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During a season plagued with COVID restrictions and not knowing whether your team would play from week to week, the Rayne High Wolves kept their heads low, worked hard and hit their peak in the homestretch of the 2021 football season for the school’s first out-right district title since the 1980’s.
For their efforts, Rayne High team leaders were selected in a number of spots when the 4-4AAll-District selections were announced.
“We’re basically a young team that had some growing pains this year, but we also really had a lot of bright spots and some leaders who carried us through a winning season (7-3 overall) and an undefeated district slate (4-0),” said Rayne High Head Coach Kaine Guidry, who completes only his third year at the helm as this year’s 4-4A Coach of the Year.
“We came out of this year on a good note, won our district, fell a little short in the playoffs, but we can now congratulate everyone on a job well-done and look forward to getting work on next season,” said Guidry.
The No. 13-ranked Wolves were looking towards loftier goals as they hosted the No. 20-ranked North DeSoto Griffins in the opening round of the 4A State Playoffs. But, the Griffins were able to manage both sides of the ball, handing Rayne a 34-16 first-round loss.
But when it came to the announcement of the All-District team, Rayne dominated the charts with 12 Wolves named during selections.
Leading the way was senior Bleyton Young, who was not only named to First Team Offense and First Team Defense teams, but was also tagged as the district’s Most Valuable Player.
“Bleyton is an athlete you can go to at anytime and at almost any position,” stated Guidry of Young’s talent on the football field.
“We have a good group of kids that deserve all the accolades they are getting, including Bleyton. It was a real pleasure to coach this senior group for the last three years.”
Young was named the First Team All-District Athlete as he amassed 409 offensive yards on 25 receptions and four touchdowns. On the ground, he tallied 33 carries for 170 yards and two touchdowns.
The MVP was also named as a First Team Defensive player in the defensive back position. Young’s tallied 42 tackles along with 30 solos and two tackels for a loss. He also nabbed four interceptions, a pick-six and eight pass breakups.
“Bleyton will surely be missed on both sides of the ball,” stated Guidry. “He was one of our go-to guys when we needed something to happen.”
Rayne sophomore Dylan Judice was named the district’s quarterback, tallying up 79 completions on 148 attempts for 1,644 yards and 19 touchdowns. He will be a major weapon for the Wolves in his remaining seasons at the helm.
Rayne junior leader Darian Chevalier was one of three running backs named in First Team offensive seelctions.
Chevalier had 159 carries for 854 yards and eight touchdowns for the Wolves. He also came down with seven pass receptions for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
Joining Chevalier at running back were North Vermilion’s Benny Freeman and Ray Thomas of Washington-Marion.
Rayne’s Kylin Wheeler was one of three wide receivers selected.
Wheeler recorded 25 catches for 798 yards and 11 touchdowns during his freshman campaign. His natural talents will be a definite asset for the Wolves in his upcoming seasons for the Wolves.
Joining Wheeler at wide receiver were Jaden Bias of Lagrange and Ethan Guidry of North Vermilion.
Of the five offensive linemen named to First Team selections, two slots were filled by Wolves - senior J’sia Eaglin and junior Trey Lagrange. Both contributed to a productive Rayne offense.
Completing the all-district offensive line selections were Lex Schouest and Dylan Darbonne of Eunice and Javonte Roberts of Washington-Marion.
Another two-way weapon for the Wolves, four-year starter Deuce Comeaux, was named the district’s top kicker once again. He completed his senior campaign 32 extra points, 16 touchbacks and two fieldgoals.
Comeaux was also named First Team All-District Defensive Team at the linebacker position where he collected 25 solo tackles, including two for a loss.
“Deuce (Comeaux) will surely be missed as he was one of our key team leaders on and off the field,” stated Guidry.
Completing the First Team All-District selections for offensive skills was Tyree Brown of Washington-Marion at the return specialist position.
Joining Young and Comeaux on the First Team All-District Defense Team were teammates Tre’von Williams on the defensive line and defensive back Lance Smith.
Williams collected 28 solo tackles and four tackles for a loss during his senior campaign.
Smith completed his senior year with 29 tackles, 20 solos and one interception. He also contributed eight pass breakups and a pick-six for the Wolves.
Joining Williams on defensive line were RJ LeMay of North Vermilion, Dylan Darbonne of Eunice and Raykeithan Thomas of Washington-Marion.
Completing the linebacker selections with Comeaux were Hayden Darbonne and Dedric Vigers of Eunice and Ezra Proctor of Washington-Marion.
Joining Smith for defensive back selections were Terrance Shilow of Eunice and Washington-Marion’s Tyree Brown.
The lone Wolf named to the Second Team Offense at the athlete position was Joseph Emilien, who was also named as a defensive back on the Second Team. The young, talented sophomore expanded his wings on both sides of the ball and is sure to advance his duties in his remaining time for the Wolves.
Rayne juniors Jamari Eaglin and Derek Istre were both named to the Second Team Defense. Eaglin held his own on the defensive line, while Istre was a dominant starter as a defensive back.
““We are excited about what we hope is a regular offseason now that COVID has settled down a bit,” stated Guidry while looking at next year. “We have a group of hard-working kids returning and a number of underclassmen who are showing promise. Time will tell.”

THE POST-SIGNAL / Saja Hoffpauir
The Attakapas Study Club of Crowley held its December meeting and annual Christmas luncheon at the home of Barbara Lengefeld. President Liz Regan called the meeting to order and JoAnne Arnaud, parliamentarian, led the Pledge of Allegiance and the club collect. In lieu of an educational program, each person verbalized their wishes for the new year.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious salad lunch provided by all the members and a time of socializing. Members of the Attakapas Study Club and their guests enjoying the club’s annual Christmas luncheon, held Dec. 8, 2021, at the home of Barbara Lengefeld, were seated from left, Jackie Buescher, Ethel Thibodeaux, Dorothy Simon; first row standing from left, Peggy Ancelet, Roy Lynn Trahan, Sondra Myers, Bonnie Matirne, JoAnne Arnaud, Gerri Meche, Josie Millet, Shirley Griffin, Bettie Duhon; on stairs from left, Barbara Courville, Roberta Sonnier, Barbara Lengefeld, Elizabeth Regan and Sandra Pruitt.

The Biden administration is reportedly one step closer to sending 500 million rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests to citizens nationwide.
The White House is working with the U.S. Postal Service to finalize details on delivering the millions of test kits to those who want them, the Washington Post reports.
In the days leading up to Christmas, as the demand for COVID-19 tests began overwhelming some communities, President Joe Biden announced his administration would purchase 500 million at-home testing kits.
Americans who want one of the free testing kits delivered to their home will be able to request them via a website that has not yet been made available.
According to the Post, test manufacturers and distributors looking to contribute to the 500 million tests had to submit proposals to the government. On Thursday, the Biden administration awarded its first contract toward the purchase, the Post reports.
During a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said more details regarding the plan to provide these free tests are expected as soon as possible.
Omicron is currently the culprit in more than 90% of U.S. cases, a dizzying rise from less than 10% two weeks ago.