Sports

CHURCH POINT – The Bears’ senior group has been part of deep playoff runs and district titles.
New Church Point head coach Rob Pool expects them to help the 2023 team build on that foundation for another successful season.
Church Point advanced to the semifinals in 2020 and 2021.
The Bears finished 8-1 in the COVID-altered season and had a 13-1 run in 2021.
Last season, Church Point went 10-2, making it to the regional round of the playoffs.
“I think we have good leadership with our seniors and captains,” Pool said. “I think the younger kids are following what they are saying.
“It takes a lot to win a football game and these guys have been around winners,” Pool said. “A lot of that is cultural and beliefs about what it takes to be successful. In the close games the expectation is we can get this done.”
J.C. Arceneaux retired after 16 seasons as the Church Point head football coach and athletic director.
“We are trying to reproduce that same culture the program had under J.C.,” he said. “Every year is a different team, but we have a lot of players who saw significant playing time last season.”
The offensive returners include quarterback Jaden Reese, receiver Austin Zmeskal along with linemen Gavin Benoit and Carter Fontenot.
Projected new starters are tight end Bryce Lejeune, wide receiver Jarrison Reese along with running backs Jaheim Moore, Dawson Stelly and Tyrese Boast.
“You win games by being able to run the ball,” Pool said. “We have to be able to do this well to control the game.”
The line will include Landon Angelle, Grant Hendricks and Braxton Leblanc.
Pool said the defense was young last season but with seven returning starters, the Bears can be strong on that side of the line of scrimmage.
The defensive line will be led by Izaiah Dominguez, Braxton Meche and Wyatt Daigle.
Gage Carriere and Da’mairon Guy are returning at inside linebacker with Stelly and Jordan Grissom slated at outside linebackers.
Chad Brooks and Boast bring experience to the secondary and will be joined by Blathon Citizen and Moore.
“I am excited to start a new season and see what our guys can accomplish,” the coach said.
“We have some good football players so we should be okay.”
The Bears will scrimmage Crowley and then face Abbeville in the jamboree.
Church Point opens the season July 31 at home against Eunice and then face Kinder and Rayne.
“We need to play fast, execute and be sound in all three phases to help us win,” he said. “Those teams will be challenges against tough opponents.”
The Bears open District 4-3A competition at home Sept. 22 against Pine Prairie before visiting Mamou.
A home game against Port Barre is followed by trips to Northwest and Ville Platte.
Pine Prairie, Ville Platte and Port Barre join Church Point with new head coaches in the district.
The Bears then step out of district at Kaplan before a home standoff against rival Iota in the regular season finale on Nov. 3.
“The last few years that game has been the pathway to the district championship so hopefully that game means something for us when we get to week 10,” Pool said.