Embedded Files
By: Britney Indorf
"You Have To Believe"
The Patriot football team won its 28th State Championship last season and is motivated to bring home another trophy this year. This season will also be a possible record-breaking year for Head Coach J.T. Curtis. With 619 wins as of October 13, 2023, Coach J.T. is just 3 wins shy of becoming the all time winningest coach in national football history. We can't wait to see what the future holds for this program. Take a look below at a summary of the season so far.
Senior Spotlight
Orion Duplessis
Offensive Linemen #78: Orion Duplessis
"As an o-lineman my job is to protect our quarterback (Dagan) from his blindside. And with running plays I open up lanes for Marlon, Kaheam, and Jason. I am thankful for being in the Senior Spotlight. I appreciate the recognition. Looking at colleges, I mainly want to attend Southern Miss, but anywhere God leads me to go to college is where I truly should go. In 5 to 10 years I see myself as a realtor or maybe a physical therapist, and possibly in the NFL. In the end whatever happens, happens." - Orion Duplessis
Central Lafourche vs. John Curtis
WEEK 1
On September 1, 2023, John Curtis opened their season at the Shine on Airline against Central Lafourche. John Curtis Patriots fans left the game satisfied Friday as they observed their football team defeat the visiting Central Lafourche Trojans, 51-0. In the first quarter, Running Back #3 Marlon Prout made the first touchdown with a 10 yard touchdown followed by Lucas Kippers field goal. Marlon had a collarbone injury during the summer, but has fully recovered. In the second quarter Jacobi Boudreaux made a 38 yard run followed with a field goal by Chason Collins. In the third quarter Lucas Kippers kicked a 26 yard field goal. In the fourth quarter Gavin Ledet had a 17 yard run followed by a field goal from Lucas Kippers. With the win, John Curtis began its season with a 1-0 record.
Defensive Spotlight
#4 Michael Turner
"I play defensive back. I have been playing defensive back for 2 years now. when I first started playing my position last year the change was easy I just had to learn the plays but it came naturally. I like my position because I get to see the field and keep everything in front me. i'm an LSU commit and that where I will be attending next fall. " -Michael Turner
#96 Korey Chandler
"In my position the goal is to tackle the person with the ball. I love playing defensive tackle due to the fact that I get to tackle. I plan to go get a trade at college and get a good job for any future plans I have. In 5-10 years I see myself married and maybe having kids while making good money." -Korey Chandler
Offensive Spotlight
#5 Kaheam Smith
"I play running back for John Curtis. I've been playing running back since I was 5 years old, but have only been playing for John Curtis for 3 years now. I like my position at Curtis because we're a running team (mostly)and our running back room is 60% of the offense. As Coach Jeff says to us, "We go. They go". So, we have to set the tone in the offense. I love my position because it is a big piece of the offense, and you can help contribute to the game in big ways like scoring touchdowns." -Kaheam Smith
#15 Xavier Brown
"I play wide receiver. Ever since I first started playing football, wide receiver has always been my position. I like my position because I can get the ball and make plays for my team. For those that don't know, my position runs the routes and catches the ball. I would like to go to colleges including LSU, Ohio State, Oregon, and Florida. In 5-10 years I hope to see myself graduating college, and getting my diploma. I also hope to see myself in the league." -Xavier Brown
John Curtis Vs. Santaluces
Week 3
The John Curtis Patriots took on the Santaluces Chiefs at the Shrine on Airline on September 15, 2023. In the first quarter, John Curtis running back #3 Marlon Prout made a 9 yard touchdown run. He also made a 34 yard touchdown pass from Dagan Bruno, and a 45 yard touchdown run, all followed by #17 Lucas Kippers kick the extra point. At the end of the first quarter the Patriots were on top 21-0. In the second quarter, John Curtis running back #5 Kaheam Smith made a 1 yard touchdown run, #8 Anthony Smith made a 9 yard touchdown run, all followed by Kippers kick. Santaluces also had a 51 yard touchdown pass, and a 27 yard touchdown pass all followed by their kick. The end of the second quarter the Patriots were still on top 35-14. In the third quarter, John Curtis quarterback #9 Dagan Bruno made a 3 yard touchdown run followed by Kippers kick, #20 Jack Corcoran with a 7 yard touchdown run followed by Chason Collions kick. Santaluces made a 84 yard kickoff return. The end of the third quarter the score was 49-21 with Curtis winning. Finally, the fourth quarter came around. Drake Mason made a 1 yard touchdown run to win the game. The final score was 55-21 with John Curtis with the win. The Patriots now had a 2-0 record.
insight from a player after the Santaluces Game
Jermal Callio
What is Your number, and grade?
Number: #2
Grade: 12th
What position do you play?
Strong Safety
How do you think you played tonight?
I think i had a good game overall because of my coaches and d-line putting me in the right position to make plays
What's the best piece of advice your coaches have given you?
The best advice my coaches have given me is to give 110% every time I am on the field. They believe if we all run to the ball we can’t be beat and they are right.
Is there a player that stood out to you the most and why?
I can’t lie, a few players stood out Tonight. Kelab Saavedra and Jason Curtis made plays on the first drive. But also Marlon Prout and Dagan Bruno got points on the board for us. It’s hard to pick one guy when everyone is doing their jobs.
What did you do tonight that helped the team in any way?
The biggest play i had was getting a fumble recovery at the goal line when they were close to scoring at the end of the 1st Quarter
What things can you work on at practice to help you improve something for the next game?
One thing I need to work on at practice is just staying positive and having fun out there. Sometimes you can lose yourself out there because you're pushing so hard to win if you loosen up and listen to what Coach Leon is telling you it’s almost a guaranteed win.
insight from a coach after the Santaluces Game
Coach Jeff
What do you coach?
Running Backs and Quarterbacks
How do you think the boys played tonight?
I thought we came out ready to play early on. The offense was able to capitalize on opportunities given to us by the defense and the special teams gave us good field positions all night long.
What is something that the boys could work on at practice this week?
We need to continue to work on the little things that will help us win the big games. Understand the concepts of what we’re trying to accomplish as an offense, and as a team. Understand every player matters. What they say, how they act, how they pay attention, and ultimately, how they play. Everyone must do their part.
What player stood out to you the most and why?
I can’t really say one player stood out tonight. We were very balanced tonight when it came to carries by the running backs. It was good to see Marlon Prout find the endzone early in the game. Marlon is coming off of a broken collar bone this past summer and he made a couple of explosive plays early in the game. However, they were explosive because the team did their part. Good blocking, a nice throw by Dagan (the quarterback) and good downfield blocking by the wide receivers.
How do you think the boys will play next week against Jesuit?
I hope we come out ready to play and are up to the challenge of a 48 minute battle. We haven’t had an opportunity to play four full quarters with our starters, so that’s a little bit of a concern. We have to be ready to take advantage of Jesuit being undisciplined and coming out of their responsibilities/assignments to try to stop us and capitalize on those with some potential explosive plays.
What is the best piece of advice you could give someone?
The BEST piece of advice is, and I know it’s cliché, but take advantage of every opportunity you get. Cherish this time….it’s priceless. You don’t get “do-overs”. This is it. The season will be at the end before you know it, so take advantage of the time you have and cherish it! I’d give anything to go back in time to my senior year, the 1994 football season! Yes, I’m THAT old!
John Curtis Vs. Jesuit
Week 4
On September 22, 2023, The John Curtis Patriots took on the Jesuit Blue Jays at the Shrine on Airline. Starting in the first quarter for John Curtis, #9 Dagan Bruno made a 2 yard touchdown, #4 Micheal Turner made a 6 yard touchdown reception from Bruno, all followed by #17 Lucas Kippers kick. The end of the first quarter the Patriots were in the lead 14-0. In the second quarter Jesuit had a 1 yard touchdown run with the kick good. For John Curtis #3 Marlon Prout had a 10 yard touchdown run. At the end of the second quarter the score was now 20-7 with Curtis still in the lead. In the third quarter, for John Curtis #1 Jason Gabriel made a 6 yard touchdown run followed by Kippers kick. Jesuit then made a 6 yard touchdown run and the kick was good. The score now was 27-14 with Curtis on top. Finally in the fourth quarter, John Curtis's Jason Gabriel had a 65 yard touchdown run followed by Kippers kick. Jesuit then made a 25 yard touchdown run and the kick was good. Finally #8 Anothony Smith made a 28 yard touchdown run followed by Kippers kick for the win. The final score was 41-21, John Curtis with the win. This left John Curtis with a 3-0 record.
insight from a player after the jesuit game
Brayden Fulco
What is Your number, and grade?
Number: #14
Grade: 11th
What position do you play?
Wide receiver
What is something you did tonight that helped the team in any way?
I think I did my thing I did good overall.
What are your greatest strengths as a football player?
I think my greatest strengths are catching and blocking.
If you could change one thing about the way football is played what would it be?
One thing I would change is the unsportsmanlike penalties.
What is something that you could work on this week at practice to get you ready for the Holy Cross game?
I think I could work on my blocking and route running.
How would you represent the team off the field?
I am respectful when I wear Patriot clothing and just respect everyone.
insight from a coach after The jesuit game
Coach Brandon
What do you coach?
Defensive Line
What is something the boys did good on tonight?
I thought they competed hard and made big time plays when we had to
What is something the boys could work on this week at practice?
We need to get better at our using our technique and tackling.
What player stood out to you and why?
I cannot single out any one player, but I would say everybody on the offensive side of the ball did a great job putting up a bunch of points against a good Jesuit defense.
What's the best piece of advice you could give someone?
The best advice I can give to somebody is that "failing to prepare, is preparing to fail" It is important that you prepare for everything in life that you can because if not you will miss out on an important detail that will cause you to not be successful.
What aspects of football do you get most excited for and why?
The aspect of football that I get the most excited for is game day. Unlike other sports that play three to four games a week, you only get one game a week in football, so I think it is very special when you get that opportunity.
John Curtis Vs. Holy Cross
Week 5
On Saturday September 30, 2023, the Patriots took on the Holy Cross Tigers at Tad Gormley. This game was a rough one for both teams. Starting in the first quarter, for John Curtis #16 Reggie Johnson made a 6 yard touchdown run followed by #17 Lucas Kippers kick. Also for John Curtis #9 Dagan Bruno had a 13 yard touchdown run. The kick was not sucessful. For Holy Cross, they had a 2 yard touchdown run with the kick being good. The end of the first quarter was 13- 7 with the Patriots in the lead. In the second quarter, from John Curtis, #4 Micheal Turner made a 63 yard touchdown pass from Dagan Bruno followed by Kippers kick. From Holy Cross, they had a 10 yard touchdown run with the kick good. The end of the second quarter the score was 20-14 with Curtis still in the lead. In the third quarter for Holy Cross they made a 15 yard touchdown run and the kick was blocked by Curtis defense, Also from Holy Cross they had a 3 yard run and the kick failed. For John Curtis, #3 Marlon Prout made a 13 yard touchdown run followed by Kippers kick. At the end of the third quarter the score was now 27-26 with John Curtis still on top. Finally in the fourth quarter, for John Curtis, Dagan Bruno made a 41 yard touchdown run followed by Kippers kick. Then By Holy Cross they made a 38 yard touchdown run with the 2 point pass complete. John Curtis came back with #5 Kaheam Smith with a 14 yard touchdown run with Kippers kick. Lastly, Holy Cross came back and made a 31 yard touchdown pass along with the 2 point run to win the game. The final score was 42-41 which leaves John Curtis with their first loss of the season. This left John Curtis with a 3-1 record.
insight from a player after the holy cross game
Marlon Prout
What is your name, number, and grade?
Name--> Marlon Prout
Number--> 3
Grade--> 12th
What position do you play?
I play running back.
What was your favorite play tonight?
My favorite play was when me and my o-line men Orion double teamed someone on a block and had him on the ground
What do you see yourself accomplishing in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself taking the next step in football and receiving a degree in Chemical Engineering
What is the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches?
The best piece of advice I've received is when Coach J.T. told us to be able to be successful in life, you need to be able to adjust when something doesn't go as planned.
What do you think you improved on?
I think I have improved on my IQ of the game. I have a better understanding of the game now.
What could you work on this week at practice to help you against Rummel?
My pregame routine. Making sure I put myself by hydrating and making sure I don't have dead legs.
insight from a coach after the holy cross game
Coach Ryan Kamalade
What do you coach?
Offensive Line
How do you think the team played overall tonight?
I honestly thought our guys played hard and they fought all night. Effort was never a question. At the end of the night we didn’t do enough for a win.
After this game what are some things the boys could work on this week?
I think the biggest thing we’ll work on is finishing! Not just games, but plays as well. Playing through the whistle. Just have to finish that game they were way capable of doing.
How do you use the time between games to get the team ready?
We look at the film, we make our corrections, and we looking towards the next opponent.
Who stood out to you tonight and why?
Thought offensively we played well. Dagan stood out to me… thought he ran the offense and made the correct checks like a seasoned vet.
What is your favorite part about game day?
Favorite part about game day is just the excitement for a new opportunity. You work six days a week to be able to play one day out the week. It’s a build up of hard work… hopefully that hard work equals success after games. Nothing better than seeing our players excitement after a hard fought win.
Special Teams Spotlight
Jason Dudenhoeffer
"I am a long snapper for John Curtis. I have been starting for 2 years. I have been named an All- American and have been ranked number 6 in the country as a 4 star. I am thankful for finally being recognized for all my hard work. Basically what I do is snap the ball to the punter or the holder for field goals. Although I could play at a D1 level, I do not plan on attending college. I plan on being a firefighter alongside my brother after high school."
Lucas Kippers
"I am the kicker for John Curtis. I enjoy kicking even though this is my first year kicking in my life. I want to go to the Army to get my education. I see myself with a family and a college degree in 10 years."
John Curtis Vs. Rummel
Week 6: Homecoming Game
On October 6, 2023, John Curtis took on the Rummel Raiders at the Shrine on Airline for its Homecoming Game. Starting the game in the first quarter, Rummel had a 10 yard touchdown run with the kick being good. From John Curtis #9 Dagan Bruno made a 1 yard touchdown run with Kippers kick good. At the end of the first quarter the score was 7-7 as a tie. In the second quarter, from Rummel, they made a 25 yard touchdown run with the kick good. From John Curtis, #3 Marlon Prout had a 8 yard touchdown run followed by Kippers kick. At the end of the second quarter the score was again tied at 14-14. In the third quarter, From John Curtis, #5 Kaheam Smith made a 2 yard touchdown run followed by Kippers kick. From Rummel they made a 27 yard touchdown run followed by their kick. This left John Curtis and Rummel still tied at 21-21 which lead into Overtime. In overtime, Rummel made a 1 yard touchdown pass with the kick failed. The final score was 27-21 with Rummel as the winner. This now gave John Curtis a 3-2 record.
insight from a player after the rummel game
Christian Thibodaux
What is your name, number, and grade?
Name--> Christian Thibodaux
Number--> 67
Grade--> 12th
What is your position?
Offensive line
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself being a mechanical engineer and also doing real estate. I also really want to open my own restaurant call Big Thib's & Things
What's the best piece of advice a coach has given you?
A coach told me that football can be hard, but I should keep playing it, because life can be hard and I should be a man and keep going
How do you think you played tonight?
I think I would have played better, and there is always room for improvement
What is something you can improve on?
I can improve listening to the coaches and being able to identify things on the field.
What was your favorite part about tonight?
My favorite part about tonight was being able to finish the game with my brothers.
insight from a coach after the rummel game
Coach Middleton
What do you coach?
I coach the Offensive Line for the Varsity Football Team.
How do you think the team played tonight?
I think the other team played better than we did tonight.
After this game what are some things the boys could work on this week?
I think the boys can work on playing with more intensity.
What's the best piece of advice you could give someone?
Best piece of Advice: The 5 P’s - Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
Who stood out to you tonight and why?
The Special Teams stood out to me tonight. They kept us in the game.
What do you get most excited for when it is game day?
I am most excited to see our boys’ hard work pay off with a W.
Report abuse