2015 Louisiana High School Football Preview: C.E. Byrd High School

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
Head Coach: Mike Suggs
Mascot: Yellow Jackets
District: 1-5A
2014: 13-1

Overview
Byrd had a great season in 2014 going undefeated in the regular season claiming the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Unfortunately West Monroe upset Byrd in the quarterfinals, 19-7, before losing in the next round to Destrehan 27-22.

Going into 2015, Byrd has to retool after losing six starters on the offensive side of the ball and seven starters on the defensive side. Luckily the Yellow Jackets return 30 seniors and a handful of upperclassmen that played significant minutes last year.

Byrd’s depth will be this team’s biggest weapon as they have some tough non-district games against Barbe and Calvary Baptist. The Yellow Jackets have a rough road ahead if they want to make another district run and go deep into the playoffs.

Offense
Senior Deuce Caston returns at quarterback for a Byrd offense that averaged 33 points a game. Caston started the final four games of the season after starter Tyler Howard was injured. Another returning offensive weapon for the Yellow Jackets is fullback Trey Allen. Allen was injured during a Week 6 win against Alexandria (55-6) but averaged six yards a carry in Byrd’s read option offense.

Byrd’s primary wide receiver, Joey Jernigan, is also back for his senior season. The 6-foot 1-inch receiver provides Caston with a big target to throw to down field. Byrd is replacing most of the offensive line but look for Garrett Malmay, Lawson Scott, and Parker Hall to step in and fill those holes.

Defense
The Yellow Jackets defense gave up 10.9 points a game in 2014, however they have to replace seven starters so it will be interesting to see who steps up to fill these important roles.

One returning leader is defensive back Trent Jones. Jones led the team with four interceptions and also recorded 53 tackles. Senior Steven Grant joins Jones in Byrd’s lockdown secondary. Seniors Cole Albritton and Micah Minter will anchor Byrd’s defensive line. The linebacker spots are expected to be manned by Cameron Jones, Trent Touchet, and Steele Netterville.

Schedule
9/4 Barbe
9/12 Longview (TX)
9/17 Calvary Baptist
9/24 Captain Shreve
10/2 at Parkway
10/9 Haughton
10/16 at Southwood
10/22 Green Oaks
10/30 at Airline
11/5 Evangel

Photo credit: shreveporttimes.com; C.E. Byrd takes the field.
Photo credit: shreveporttimes.com; Byrd hopes to keep the same shutdown defense from 2014 going in 2015.