Louisiana Football: 2019 Captain Shreve Gators Preseason Preview
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Captain Shreve High School had another solid season in 2018 finishing 8-4 reaching the second round of the 5A Louisiana playoffs. Unfortunately, the Gators ran into eventual state runner-up West Monroe and was eliminated from the postseason (43-0). The good news for Captain Shreve is that the core of their team was primarily juniors last season. With top returning talent and experience back on the roster, the Gators are determined to make a deeper playoff run in 2019 bringing a second football state championship to the campus, their first since 1973.
The Gators’ Offense
In 2018, the Gators averaged just over 29 points per game and only scored 25 points or less four times. The two-headed monster leading the charge on the offense this season is senior quarterback Darrius Grant and senior running back Derrell “DJ” Fleming. Grant threw for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding five more scores on the grounds. Fleming notched 1,302 yards and 13 touchdowns during his junior season. The leading returning wide receiver is senior LaDerien Freison, who had 305 receiving yards and led the team by catching six touchdown passes. The offensive line is anchored by seniors Landon Woodruff (6-2, 275) and Mark Mitchell (6-3, 265). Another offensive weapon to watch for this year is sophomore wide receiver Kendrick Law (5-11, 175). During his freshman season, Law pulled in nine passes for 123 yards with one touchdown.
The Gators’ Defense
Last season, Captain Shreve gave up just 19 points per game and kept five opponents to 10 points or less. The leader of this lock-down defense is three-star senior linebacker Geron Hargon (6-3, 225), who is committed to play college football at Rice. In the trenches, senior defensive lineman Evan Hicks (6-1, 255) and defensive end Rhema Getter will lead the charge upfront. The Gator secondary is locked down by senior defensive backs Malik Carey and Li’Quesni October. Both players have the ability to break up passes and deliver big hits all over the football field.
2019 Gators’ Schedule
September 6 vs. Green Oaks – Captain Shreve High School
September 14 vs. Woodlawn – Shreveport, Battle on the Border Event
September 20 at Scotlandville
September 27 at Southwood
October 4 vs. Parkway – Captain Shreve High School
October 10 vs. Benton – Captain Shreve High School
October 17 vs. Natchitoches Central – Captain Shreve High School
October 25 vs. Haughton – Captain Shreve High School
October 31 at C.E. Byrd
November 8 vs. Airline – Captain Shreve High School
Overview
This group of seniors has Captain Shreve in prime position to contend for not only a district title but also a state title. The schedule is favorable with five of the final six games played at home. The challenge will be in September with three games on the road. With this being the seniors’ final chance to play at the historic Lee Hedges Stadium, these Gators are hungry and on the hunt for a second state championship in school history.
Photo credit: The Shreveport Times; Captain Shreve QB Darrius Grant
I’m so excited for these guys. They work hard to play hard. I think this will definitely be their year. Everyone knows that this is my favorite season of the year. I will be in the stadium at the 50 yard line cheering for my son #7 DJ Fleming and the entire squad! Let’s eat Gators!!!