Wildcat Football Celebrates 2010-2011 Season

Article by Austin Myer

Photos by Michael Spangler for Expressions Photography

Central High Football held a banquet last Friday night at the FOP Hall on Greenwell Springs Road, honoring players who were part of the “3 PEAT”  District 5-5A championship last season.  The event began with a welcome from Head Coach Doug Dotson followed by a video recap of the season produced by Coach Justin Hutchinson.

  12 year NFL veteran center for the Atlanta Falcons, Todd McClure was the keynote speaker.  Todd spoke of the importance of education and the odds of becoming a NFL player.  He pointed out that only two Central High football players, he and Shawn Burks, have ever played in the NFL.  He encouraged the young men to strive to be the best at whatever they do.  Todd attributed his longevity in the league to hard work, setting high goals and most of all to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Awards were presented to the following:
All District 1st team – James Richardson, Austin Watts, Cooper Moore, Matt Thibodeaux, Taylor Jenkins and Zack Hetrick.
All District 2nd team – Trevor Sansone, Joey Jarreau, Tony Ragusa and Logan Metcalfe.
All District Honorable Mention – Zack Edgens, Gregg Morris, Cole LeBlanc, Jarrud Mayes, Taylor Hardin and Grant Clinkingbeard.
Defensive MVP- James Richardson
All Metro– James Richardson and Zack Hetrick
All State– James Richardson and Austin Watts
Central High principal Bob Wales presented the Scholar Award to Trevor Sansone who has a GPA of 4.39  Wales mentioned that Trevor is one of only a few student athletes in the nation with a 40 time (4.29) lower than their GPA.
Captain’s Awards were presented to Cooper Moore, Gregg Morris and Taylor Jenkins by Coach David LeSage.
Head Coach Doug Dotson presented the Central Fight Award to Ryan Gonzales.  This is a new award  coach Dotson will present each year to a student athlete who epitomizes the hard work, dedication to team, and determination to get the job done.
Central football’s most coveted award, the Iron Cat Award was presented to Taylor Jenkins by his position coach Steve Johnson.  The Iron Cat is selected by the players.

The banquet concluded with a special presentation to retiring Coach David “Bubba Ray” LeSage.  Coach LeSage, a Central High graduate and football standout, has been on the coaching staff since 2000.  Coach Dotson presented LeSage with an award named in his honor, for his years of dedication to the sport of football, Central High School and the many young men he has mentored over the years.   After receiving his award Coach LeSage presented the LeSage Award to keynote speaker Todd McClure for his representation of Central High School in the sport of football.

Also retiring after many years in the coaching profession is Coach Johnny Prejean.  Coach Prejean has been on staff at Central since 2008.

Everyone is excited about the upcoming season and the possibility of a “4 peat”. Tradition does not Graduate.