Louisiana Football: 2018 C.E. Byrd Yellow Jackets Season Preview
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
C.E. Byrd High, located in Shreveport, had an average season in 2017 as the Yellow Jackets finished with a 5-5 record against 5A Louisiana competition. The season was full of streaks as Byrd won their first two games, lost their next two, then got to 5-2 by winning three straight before losing their final two games heading into the playoffs with a 5-4 record. Unfortunately, the Yellow Jackets saw their season come to an end getting dismantled by Archbishop Rummel 55-28 in the opening round of the playoffs. In 2018, C.E. Byrd will be looking for their first winning season since 2015. The Yellow Jackets will be led by several upperclassmen wanting to write another chapter in Byrd’s long and rich history of football in Shreveport.
Yellow Jackets Offense
In 2017, the Yellow Jackets used their multiple option offense to score 27.2 points a game on average. One of the returning leaders on the team is junior quarterback Cameron Felt, who scored five total touchdowns last year. Byrd’s backfield will be led by seniors Lawson Jackson and Charlie Barham. Barham is the team’s leading returning rusher, as he had 473 yards and six touchdowns in 2017. Another offensive weapon to watch is senior Darin Marshall who had 302 rushing yards and three touchdowns during his junior season. Byrd’s offensive line will be anchored by seniors Nick Erwin and Max Yerger.
Yellow Jackets Defense
Last season was a tough one for the Yellow Jackets defense giving up 31.4 points a game. Up front, Byrd is led by seniors Henry Lott, Luke Slabaugh, and Trayvious Johns. Lott had 21 total tackles including two for a loss and 2.5 sacks. A playmaker at linebacker will be senior Chondrick Lofton. Lofton had 29 total tackles including five for a loss in 2017. The leader in Byrd’s secondary will senior safety Avaunte Steward. The star senior had 34 total tackles including three for a loss and two sacks last year. Another playmaker to watch is junior cornerback Kyree Buck.
2018 C.E. Byrd Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Calvary Baptist
Sept. 8 at Bishop Dunne (TX) – at Independence Stadium for Battle on the Border event
Sept. 14 vs. Sulphur
Sept. 21 vs. Haughton
Sept. 27 at Captain Shreve
Oct. 5 vs. Southwood
Oct. 11 at Parkway
Oct. 18 vs. Evangel
Oct. 26 at Airline
Nov. 1 Open Date
With an open date in Week 10 of the season, Byrd will have two extra weeks to rest and prepare for the state playoffs; every Division-I team makes the playoffs regardless of record. 
Photo credit: The Shreveport Times; Byrd running back Lawson Jackson tries to escape a defender
Photo credit: The Shreveport Times; Byrd quarterback Cameron Felt