30, the Giants will take on Class 5A Ouachita at 3:00 p.m. in the Bayou Jamb at ULM in Monroe.
You can hear all the action live on 102.7 KJNA starting at 2:30 p.m. with the pre-game show. If you are not in the listening area, simply download the MIXLR app and search for KJNAFM or go online at www.mixlr.com/ kjnafm.
